One of the reasons people feel so alienated from the American political process is in the fights we get in here in Washington, no one's ever talking about them and the challenges they're going through.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Too often in Washington special interests urge us to fight one another just because we belong to different parties. It is time for this to stop and for Washington to focus on what needs to be done.
I stand with everyone who is sick of hearing about Washington cutting insider deals to their friends in business, politicians failing on their promises to fight increases in government spending, and more costly and complicated rules from Washington that make everyone's lives harder.
We do have our challenges. Some things don't always work right in Washington, and the anger you see from the electorate, I think, is a reflection of what's not working right.
People are very upset with Washington. They're upset with Democrats. They're upset with Republicans. They're upset with the establishment.
I didn't come to Washington to fight against my Republican colleagues, or even against my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I came to Washington to fight for the values that make our country unique - for the economic freedom that gives life to the American Dream.
I hear from everybody, and they say 'Joe, nowhere but in Washington do they think not working together makes sense.' We're not hired to fight.
What passes for real debate in Washington often seems more like an echo chamber, with politicians talking at politicians.
It's the No.1 issue with people I talk to, whether Republican, Democrat or independent. They want to see the way business is done in Washington change.
Washington is a bubble, and there is nothing more powerful than the conservative grassroots when we are engaged and letting our voice be heard.
I think most Americans don't really care about politicians bickering in Washington.