Tough numbers for the GOP

The new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll offers very little in the way of a beacon for Republicans seeking a path out of the wilderness.

The GOP has assailed President Barack Obama on security issues and battered Democratic leaders in Congress for passing the massive stimulus bill.

Fox News and other conservative outlets have trumpeted anti-tax tea parties around the country.

But the new poll shows public approval of Congress hitting a high mark (okay, only 35%) not seen since April of 2005.

Only a third of Americans want to see Congress back in control of the GOP.

74% of Americans say Republicans don’t have a “clear plan” for solving the country’s economic problems and substantial majority — 61% — say GOP leaders should be doing more to cooperate with President Obama.

Meanwhile, 71% of Americans say they have confidence in Mr. Obama.

Ouch.

There are two take-aways here.

First, Republicans are still at square one in figuring out now to talk about America’s new political landscape.

Second, the American public is continents away from the anti-Democrat rhetoric in the right-wing media and blogosphere.

Are you reading the numbers differently? Comment below.