Poll: Both parties' favorable ratings near record lows

With the decline in Republican favorable ratings and stabilization of Democratic ratings, the net result is that the Democratic Party once again has an advantage over the Republican Party on this measure, 43% to 36%, after the parties were essentially tied in late March.

The relatively low ratings for both parties simultaneously is somewhat unusual, typically when one party’s ratings are down the other’s are up, as in 1998, late 2002, and 2006-early 2009. The current poor ratings for both parties are likely an extension of the more general frustration with government institutions — as evidenced by low approval ratings of Congress and widespread anti-incumbent sentiment — as well as overall dissatisfaction with current conditions in the United States.