American Public Support for war on Iraq dropping very sharply

national | miscellaneous | news report Friday August 30, 2002 21:06 by oswald defense lawyer

51 percent - always a suspicious figure - of americans support war on Iraq - and ray - before you start - this link will be dead by tomorrow as it is a 'flash'

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX FRIDAY AUGUST 30, 2002 16:00:00 ET XXXXX

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

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.

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