GOP Voters Still Back Iraq Invasion

CBS News Poll Shows Republican Voters Still Support Going To War, Even If They Think It's Going Poorly

(CBS)  By CBS News pollster Anthony Salvanto

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Most Americans think the Iraq war is going badly — two-thirds say so in the latest CBS News/New York Times Poll — and for most, the bad results they see now also mean the decision to go war was wrong in the first place.

That connection doesn't hold for Republicans, though: They tend to call the war the right thing no matter how they see it going. That's not just loyalty to President Bush — many in his party do in fact question how he is handling Iraq now — but it's also because of their views on how best to fight terrorism; their still-salient memories of Saddam Hussein; and their willingness to give the administration credit for going after perceived threats, past and present.

Republicans' views of how the war is going are mixed — just under half say things are bad and just over half, 53 percent, say they're going well. But a far greater number, 73 percent, nonetheless support the war by calling it the right thing to have done.

Even those Republicans who think the war is going badly now are mostly inclined to call the war the right thing, anyway. In combined interviews from polls in May and July, 51 percent do. By comparison, only 21 percent of independents who see things going badly call the decision the right thing, and just 15 percent of Democrats who think it's going badly (nearly all of them) say the same. So for the latter two groups, a war that isn't going well is a war we never should've fought. For Republicans, there is still merit to having gone in.

One reason for this is their agreement with the president's stated overall approach to fighting terror. Sixty-seven percent of Republicans say that as a general rule, the United States will be safer in the long run if it "confronts" nations and groups in the Middle East that promote terrorism, as opposed to staying out of their affairs. (Democrats, by contrast, strongly favor the latter option; 72 percent say we would be better off steering clear.)

Confrontation doesn't necessarily mean military action, of course. But with Saddam Hussein, it did. Years into the Iraq war, the deposed dictator still has a central role in how Republicans look at the conflict. They still laud the administration for ousting him.

A few times in 2005 and 2006, we asked respondents to say in their own words what they believed was the president's rationale for war, and Republicans chiefly gave answers revolving around defending the nation. Saddam himself is remembered as a danger waiting to strike; as one Republican from New Mexico colorfully put it to our survey takers: "If ... you had a rattlesnake in your living room, you'd do your best to take it out then and there. It's the same thing. ..." Another called him "a powder keg waiting to go off."

There were hints of this Saddam-centered calculus even early in the war, too. In the summer of 2003, when Iraq's supposed cache of weapons of mass destruction had still failed to turn up, most Republicans said it didn't matter to them. They told us that the war would still have been worth it if there were no weapons — because, they volunteered when asked why, Saddam was out of power. (Most Democrats, by comparison, said it did matter.)

And what of today's enemies? Republicans continue to see Iraq as part of the larger war on terror, following the administration's characterization: 75 percent call it part of that larger effort, and most say it is a major part. Once again, they differ from Democrats and independents, who don't see such a connection.

A lot of Republicans think it is an effective fight today — which helps explain why about half of them say the war is going well. Republicans are more than twice as likely as Americans overall to say the effort in Iraq is now eliminating terrorists planning to hit the United States. They overwhelmingly rated efforts in Iraq as going well overall during in our interviews in June and July, and nearly all of them also call the war the right thing. A majority of Republicans who think Iraq isn't eliminating terrorists now still call the war the right thing, but they offered only mixed assessments of progress.

The broader struggle against terrorism remains the administration's hole card with its Republican base. Even though most Republicans still approve of the president's performance on Iraq (57 percent in the latest poll), that is far lower than the ratings they give him on handling terrorism generally: 74 percent. Two years ago, the ratings were both very high. Further, when asked directly about the administration's handling of the war over time, four in 10 Republicans today describe them as having done well at the start, but badly in the last couple of years.

Going forward, this explains the delicate balance GOP presidential candidates might need to keep in choosing their political words during the primary season, being mindful of concerns about progress and strategies in Iraq today, yet still advocating an aggressive approach to confronting terror threats — of which the decision to go to Iraq still stands, for Republicans, as a prime example and a good move.

