From: Brett Paatsch (paatschb@ocean.com.au)
Date: Fri Jan 24 2003 - 19:41:26 MST
The following article from the economist on American public opinion
may be of interest. Poll data is from Jan 8-12th (before France,
Russia and China -UN Security Council permanent members made
recent statements opposing war without UN endorsement).
http://www.economist.com/world/na/PrinterFriendly.cfm?Story_ID=1548516
I found it interesting that "10% of Americans have opposed all military
action (that was the share against war in Afghanistan)" and "one-third
support all wars (that was the share that backed the Vietnam war to
the end)".
The following quotes " are from the article. Brackets [ ] are mine.
-
"The upshot is that, over Iraq, public opinion [that's American public
opinion] puts few constraints on the president's freedom of action"
...
"..public opposition is unlikely to be a constraint unless the war's
opponents can find national leadership. At the moment, support is
partisan: 80% of Republicans back the use of force, compared with
46% of Democrats. But all except one of the Democrats' leading
presidential candidates supported the congressional resolution
authorising force. What was seen in microcosm at the anti-war
demonstration ["50,000 on the lawn in front of the Capitol last
weekend"] is true nationally. Mr Bush has opposition to war where
he wants it."
"This gives [President Bush] a lot of options. If he goes to war, people
will support him (indeed, the first effect will be a huge rally around the
flag). If he gives inspectors more time, people will back that too. From
the point of view of voters, a second UN resolution looks desirable,
not essential. the only doubt is what happens in the unlikely event that
Mr Bush decides not to go to war. In that case, his conservative base
will doubtless accuse him of flinching, like his dad. But for the public,
even that course may be tolerable, if the president can convince them
that his threats have disarmed Saddam. In short, in terms of the
administration's freedom of action, reluctant acceptance of war
without appetite looks better than bloodthirsty enthusiasm."
--- Brett Paatsch
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