Washington still uncivil, new poll finds

PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Americans aren't seeing any change in the overall tone and level of civility between Republicans and Democrats in Washington, the Gallup organization reports.

The latest USA Today/Gallup poll indicates half of the 1,027 adults queried see no improvement in the level of discourse since Barack Obama became president while 23 percent believe things have gotten worse compared to 21 percent who said they see an improvement.

As a follow-up question, pollsters asked those who felt things were the same or getting worse which political party they blame for the current situation.

Overall, 41 percent of the group blamed Republicans, 30 percent blamed Democrats and the rest faulted both parties equally or said no party was at fault.

The USA Today/Gallup poll was conducted by phone on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1 following a week of negotiations in Congress over an economic stimulus package. Gallup reported a margin of error of 3 percentage points.