The right thing to do! How utterly incredible? What does it take to make people face facts! Here we have an utter disaster, proof that Saddam did not have WMD's, world condemnation, destruction of a country, and these people are still believing that it was the right thing to do! It is mind boggling!!!!!

[jimfinster]

Republicans seem to have a very hard time admitting to a mistake.

Invading Iraq was clearly a major blunder, no way around it. And to still support it now, after all the facts are known? That is blind support for an administration gone mad.

[cbs_oliver]

Where are the poll results?

I'd like ro see the actual questions and answers rather than a summary of some journalists mind reading.

The link given doesn't go there.

It just goes to different analysis.

I can do my own analysis thank you.

Most other people can too.

[glb1969]

Just goes to prove that most republicans are fascists that support invading any country that will help them generate profit and they are completely unable to admit murdering humans is a mistake. This is why after the 2008 elections they will never hold office again- they are out of step with the average American.

[notblue]

Luckily there are still people in this country that are willing to fight the evil muslim extremists that are cauusing all the unrest in the world today. Then therte are other Americans who take the same views as Zawhri, many at here at leftwing central sound exactly like one of his speacjes and now that there may be hope for Iraq and it's people some in the U.S. are dreading success and hoping for failure all do to Hatred for our president and Americas policies. In the greatest country on earth even haters have a place, unfortunately.

[drinuk]

Only three days ago the Red Cross said that the people, especially children are in a desperate situation in Iraq. Today we have more US soldiers killed and only yesterday a report that the children of serving troops are hurting real bad. AND it is not improving, the longer the situation prevails the worse it becomes.

This war is a crime against ordinary people by the elite, the chosen few are committing genocide and should be duly charged. It has little to due with terrorism but more to do with world control by a handful who criminally take our name in vain.

[samthetvcat]

"A lot of Republicans think it is an effective fight today %u2014 which helps explain why about half of them say the war is going well. Republicans are more than twice as likely as Americans overall to say the effort in Iraq is now eliminating terrorists planning to hit the United States."

I think these numbers would be a lot more meaningful if we also knew (1) the change in number of people who define themselves as 'Republicans' (2) what actions/characteristics lead them to believe that the effort in Iraq is eliminating terrorists planning to hit the US, and (3) whether they attribute the lack of attacks since 9/11 to the War in Iraq as opposed to increased Homeland Security efforts and the War in Afghanistan and why.

Also do people still think Bush actually thought Saddam had wmd's? I feel like wording may have altered the answers of people, like if people were asked whether they'd have preferred that Bush went after Bin Laden and beefing up the homeland instead of Saddam maybe the numbers would be different because takes the perception that Bush is tougher than Democrats out of the equation . . . who knows though . . .

[cbs_oliver]

What is this article?

A good title might be "More fun with Baysian probabilities and spinning tops."

We could also observe that folks who support the war are more prone to see it as going well. We could engage in mind reading and speculate wildly about why this observation might be true. We might even use this phenomena to impune the character of people who support the war.

Please fire this analyst. He is not a competent reporter of poll results although he may be an obedient decent spinner.

[williamfold]

all this article tells me is what i already knew. the Corruptlicans has to have some of the dumbest people on the planet in their fold.

here's a classic: this administration selling billions in arms to the saudis. and these same voters probably think this is a grand idea too.

[jjp735i]

Republicans are much like the Taliban. They use the name of God to enforce religious morals that they, the Republicans, feel all Americans should live by (except the Republicans themselves).

If the Republicans feel invading Iraq was the right thing to do because Iraq supported terrorists, when are we going into Iran, China, N. Korea and all the other countries that DO support terrorist?

The Republican Party will attack anything different then them selves.

It was not men from Iraq that flew the planes.
When are we going into Saudi Arabia? They did fly the planes and they do send money to terrorist.

This is all about Bush wanted to get the man who tried to kill his daddy. Bush wants to look big in his fathers eyes, yet once again he is a failure.

