CNNTIME POLL: SUPPORT DROPPING FOR SENDING U.S. TROOPS TO IRAQ

Drudge Report ^ | 30 August 2002 | Matt Drudge

[Asmodeus]

Support has fallen for sending U.S. ground troops to Iraq to oust Saddam Hussein, according to a new TIME/CNN Poll. Only 51 percent of Americans are now in favor, from 70 percent in December, (Opposed are 40% now, v. 22% in December.)

Most Americans (65%) agree with the Bush administration's argument that the U.S. would be morally justified in invading Iraq to remove Saddam from power (26% say it would be unjustified). But nearly half (49%) say that action would lead to a long and costly war before the U.S. could claim victory. One in seven (15%) believe the U.S. would eventually have to withdraw from Iraq without a victory.

Large majorities say that military action in Iraq would lead to higher oil prices (88%), greater instability in the Middle East (74%), and an increased chance of terrorism in the U.S. (77%).

The President needs to get Congressional authorization before taking action, most Americans (68%) believe (28% approve of using force without authorization). Half (53%) don't think Bush is moving too quickly to war with Iraq (40% believe he is).

Support for war with Iraq is lowest among senior citizens, college graduates and low-income Americans. Liberals oppose military action in Iraq (although they supported it in December. Moderates are split, leaving only conservatives unquestionably in favor of sending troops to Iraq. Other results:

* Bush Approval Rating Down: George Bush's approval rating of 65% is the lowest it has been since before last Sept. 11 (the "high" was 89% Oct. 12; it was 55% July 17-18, 2001 before jumping to 78% Sept. 13).

* Economy: For the first time since 1995 a majority (52%) say the economy is in "poor" or "very poor" shape. A thin majority (52%) say Bush is doing a good job on the economy.

* Colin Powell's "Favorable" Ratings Are the Highest: Powell is the most popular Administration figure (rated favorably by 78%), v. Bush (69%), Rumsfeld (51%) and Cheney (49%).

* Rudy Giuliani Very Popular: New York's former Mayor (76%) is almost as popular as Powell.

The TIME/CNN Poll was conducted Aug. 28-29 among 1,004 adults.

Developing...

[txrangerette]

Of course Bush & Co. will do right,
REGARDLESS of polls. I simply refuse
to speculate where polls will go, as
they truly weigh in with what they've
got. As for 9/11, I think we must see
a transition from that to post-post-
9/11, which is normal. Bush must lead
us there, too. None of this is "over",
& another devastating attack can come
any moment. Forgetful minds will very
quickly remember, hmmmmm?

[finnman69]

Again the 'ground troops' poll. If it said remove Saddam Hussein the poll would be back up to 70%.

[txrangerette]

Good point #62!

[LasVegasMac]

Still in the Klintoon mode, obviously...

"We'll, most Americans want / think...{fill in the blank}...

Sad to say, too many got to comfortable with that lie.

LVM

[Torie]

Quite a lot I am afraid. I was at a dinner party with somewhat of a scholar on history, Islam and Christianity, and he argued the point that Christianity and West and Islam (Arabic Islam) were joined at the hip, with each playing off the other, except in recent times, when one was ignored because it had become so culturally emaciated, and now is in a state of angry self denial about its own deep failings in the modern world. He also argued that the failure of Islam to have a reformation is because the Islamic golden age, as well as the Italian Renaisance, was largely about ignoring the texts, not reinvigorating them and animiating them with more measured philosophic wisdom. Of course I am no expert myself.

[Miss Marple]

Don't worry, I will probably show up in Raleigh with a big bottle of champagne. Ha!

I am coninually amazed at how the press and the Rats seem to fall into traps. One could almost surmise there is more than good strategery afoot here.

[PhilDragoo]

Daniel Pipes is not entirely doubtful of the ability of Islam to reform.

The removal of certain key repressive agents can only help.

Iran is less amused with the Ayatollah than in disco days.

[Torie]

Well yes I remain optimistic. I am an optimist. It is who I am. I simply think that what doesn't work because it fails to speak to ultimate human needs and ideolism will fail everywhere, and what does will ultimately triumph (perhaps with much blood, sweat and toil along the way as we have experienced), particularly for so long as the US remains the lone superpower on this planet.

[PhilDragoo]

Militant Islam is on the ascendant almost everywhere around the globe - except in the nation that has experienced it longest and knows it best. In Iran, it is on the defensive and perhaps in retreat.

In college poli sci a student from Oman displayed the two-dimensional rigidity vis a vis Israel for my first encounter with that visceral vendetta.

In some green room Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad and the rest of the E Street Band is down. We lag behind, but surely kicking Saddam's ass can only hasten [nirvana, epiphany, 72-count-em-72-virgins, etc.].

[PhilDragoo]

what doesn't work because it fails to speak to ultimate human needs and ideolism will fail everywhere

The Sorcerer's Stone which dispatched Communism will likewise consign Islamism.

Freedom of religion, free markets, political freedoms are manifestations of enlightened self interest.

That which is best is that which is best for the individual.

[templar]

One of the problems of todays world is that people actually think what they think matters.

Hmmmm ... an interesting post.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

"And what are the bonafides of this poll? "

Unless these pollees are military experts, with expertise in WMD and have just received a top secret briefing in the Situation Room-their opinions are worthless. Akin to asking the janitor to rush to the OR and perform brain surgery.

[templar]

Third possibility: We never intended to invade Iraq.

And so we are waiting till public opinion is against it so we have a popular excuse not to? Could be. Interesting to consider.

[WhiteGuy]

2% think their boogers are really food

Here I am reading a serious article about some poll and from out of nowhere comes this.........

I almost tipped over backwards in my chair.....

Ha ! good one.

[Don Carlos]

CNNTIME POLL: SUPPORT DROPPING FOR SENDING U.S. TROOPS TO IRAQ

Excuse my "French", but I would be effing speechless if CNNTIME polls showed anything, anything whatsoever, in favor of this administration.

[dark_lord]

"And what are the bonafides of this poll? " Unless these pollees are military experts, with expertise in WMD and have just received a top secret briefing in the Situation Room-their opinions are worthless. Akin to asking the janitor to rush to the OR and perform brain surgery.
Well...last time I checked we still live in a Republic - even a moderately free Republic (heh heh). And in a republic, the opinions of the great unwashed count. So - if their opinions really ARE worthless, then we don't live in a free republic and the NWO has already arrived (and the tin foil hats will of course claim this is already the case.)

[Don Carlos]

...Woodrow Call, Captain, Texas Rangers (Ret).

A Most excellent man! Freep-mail me if you want to know why!

Carlos

[TennTuxedo]

I guess that CNN has forgotten what I will never ever forget.

[Robert_Paulson2]

It IS possible.
There may be another skywalker... er uh... target.

[Robert_Paulson2]

Didn't CNN try this crap before afghanistan?

I seem to remember them trying to stir up opposition to the war... at turd tenners request...