Americans Prefer Lice, Cockroaches, and Traffic Jams Over Congress

How little regard does the American public have for Congress? Very little, according to a survey from Public Policy Polling. After all the partisan bickering and fights with the White House, 85 percent of the 830 respondents to the  survey have an unfavorable view of their elected representatives, compared to the nine percent who approve of the job they  have done.

However, PPP wanted to learn just how Congress stacks up against about two dozen things that Americans are typically not fond of, and by and large, Washington comes out on the short end of the stick, time and time again. For instance:

Americans prefer brussel sprouts to Congress by 69 percent to 23 percent. In fact, lice get the nod over Congress by 67 percent to 19 percent.

Colonoscopies also beat Congress by 58 percent to 31 percent while root canals are easily more favored, 56 percent to 32 percent.

Cockroaches are vile, little creatures but seemingly not so vile as congressmen, winning that head-to-head competition, 45 percent to 43 percent.

(Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

One of the most controversial figures in America, Donald Trump, is often the subject of ridicule but somehow, even he edges out D.C. lawmakers by 44 percent to 42 percent.

Another target of public disdain is the rock group Nickelback but even this Canadian band gets higher marks than Congress, 39 percent to 32 percent.

Oh, and that loveable Mongol from days of yore, Genghis Khan? He also tops Congress, 41 percent to 37 percent.

Traffic jams, carnies, used car salesmen, NFL replacement refs and France all get better approval ratings than Congress as well.

Surely, there must be something the public hates more than Congress. PPP says, yes, there is, and the list isn’t too surprising.

(Photo by Joe Klamer-Pool/Getty Images)

The Capitol Gang is more popular than Lindsey Lohan, 45 percent to 41 percent, the Kardashians, 49 percent to 36 percent and Fidel Castro, 54 percent 32 percent.