[cbs_oliver]

Try this interpretation:

Americans have sold their souls to the proposition that the ends justify the means. Republicans take the long view and don't care who gets hurt unless it is them. Demococrats take the longer view and do care who gets hurt and what people will remember.

Spin on.

[clestes-2009]

GOPer's still support the invasion decision????

What the hell is the matter with these people???

Bush ADMITS there were no WMD!!!

Iraq is an endless tangle of death and has sucked us down into a bankrupt morass and that is OK???

[sjc_1]

After more than 4 years, they are looking at the fact that in July we did not kill more than 100 of our soldiers in Iraq, as positive news. Never mind that more than 1000 Iraqis die every month. Never mind that 1000s are permanently maimed by war wounds and explosions. Never mind that there are millions of Iraqi refugees in other countries now. Never mind that the war is costing us $12 billion per month, with no end in sight. Just wait for September they say, when the generals can fill you with spin and make you stay the course for yet another endless commitment.

[myidoncbs]

These poll results clearly demonstrate that the vast majority of GOP loyalists are completely, totally, absolutely, undeniably, stark-raving mad. No wonder we live in a "divided" country, given that such a sizeable minority of the country is completely out of touch with reality.

[seven-pesos]

southerners hope to elect another faith professing, conservative republican.

the south hopes to win the all time loser's award.

jefferson davis lost his war...
johnson lost his war...
bush will lose his war...

if the south can lose just one more war,

they will beat the french for most wars lost, ever!

ha,ha,ha.

those idiot southern republican christian creeps ought to stay in church and out of politics

the south can't be depended upon to do the right thing for america.

[grazinggoat]

Republicans are much like the Taliban. They use the name of God to enforce religious morals that they, the Republicans, feel all Americans should live by (except the Republicans themselves).
Posted by jjp735i at 02:27 PM : Aug 02, 2007

-GOPers and Talibans same sick sh*t. Each at one end of the rope. Luckily majority (of goyim) are in between. We should cut the rope somewhere, somehow! The constitution should be the preferred tool. And this constitution got to be sharpened again, in order to reflect the reality of the new 'global Uni-world' we live in and depend on.

[seven-pesos]

want to build a veritable utopian state?

let the northern and western blue states combine with liberal canada.

let the southern red states combine with mexico.

man, if we could be rid of the republican south

america would really be a super country then!

ha,ha,ha.

war, hate, republikan snakes, kristian kreeps...

nothing good comes out of the south.

[johnpatrick9]

These Republicans are so brain dead, so easily lead into a fools war in the wrong place with the wrong individual. Pitiful to believe that they occupy the same nation called America. Whatever happened to their education; the ability to see and to think through what is a rule by lies, violence, fear, and phony religious persuasion. Call themselves Christian and so willing to kill in the name of the Prince of Peace....real whackos.

[aegle55]

Saddam didn't have a Navy that could sail a row boat. He didn't have an Air force that could fly straight. His army couldn't beat Iran in TEN years of war. His elite brigade didn't know where the latrine was. Now, look what's happening to Iraq that we "ACCOMPLISHED OUR MISSION". It is a sad commentary that we didn't complete our task in Afghanistan and get Bin Laden or whatever, because we pulled up our pants too soon and we were not sure where the latrines were either.

[feelfree1]

Re: "That connection doesn't hold for Republicans, though: They tend to call the war the right thing no matter how they see it going."

The illegal, fraud-based war against Iraq IS terrorism, and those who are in support of it are giving aid and comfort to the illegitimate puppets and terrorists that comprise the Bush regime.

They lack respect and/or understaning of our Constitution, and should find another place to live, if they cannot respect the fundamental principles of this country.

[romanschp13]

So much for "Operation Iraqi Freedom".

AS OF OCTOBER 2006 -
As many as 654,965 more Iraqis may have died since hostilities began in Iraq in March 2003 than would have been expected under pre-war conditions, according to a survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Al Mustansiriya University in Baghdad. The deaths from all causes%u2014violent and non-violent%u2014are over and above the estimated 143,000 deaths per year that occurred from all causes prior to the March 2003 invasion.

