Things are not looking good for the Republicans, as the Grand Old Party takes more of the blame every week for the shutdown that has crippled the government.

A new poll shows that even more people think the GOP is responsible. This week, Pew reports the number at 46 percent, with 37 percent blaming the Obama administration. A week earlier, Pew recorded the blame breaking 38-30 for the GOP and Obama, respectively.

Clearly the public blames both sides more this week than last, but as long as Republicans take more of the blame, it doesn’t really matter how upset voters are with President Obama. The Democrats’ enviable negotiating position has been reflected in their demands — they’re actually making some.

Interestingly, Pew says only a small majority fears default and financial crisis if the debt ceiling is not raised.

Here’s a statistic that should not come as a shock:

As the government shutdown drags on and the debt limit deadline approaches, 81% say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States, while just 14% are satisfied. The percentage saying they are satisfied with the state of the nation has fallen 13 points since July and is now at its lowest level since the financial crisis in late 2008.

That’s right: More than eight in 10 Americans are unhappy with the way things are going. And with that, it may be a good time to turn to this week’s Chris Hedges.

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer

(h/t PoliticalWire)