Seventy-seven percent were extremely (41 percent) or very (36 percent) unhappy with “higher crime rates across the country,” while “the amount you pay in taxes” was causing distress for 71 percent of voters. The soaring federal deficit scored 69 percent disapproval and “being able to pay your bills” worries 63 percent.

All of these issues are tailor-made to be seized by Republicans, who should have clear answers about what can be done, and who is to blame. Instead, the party seems to cower in fear for reasons known only to themselves.

Is there something we should know? Are they genuinely afraid of Nancy Pelosi (sad, if true)? Even some of the scrappiest fighters in the GOP seem awfully quiet these days.

No doubt the party is abiding by the old adage that when your enemy is hurting itself, don’t get in the way. That may be wise to a point, but it is still necessary to loudly and firmly articulate your stances. In the historic Republican sweep of 1994, whether you supported the Contract With America or not, you always knew clearly where the party stood and could choose accordingly on election day.