[one_american]

"It is a sad commentary that we didn't complete our task in Afghanistan and get Bin Laden or whatever"

Yeah, "whatever".

What a great example of the depth of thought from those sufferers of Bush Derangement Syndrome - "whatever".

So, liberals:

Q. How do you make America safe from attack by terrorists?

A. Whatever...

Q. Did you know that Commander Obama Bin Smokincrack just yesterday has threatened if elected president, will invade Pakistan?

A. Whatever...

And on and on it goes with the brain-dead liberals...

[gretagreen]

I find it difficult to believe that many Americans still believe we did the right thing in invading Iraq regardless of your party affiliation.

I think they just don't want to 'fess up to being wrong about it and wrong to defend it for too long. Otherwise, I would have to conclude that they were stupid and/or pathetically uniformed.

[romanschp13]

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Great Britain launch a massive airborne invasion upon the United States.

The Prophet OBADIAH (in the Bible) states:

This is what the Sovereign LORD says about Edom%u2014
(What's the difference between Edom and United States? Probably not much)...
We have heard a message from the LORD :
An envoy was sent to the nations to say,
"Rise, and let us go against her for battle"-

"See, I will make you small among the nations;
you will be utterly despised.

The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rocks
and make your home on the heights,
you who say to yourself,
'Who can bring me down to the ground?'

Though you soar like the eagle
and make your nest among the stars,
from there I will bring you down,"
declares the LORD.

All your allies will force you to the border;
your friends will deceive and overpower you;
those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it.

The day of the LORD is near for all nations.
As you have done, it will be done to you;
your deeds will return upon your own head.

[one_american]

GretaGreen:

Conservatives just have more intestinal fortitude that weak-kneed Liberals.

That comes from how they live their lives -

Isn't that self-evident to you?

[romanschp13]

If you go look at the FBI website for wanted Terrorists, they show Usama Bin Laden. So why does everyone else call him Osame Bin Laden?

Anyway, the FBI is not charging him in connection with the Sept 11 Terror Attacks. Other attacks abroad yes, but not World Trade Center. Isn't that interesting?

[samthetvcat]

"So, liberals:

Q. How do you make America safe from attack by terrorists?"
Posted by One_American

Okay, this is what I was getting at about my confusion with regards to the polls . . . is it that Republicans support Bush's policies or is it moreso at this point that the Democrats are not inspiring confidence because they're failing to offer up workable alternatives? Big difference and quite admittedly a real disappointment to see Democrats failing to rise to the challenge. I don't know what Barack was smoking to have come out so boldly and say he was going to attack Pakistan without laying the foundation of how to deal with Iraq - he sounded ungrounded. And Hillary's just riding the wave of Bush disgust because Bush is such a screw up everybody looks good in comparison.

Terrible that we seem to all be picking the best of the worst rather than somebody who is offering up a way forward . . .

[xzavierbrown]

Posted by GretaGreen at 04:02 PM : Aug 02, 2007
+ report abuse...

******
out of curiosity, do you know the objective of our war on terrorism? do you even know who or what we are fighting. do you know what it takes to earn true freedom?

[mudrose-2009]

GretaGreen:

Conservatives just have more intestinal fortitude that weak-kneed Liberals.

That comes from how they live their lives -

Isn't that self-evident to you?
Posted by One_American

I couldn't have said it better myself. No, really, I just couldn't have. Thanks.

[samthetvcat]

"Conservatives just have more intestinal fortitude that weak-kneed Liberals.

That comes from how they live their lives -

Isn't that self-evident to you?"
Posted by One_American

This I don't agree with at all - I think at best Republicans who think this are maybe not good judges of others' characters. At worst they're just more arrogant and disconnected from reality . . .

[mudrose-2009]

They lack respect and/or understaning of our Constitution, and should find another place to live, if they cannot respect the fundamental principles of this country.

