It’s Even Worse Than It Looks is the title of a new book co-written by Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstrein that examines today’s hideous, almost universally hated Congress, by comparing it to not-so-great times in American history. As Mann told NPR recently, “there have been battles, delays, brinkmanship — but nothing quite like this.”

“There were a few really bruising periods in American congressional history, not only the run-up to the Civil War, but also around the War of 1812,” he says.

A Gallup poll published earlier this month found that just 11 percent of Americans approve of Congress’ performance. A whopping 86 percent gave a thumbs-down. That’s the lowest rating since Gallup started taking the public pulse on this issue in 1974. A similar poll conducted by The Associated Press registered a 12 percent approval rating, and a CBS/New York Times poll in October placed Congress’ approval rating at 9 percent.

Lawmakers are acutely aware of the failing grades they’re getting from the pundits and the public alike. After punting two months down the field on the payroll tax cut, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) clearly registered his disgust.

“Washington needs to stop adding confusion and more uncertainty to people’s lives,” he said.

Somewhat ironic coming from a craven son-of-a-bitch like Eric Cantor whose sole role in civic life seems to be actually causing it…

“t’s disappointing, but not surprising,” was the reply when NPR asked another Virginia politician, Senator Mark Warner (D), what he made of the poll numbers registering record public disapproval: