Based on falling congressional approval ratings, Republicans have been publicly implying that Americans don't like Congress since the Democrats gained control in January. In fact, congressional Republicans have far lower approval ratings than Democrats.

Given the recent polling data, Republicans should stop speciously pointing fingers and start asking: 1) why do most Americans view us negatively, and 2) what can we actually do to change that?

Last week's Gallup poll found that more American's trusted Democrats over Republicans to do a better overall job and to handle national security and prosperity. The new Washington Post/ABC poll results contain similarly bad news for Republicans.

On election eve 2006, The USA Today is highlighting the parallels between Democrats in 2006 with the Republicans in 1994 - a year when Republicans seized control of the house with a massive pickup in seats.

They site a new Gallup poll that finds:

• Then, likely voters by 51%-44% favored GOP congressional candidates. Now, 51%-44% favor Democratic ones.

• Then, disapproval of Congress was at 66%. Now, disapproval of Congress is at 70%."

• Then, 52% said they were paying "quite a lot" of attention to the elections, the highest since the Gallup Poll began asking the question in 1958. Now, 50% say they are paying "quite a lot" of attention.

• Six of 10 Americans say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country.

• By 2-1 they say national issues, not local and state ones, are determining their vote.

• And on the dominant national issue, 56% call the decision to invade Iraq a mistake.

• 36% of likely voters say that are casting a ballot for a candidate to send a message that they oppose Bush; 20% to send a message that they support him.

• By 40%-33%, likely voters in the USA TODAY Poll say the country would be better off if Democrats, not Republicans, controlled Congress.

This election is about Bush and Iraq. Either you're for Bush's handling of Iraq, or you're against it.