Pro-war in the minority????

[Gomer]

Ya know. I haven't seen any polls actually... but keep hearing pro-war people screaming at the top of their lungs (to each other even) that their opinion is that of the majority.

This place has become a cesspool of misinformation with people seemingly pulling facts out of thin air. On all subjects, people just take something they heard, put a spin on it maybe, stick a number to it and throw it out there. I see these numbers 75% support war, 80% support war etc. and realize I have not seen a single poll reported on TV, in the paper etc.

So I hop over to CNN search for a poll and find one from 3-18.

It found that 66% "approve" of the presidents action and ultimatum to Iraq. Ok that is lower than 75% (course the fish always gets bigger as the story is told, so I understand).

However! the poll states:

The poll, however, also pointed to some doubt among the American public about the merits of going to war. Of the 66 percent who said they approve of Bush's decision, 21 percent said they were not sure it was the right thing to do, but they supported the president regardless.

I got my calculator out and it appears that only 45% are sure military action was the answer. I fail to see how that is the majority.

I'd run a poll here... but a fair portion of members have been ran out but the actions/inactions of particular members. It'd be far from even unscientific now.

If anyone has any legit links to scientific polls on this subject it would be nifty to see them. Methinks that as this progresses, the scales will be decidedly tipped.

[J-Excel]

There was a gallop poll a couple days ago. 60% STRONGLY approve, 16% approve but not strongly. The links been posted in a few threads here. It's been on CNN too.

[Gomer]

Nothing at CNN's web site.

[J-Excel]

http://gallup.com/poll/releases/pr030321.asp

[bebeangel]

here are some links to some polls

http://www.pollingreport.com/iraq.htm

http://www.gallup.com/

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/...in545345.shtml

[Stargazer1]

Hey
Here is what I found:

ABC
"Most Support Military Action to Oust Saddam

Overall public support for military action to oust Saddam Hussein remains high, with 63 percent in favor, including four in 10 who support it "strongly." By contrast, fewer than two in 10 "strongly" oppose military action.
" http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/Po...oll030224.html

CBS
Americans now see Iraq as more of a threat than they did before the war: 61% of Americans now say Iraq was a threat that required the U.S. to take action now.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/...in545345.shtml

CNN
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With the nation on the brink of war, two-thirds of all Americans say they approve of President Bush's stark ultimatum to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and say they believe he did all he could to resolve the crisis diplomatically, according to a new CNN/USA TODAY/Gallup poll.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/...oll/index.html

[Gomer]

Thanks for the links.

Odd how much the polls can contrast each other.

[J-Excel]

Most of the polls were taken on different days, and there is a margin of error.

As the war gets uglier from what was predicted, or perhaps what the public was given to expect, the percentage of people approving the President's actions will start sliding as will his approval ratings.

This war was a huge risk the President took - it was all or nothing. Let us wait and see what happens.

[MDdan]

Is it just me or are there others who DONT CARE what the polls say?

I voted for GWB because I wanted him to do the right thing, not necessarly the politically expedient.

I think this war may hurt his chances of getting re-elected. And even if this war goes very badly, he'll still have my vote. GWB has taken up the task of protecting America from Rogue states and terrorists, and agree or not, he is acting on his principles.

I personally loath the notion of politicians governing by poll. Tell the voters what you stand for, and stand for it. But make your own decisions, don't sell your principles for votes. There are some politicians who could get elected in any state, for any party, and with any platform- the just change colors to fit the context.


that's my 2 cents.