Poll: Obama, Congress Get Low Marks on Debt Talks

Americans don't think anyone involved in the debt ceiling negotiations is doing a good job.

In a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, half of those surveyed say President Obama and Congress are doing  worse job than their predecessors in dealing with the nation's problems. Four in 10 call it the worst they've seen in their lifetimes, USA Today reports.

Two thirds think members of Congress care about their own interets, rather than the country's needs. Only 7 percent think negotiations are being conducted in good faith.

Obama does slightly better on that point, but only an even split between those who say he's protecting his own interests and those who say he's looking out for the nation.

So what do those polled want? Compromise, by a two-thirds margin even if there are provisions they don't like.