Posted by FeelFree1

Not as much as you people do. Bush took the Oath of Office and he has lived up to that Oath. He has defended this country. You show tremendous disrespect for the Constitution when you show disrespect for the leader of this great Country. He isn't always right -- goofey guy that he is, but he is sincere, steadfast and determined to protect this country. Somthing very few on the left feel is worth it.

[usbrit-2009]

Hey notblue - where did you not learn the English language? Your post in unintelligible. One_American; Senator Obama made his comments about Afghanistan, not Pakistan. If you look at a map, you can see they really are different countries. If morons like those blogging are representative of Republican intelligence, no wonder they still think the Iraq invasion's a good idea!

[samthetvcat]

"You show tremendous disrespect for the Constitution when you show disrespect for the leader of this great Country."
Posted by mudrose

We're going to hold you to your word when Hillary gets elected ;)

[feelfree1]

mudrose,

The mass-murderous Bush-puppet was probably never legitimately elected to his current position, either in 2000 or 2004, and has disgraced this country beyond measure.

The dwindling handfull of goose-stepping dead-enders who continue to lick the boots of the Bush regime global terrorists, are not only disgraces to our country and themselves, but they are truly a disgrace the human race.

You are an eager and willing poster boy/girl for this disgrace. You appear to be in way over your head, even in the shallow end of the gene-pool where you reside.

[wrj001]

Imagine, if you can , awaking tomorrow and finding there were no Republicans. No Trent Lott, No Dicky Cheney, No Duncan Hunter, No lil' Bush, imagine what a wonderful world it could be.

[usbrit-2009]

"he is sincere, steadfast and determined to protect this country. Somthing very few on the left feel is worth it".

Posted by mudrose at 04:17 PM : Aug 02, 2007

No mudrose - "he is sincere, steadfast and determined to protect this country and he is F-U-C-K-I-N-G WRONG. In fact that's what pisses me off about the right wing in general they are just F-U-C-K-I-N-G WRONG about everything. Anyone worthy of the title Commander-in-chief can tell you that fighting a war on two fronts is the quickest way to lose both. Check out Roman History, Greek History, Napoleon, The Germans and the Allies in WWI Hitler, etc etc. First you make sure you get Obama - then, if you really have to - go after Saddam. I agree he definitely deserved what he got, but first things first.

[dogband]

This just proves that republicans are simply the most stupid species on the planet.

The blood of the unnecessary deaths in this continuing war is on your hands. *** you all

[gretagreen]

I do have a solution to offer for the Iraq tragic mess:
We put every ounce of intelligence and energy we have to find a way for the Iraqi factions to resolve their differences; at the same time we bring in multi-national/multi-ethnic peacekeepers and start withdrawing US troops; we work with the Iraqi factions to partition their country (which is clearly what they now want), and we continue to work with them diplomatically to help the new Iraqi United States get along; we keep the peacekeepers in until they get the hang of it.

We will help pay for this, but not like we are now which is $250,000 A MINUTE!!!!

(I thought Republicans cared about government spending too much . . .)

[feelfree1]

GretaGreen,

Re: "We put every ounce of intelligence and energy we have to find a way for the Iraqi factions to resolve their differences"

The Iraqis will eventually resolve their differences when the U.S. is finally forced to withdraw. U.S. efforts to foment divisions in Iraq- to divide them with various death-squads and ficticious groups like "al-Qaeda-in-Iraq", will fail, in my opinion.

[quatermass2]

It's what's known as cognitive dissonance. Some people (and Junior, Rummy, and Snarly are damned good examples) simply can not admit they made a mistake. And the people who support sociopaths like that have the same problem. For them to admit that it wasn't such a great idea to lose thousands of our best, and pour a trillion dollars into the sands of Iraq, would be unthinkable, especially since they expended so much energy branding anyone who forsaw the inevitable outcome (like Shinseki) traitors, appeasers, Saddam-lovers, etc.

[clestes-2009]

One_American and mudrose are spies. I am convinced that they are terrorist in hiding.

They SUPPORT actions that have weakened our military. You cannot find a single high ranking soldier retired or active that says the US military has BENEFITED from the Iraq debacle. They all say that we are weaker today than we were before the invasion.

