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The capitol dome in Washington, D.C., last year.
Associated Press

Gallup’s finding that only 7% of Americans have significant confidence in our ineffectual and polarized Congress explains why much of the public seems to have tuned out politics and why so many people don’t think it matters whether they vote.

But David Wessel is right to sound the alarm.

Ultimately, a dysfunctional Congress threatens the nation’s future. As Mr. Wessel wrote, numerous domestic issues need to be addressed, as does the crisis in Iraq. President Barack Obama will have to work with members of Congress in both parties to determine a way forward.

Most congressional reporters predict that virtually nothing will be done before the November elections. So how can members of Congress of either party argue that they deserve to be reelected?

Even though the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll showed this week that only 32% of Americans believe their congressional representative deserves to be reelected, the incumbent reelection rate is still expected to be incredibly high, thanks in part to gerrymandered congressional districts.






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