posted on November 28, 2005 09:00:52 AM new
A new survey shows support for Cheney's view on Democrat senators
By CHRIS CILLIZZA and PETER SLEVIN
Washington Post
WASHINGTON - Democrats fumed last week at Vice President Dick Cheney's suggestion that criticism of the administration's war policies was itself becoming a hindrance to the war effort. But a new poll indicates most Americans are sympathetic to Cheney's point.
Seventy percent of people said criticism of the war by Democratic senators hurts troop morale — with 44 percent saying morale is hurt "a lot," according to a poll taken by RT Strategies.
Even self-identified Democrats agree: 55 percent say criticism hurts morale.
The results surely will rankle many Democrats, who argue that it is patriotic to call attention to what they say are flaws in President Bush's strategy for Iraq. But the survey itself cannot be dismissed as a partisan attack. Thomas Riehle, a Democrat, and Lance Tarrance, a veteran GOP pollster, make up the RT in RT Strategies.
Their poll also indicates many Americans are skeptical of Democratic complaints about the war. Just three out of 10 adults accept that Democrats are leveling criticism because they think this will help U.S. efforts in Iraq. A majority think the motive is to "gain a partisan political advantage."
This poll is one of the few pieces of supportive news the administration has had lately on Iraq. Most surveys have shown significant majorities think it was a mistake to go to war, as well as rising sentiment that Bush misled Americans in making the case for it.
Even so, there is still support for Bush's policy going forward. A plurality, 49 percent, says troops should return only when the Iraqi government can provide for its own security, while 16 percent support immediate withdrawal.
The poll results came from calls made to 1,001 adults from Nov. 17-20. The margin of error is 3.1 percent.
posted on November 28, 2005 09:17:40 AM new
It is good that the poll shows this, but polls can be manipulated so easily, that is why I am happy when politicians ignore them.
I am disappointed it was not an AOL poll
Ron
"Better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not."
posted on November 28, 2005 09:48:26 AM new
Exactly, Ron. These things are just too easy to manipulate. Just look at this phrase:
"Just three out of 10 adults accept that Democrats are leveling criticism because they think this will help U.S. efforts in Iraq"
They ACCEPT it? What does that mean? The interviewer puts words in to their mouths and they nod their heads. "Yeah that could be true" is an acceptance. This is not research. In court it's called leading the witness and is not allowed.
Don't get me wrong, I agree with the premise. Some criticism is OK, but the continual barrage of it from the same whiny antiwar liberals for two years can only hurt morale. I know I stopped listening long ago- but then I'm not living in the war zone. But invalid polls and goofy research doesn't help anyone. And besides, we all know the Dems wouldn't stoop that low
--------------------------------------
Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
posted on November 28, 2005 11:42:02 AM new
Like I've said many times. There are polls and then there are polls. Pollsters like Gallup use secret methods to achieve an "average" cross section of people. Polls where people call in and vote are almost useless. Scientific pollsters can be incredibly accurate.
That our enemies actively subvert our country via our own media is nothing new. The German American Bund in WWII pre-war days, the IRA has killed thousands with American sympathizers.
Think about how many troops have been specifically targeted so mingo, peepa, etc, can read all about it on their favorite web sites.
posted on November 29, 2005 08:07:30 AM new
With all the polls there are, I have never been 'polled' and have never knew anyone that has.
I must lead a very, very sheltered life
posted on November 29, 2005 10:16:12 AM new
Classic, I Know! I've always wanted to be an AOL pollster (or whatever you would call it) its been my number 1 goal in life to achieve that!
posted on November 29, 2005 12:54:08 PM new
Thanks, Kraft, but I forgot one.....Republican congressman who cheats on their taxes hurts the war effort......he's a WAR PROFITEER!!!!!on the bodies of our dead troops ! For shame!
posted on November 29, 2005 01:28:45 PM new
I forgot to add that a government that uses it's troops for political gain and makes blanket statements about their morale to further their own agenda, is a government you need to worry about, not the people who question the war's validity.
posted on November 29, 2005 06:09:55 PM new
Isn't it funny how concerned bear and others are about the Canadian government especially with their's being such a failure
posted on November 29, 2005 06:25:33 PM new
Mingo, they could care less about Canada. They just don't like people from other countries saying bad things about Bush or the war(s). This is their way of trying to poke Kiara and I in the eyes.
posted on November 29, 2005 11:45:05 PM new
Ya, Kraft, I know. All bear's posts are just to slam something(Canada) or someone(Sheehan)but he and other neocons sure don't want to talk about the corruption in their own party
