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...

[Vermont Lt]

And 100% think its a good idea not to eat candy without brushing their teeth, and 2% think their boogers are really food.

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

[Howlin]

Is this the same CNN that offered to let the president of the United States watch FIVE MINUTES of the tapes that they PAID MONEY for -- ONLY if he would let them FILM him watching it?

Bah on them.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

Well, I guess that does it. Sit back, relax and await a nuclear or biological disaster. Hope Bush,Cheney and Rumsfeld can find some productive things to do with their free time, now that the enlightened "poll people" have solved the world's problems.

[UnBlinkingEye]

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

What can one say? </Donald Rumsfeld impression>

[Torie]

The best bit about this poll is that folks are ready to accept the downside risks which they believe are there if we invade. I think those risks are probably exaggerated, so there is an upside here. Of course, I could be wrong. I am moving into my speculative zone. :)

[Howlin]

[Grim]

And 100% of the adults in my household think this poll is bullfeathers.

[Wphile]

Is that for real?

[Stallone]

Leftists are Scum - tell them to SHUT UP!

[lonestar]

* 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.

Now we know that the "wonderful Clinton economy" was really just more lies about imaginary companies with imaginary profits.

[crypt2k]

The attack on Iraq should have been launched within a week of 9-11-01.

[section9]

Remember, this poll has been taken in the midst of a press campaign against the war. When Bush lays out his reasoning, before Congress, he will carry the nation and the day.

Or, as Henry V put it...

Take it, brave York. Now, soldiers, march away:
And how thou pleasest, God, dispose the day!

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Miss Marple]

And what are the bonafides of this poll? "1004 adults" is not very helpful. For all we know they could all have been residents at group homes.

I think I will just start releasing my own polls, based on my opinioin, to push my agenda.

The Marple Poll, conducted among 1500 registered voters with IQ's above 100, show President Bush has overwhelming support to nuke Iraq immediately. The poll also shows that 72% consider CNN to be a bogus network and a national security risk.

[Momaw Nadon]

Check out the Attack on Iraq Betting Pool

[ladyinred]

If the poll is true,is it any wonder support has dropped off considering all of the naysayers and gloom and doom reports we are being bombarded with?

The longer we wait, the worse it will be as Sept.11th is forgotten more and more in a sea of kidnapped children and murder trial news 24/7.

[Howlin]

Absolutely.

[rintense]

What a crock. CNN is brainwashing their viewers to take the liberal-pacifist view.

[Torie]

If Bush goes, his popularity will zip up (particularly if he enunciates a detailed case, but it will even if he does not), and where it ends up will depend on the outcome. I will charge you nothing for this bit of wisdom.

[Miss Marple]

You probably don't realize how impressed I am that in addition to your excellent commentary, you can quote Shakespeare's Henry V.