“David Edwards” - Poll: Support for Afghan war hits record low
March 15, 2011
March 15th, 2011
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/03/15/poll-support-for-afghan-war-hits-record-low/
As the war in Afghanistan approaches it's eleventh year, nearly two-thirds of Americans are saying the conflict is not worth fighting, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll.
The survey (.pdf) found that a record 64 percent do not support the war. Only 31 percent thought the war was worth fighting. The findings were a major swing from February 2007, when 56 percent approved of the war, and only 41 percent disapproved.
While 73 percent thought that the U.S. should withdraw a substantial number of troops from the country this summer, 53 percent doubted a major withdrawal would happen.
The poll also had little good news for U.S. President Barack Obama on the domestic front. Fifty-five percent disapproved of his handling of the economy. Only 43 percent approved.
Obama's handling of the federal budget deficit was approved by just 39 percent, while 55 percent disapproved.
At 55 percent, overall job approval was the only bright spot for the president.
Republicans in Congress fared even worse than Obama.
Only 34 percent thought that Republicans did a better job at handling the economy. Forty-six percent thought the president did a better job.
To the extent the economy has recovered, only six percent of respondents gave Republicans credit. Obama was given credit by 39 percent. Both were given credit by 27 percent, and 27 percent gave neither credit.
Overall, confidence in the U.S. system of government was at 26 percent, a 35-year low. That's down seven points since October.
The poll of 1,005 adults was conducted March 10-13