MATT DRUDGE // DRUDGE REPORT 2002�
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.
Developing...
-----------------------------------------------------------
Filed By Matt Drudge
Reports are moved when circumstances warrant
http://www.drudgereportArchives.com for updates
(c)DRUDGE REPORT 2002
Not for reproduction without permission of the author
|
|