They think our presence in Iraq is a good thing because it keeps passions and hatred constantly stirred up. That is a never ending supply of new recruits for al-Quida.

They APPROVE of the way Bush has BORROWED the 750 billion dollars to fund the war, making our economy weaker and the dollar more shakey against the China currency.

They PUSH for military action against Iran, even though no other country supports that.

One_American, mudrose and everyone who thinks like them are terrorists who are plotting against America, covering it up by mouthing stupid patriotic platitudes, all the while working behind the scenes to bring American down.

Don't be fooled by their rhtoric! Unmask them for the enemy they are!

[david1737]

Repubs. Don%u2019t measure up.


Democrats get practical measures to protect America passed.

Meanwhile the Bush Admin. is going to sell $20 billion in weapons to the Saudis. This deal will include satellite guided bombs.

Remember 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9-11 were Saudis.

The Saudis continue to train Terrorists in their Mosques.

The Bush Admin. tried to turn control of our ports over to the United Arab Emirates.

[gretagreen]

I think one of the reasons we are in Iraq is b/c of the Saudis to whom the Bush administration owes so much and who clearly want Iraq run by the Sunnis.

But, the Sunnis in Iraq are leaving the Sunni-lead government according to the news yesterday.

Maybe you're right that Iraqis will kiss and make-up without our diplomatic help if we leave, FeelFree. However, if we had any diplomatic talents (which the current administration does not), maybe we could help clean up some of the mess we made over there.

I think the Bush administration wants total chaos there b/c easier to steal $250,000 A MINUTE.

The original name for the Iraq invasion was Operation Iraqi Liberty. OIL. Which was supposed to be how we were going to be repaid for this quick, painless, and oh so cheap operation.

[navyretired2]

You know, I wonder why it is we never see Al Maliki referred to as "Iran's Puppet" on the CBS News site, yet other news sites and sources seem to see it that way, and make references that he's at least "connected" to the Iran government.

I know, not toally on point, just an observation.

[lars2008-2009]

I think Bush's record of success in Iraq speaks for itself.

[gretagreen]

Maybe because Iranis are Shiite and Maliki is Shiite??

[truthspeake2]

I guess some people just love war, at least until its at THEIR doorstep!

[gkc99]

What do you expect? Most southerners supported slavery, too. Most Nazis supported Hitler. Most funky monkeys support the head Chimp.

[perception5]

That's because Republicans believe that all human deserve to live in freedom.....NOT the Democrats.

Abe Lincoln (Republican) had to take our nation to war when the Democrats lost the election of 1860 and decide that they would break away from the Union. Lincoln said "We are just going to have to see about that".

Ronald Reagan had to fight the Democrats again, (along with their CORRUPT pals in our liberal MSM wolfpack press), when he set arms to the "freedom fighters" in Central America (our corrupt press and their pals the Dems called them "rebels")

Ronald Reagan had to fight the Democrats again along with America's "free left-wing press" when he sent nuclear tip missles into Western Europe during the 1980's. The Democrats and their socialist pals in Europe protested by the millions. A lot of them had signs that read "Better Red than Dead". Now 100's of millions of people are free in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

Today we fight for the freedom of 50 million people in Afghanistan and Iraq when the people have voted for their own leaders and Constitutions........ yet Republicans continue to have to fight the Democrats and the extreme liberal propaganda that comes from America's corrupt wolfpack press.

This is historical a real and sad fact.

[superdem]

That's because they are STUPID. Like union members voting for Reagan. Like poor southerners voting for Republican corporate owners who will never raise their minimum wage, who voted against the establishment of Social Security, who want to destroy Medicare and the public education system, who don't believe in stem cell research or drug price controls. They vote for Republican oil men, who will never fund alternative energy programs, preferring foreign wars in oil rich nations instead. Not THEIR kids dying, just yours. The Republicans are wrong on beginning of life issues, end of life issues, and everything in between. NO ONE should EVER vote Republican, and yet they do.