The Daily Background
| CNN Poll shows record low support for war
by Arlen Parsa
According to a new CNN/OPR poll, public support for the President’s handling of the war in Iraq has reached a new low: 28 percent (down from 34% in October, according to CNN/OPR). The President’s overall approval rating sits at 36%, off a point from a poll conducted earlier this month. However, in a sign that those undecided about his performance are hardening their views, 62% of Americans disapprove of the way the President is doing his job, a five point jump from last month.
A majority (54%) believe the US ought to withdraw all comat troops by the end of 2007. In addition, CNN notes, “Support for his management of anti-terrorism efforts dropped to 42 percent from 50 percent” registered in an October poll. Below is a CNN report on the poll, including expanded analysis.
CNN also notes that “27 percent said that the U.S. needs to completely overhaul its strategy and [an additional] 46 percent said major changes were needed.” That adds up to 73% who don’t want to ’stay the course.’ What a difference a couple of month makes when it comes to talking points. No wonder the President claimed that he’s never been “stay the course” after the poll numbers started shifting away from him. Incidentally, you can find a complete list of all the times (57) the President has said the ’stay the course’ slogan here. Also signifigant is that the President is likely to order more troops to be sent to Iraq, a plan backed by some in the Pentagon (though not Generals Schoomaker or Abizaid) and only 11% of the public.
