Top Ten Findings About Public Opinion and Iraq Public still supportive of Iraq invasion, but with reservations
by Lydia Saad GALLUP NEWS SERVICE
PRINCETON, NJ -- President Bush's Monday night address on Iraq was delivered to an American audience that has thus far been highly supportive of him personally, and in general agreement with the possibility of invading Iraq and removing Saddam Hussein from power. But the same public tuned in with important doubts about whether the United States has done all it can to resolve the Iraq situation diplomatically, and with reservations about the advisability of taking on Iraq unilaterally, without the support of America's allies or the United Nations. Despite Bush's popularity, Americans continue to say that Congress, not Bush, should have the ultimate say over whether the United States invades Iraq. And despite Americans' support for the invasion, particularly under the right conditions, only a third of likely voters indicate they will be more likely to vote for their congressional incumbents if they vote in favor of sending U.S. troops to Iraq.
Recent Gallup polling also shows that Americans have a fairly high tolerance for U.S. casualties in a potential war with Iraq -- to a certain point. If the estimated number of casualties reaches 5,000, a majority of Americans would oppose invading Iraq with U.S. ground troops.
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Range of Support for U.S. Military Action Against Iraq
Sep 20-22, 2002
Favor Oppose
If other countries participate in invading Iraq 79% 18 If the United Nations supports invading Iraq 79 19 If Congress supports invading Iraq 69 28 If the United States has to invade Iraq alone 38 59 If the United Nations opposes invading Iraq 37 58 If Congress opposes invading Iraq 37 59
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