Newsweek Poll: Dirge For A 'Surge' (Bush Approval 31%)

[Mark E. Smith]

In the latest NEWSWEEK poll Bush's approval rating remains at its all-time low as his
plan to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is met with widespread disapproval.
Looking to '08, declared candidate Hillary Clinton is in a statistical dead heat with
other potential nominees.

Jan. 20, 2007 - When President George W. Bush declared earlier this month that the only
way to quell sectarian violence in Iraq was to send more than 20,000 additional
American troops, he probably knew the move would be unpopular. Indeed, the latest
NEWSWEEK poll finds that Bush's call for a 'surge' in troops is opposed by two-thirds (68
percent) of Americans and supported by only a quarter (26 percent). Almost half of all
respondents (46 percent) want to see American troops pulled out 'as soon as possible.'

Bush's Iraq plan isn't doing anything for his personal approval rating either; it's again
stuck at its lowest point in the history of the poll (31 percent). Meanwhile, the new
Democratic-controlled Congress is getting relatively high marks. And 55 percent actually
trust Congressional Dems on U.S. policy in Iraq, far more than the 32 percent who trust
their commander in chief.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16720627/site/newsweek/from/RS.2/

[ForPeace]

1. I wonder what the 5 percent do approve of

If 31 percent approve of Bush but only 26 percent approve of the 'surge' what is Bush doing to attract the 5 percent that don't approve of the 'surge' but do approve of him - and does it make sense that 32 percent 'trust their commander in chief' but don't approve of the 'surge'.

My head is spinning - oh ... ok! It's spin isn't it.

[Kagemusha]

2. It's called "holding your nose"

IMHO.

[galloglas]

3. The 5% you were wondering about?

That is the 5% of the nation that is wealthier than the rest of the nation.

They heartily approve of the

1)disproportionate tax cuts they have (and continue) to receive,

2)the resultant migration of wealth from the bottom rungs of our citizenry, nationally, to themselves on the upper rungs, as well as,

3)all gratuitous profits coming to them in the form of dividends and capital gains (or, even cash under the table) via America's involvement in the Iraqi Affair. All of this while disapproving of the Iraqi War of Aggression itself.

[Raine]

7. My cousin is in that 5%

she isn't rich actually she doesn't do as well as myself....she's just STUPID. :silly:

[Doctor_J]

11. Yes, - the 5% that have the same net worth as the other 95%

you're probably spot on, galloglas.

[davhill]

8. Well he did cut their taxes

They may not approve of the war but as long as the cost is passed down to the grandkids they are OK with him.

[galloglas]

4. K'n'R Hi, Mark !!

Isn't it ironic?

They play "Hail to the Chief" when Bush walks into the public arena. But will they play "Bonaparte's Retreat" when he walks out? I doubt it.

But I guess that makes sense. At the least, Napoleon was a formidable foe on the field of battle (and Bush is not).

But, IMHO, the tune would be fitting anyway. Bush's ego seems to match Napoleon's in size. The only difference being that Napoleon had much justification for his.

[otohara]

5. 31% Of Our Fellow American's

continue to be in deep denial.

[AlinPA]

9. I think the 31% are the evangelical-fundamentalist- bible thumping-creationist-

flag waving-hate mongering 'murcans who believe that Gawd-uh has appointed Bush** as the president of the Yew-Nighted States of 'Murca. (Praise Gawd-uh)

[lebkuchen]

15. your view is supported by a social psychologist and researcher of U of Manitoba

as quoted in John Dean's book "Conservatives without Conscience." Bob Altemeyer's study was called "The Authoritarian Spector" http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/ALTAUT.html

Some traits of the RW authoritarians mentioned in the study (listed in Dean's book):

-travel in tight circles of like-minded people

-thinking is more likely based on what authorities have told them rather than on their own critical judgment, which results in their beliefs being filled with unconsistencies

-harbor numerous double standards and hypocrisies

-are hostile toward so many minorities they seem to be equal-opportunity bigots, yet they are generlly unaware of their prejudices

-see the world as a dangerous place, with society teetering on the brink of self-destruction from evil and violence, and when their fear conflates with their self-righteousness, they appoint themselves guardians of public morality, or God's Designated Hitters

-think of themselves as far more moral and upstanding than others--a self-deception aided by their religiosity (many are "born again") and their ability to "evaporate guilt" (such as by going to confession)

[Beetwasher]

10. At This Point It's A Mental Illness

I'm not joking.

[Doctor_J]

12. Damn small doubt about that

1/3 of the populace is deeply disturbed.

[Jack Rabbit]

6. Why does anybody approve of the job is doing?

Maybe if one is a war profiteer, one would still think Bush is doing a great job. But 31% of the American people are not war profiteers.

[Doctor_J]

13. They listen to hate radio and watch Fox "News"

and think that we're losing because a left-wing San Francisco grandmother is secetly sending food and bullets to Al Qaeda,

[lebkuchen]

14. Read Dean's book "Conservatives without Conscience"

According to the study Dean quotes, that 31% represents personality types known as "followers" in deep need of authoritarian leaders, and nothing will change their minds.