I think there are some progressives who believe in expanding government regardless of whether government is competent. Obama and his ilk may be of this belief. However, I think rank and file liberals truly expect government to do things better than the private sector. As the it becomes apparent that the Obama administration is completely inept at managing government, these people are increasingly disappointed. For moderates, they’re increasingly skeptical of the ability of government.
This works to the GOP’s advantage in two ways. Disappointed rank and file liberals may stay home next month, which increases the odds that the GOP wins the Senate. In 2016, skeptical moderates may be more inclined to vote for a Republican who articulates a smaller government approach. In the very least, the moderates are ripe for the taking from the GOP perspective.
Perhaps some, but 0's approval rating is STILL 39%, so that would indicate that 39% of the electorate are not sufficiently disappointed in the government's performance to disapprove of it. Hard core government worshipers.