in peril and the president's political standing is in a state of steady decline. his approval ratings in poll after poll continue to fall. they drop under to the high 30s and battleground north carolina. they're in the low 30s in light red texas. these are two states seen as key bellwethers for democrats everywhere. they tell you a little something. we've seen the bad polls in iowa. so, again, these states where democrats need independent voters in particular, those truly center, center voters, they are souring on the president in a big way right now. so, for democrats outside of washington, the state of talks in washington, well, they look like a foolish exercise. as terry mcauliffe said to me last night in response to a question about the reconciliation package at the governor's debate. >> here's my message to congress. i'm sick and tired of all of them. they have to stop their chitty chat up there and time for them to pass it. let's get this infrastructure bill passed for america. >> meanwhile, there's a