Good afternoon, everyone. First off, id like to thank the Clermont Institute for sponsoring this panel and for sponsoring all of its panels here at the american Political Science association, and thanks to all of you for coming to hear whether congress is still dysfunctional. I suspect you already know the answer to the question, but maybe well provide a fuller background and explanation about whats going on these days on capitol hill. Its no secret to political scientists that congress is a mess. Its no secret to the members of congress that congress is a mess. And nor is it a secret to the American People that congress is a mess. Routinely, congress polls very poorly when people are asked whether they approve of the job its doing, and this trend is bipartisan whether democrats or republicans control congress, most people assign it a failing grade. The trend is also long standing. Over the past Decade Congress has not once achieved an Approval Rating above 30 . It wasnt always this wa
Pretty strong. Tough to follow that act. Like to start by acknowledging the presence of mrs. Bush. Thank you very much for being here. Pplause] pres. Bush actually, i was that. Ed to do i was going to ask about your parents. How are they doing . Res. Bush i hate these tough questions. Thank you for asking. I old tuncer dibirdik that was going to be on stage with bill and that you were the moderator. What did he say . Surprised. He was [laughter] okay. Surprised couldnt do anybody better . Pres. Bush theyre doing well. Thank you very much. Im really fortunate to be the only president with both parents alive after the presidency. A blessing day is to have your mom and dad alive, and theyre doing well, 93 and thank you for nd asking. Ill tell him you asked. Okay. How is hillary doing . Pres. Clinton good. You knew our grandkids, youd know shes good. Hes doing really well, been working on her book, and we spent every available hour with grandchildren and my grandson turned a year old on fa