Majority of Americans Doubt Bush's WMD Claims : WP Poll

[Manix]

<snip>


Most Americans believe President Bush either lied or deliberately exaggerated evidence that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction in order to justify war, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

The survey results, which also show declining support for the war in Iraq and for Bush's leadership in general, indicate the public is increasingly questioning the president's truthfulness -- a concern for Bush's political advisers as his reelection bid gets underway.


<snip>


These doubts have affected Bush's reelection prospects. In a head-to-head matchup, Kerry beat Bush, 52 percent to 43 percent, among registered voters polled by the Post. Bush had more passionate support -- 85 percent of his backers said their support was strong while 62 percent of Kerry supporters said so -- and retains an advantage over Kerry in dealing with Iraq and the war on terrorism. But the Democrat was seen as better able to handle the economy and jobs, education and health care -- all top issues with voters this year.

The survey found a steep drop in public perceptions of Bush as a president and as an individual. In a sign that Bush has been set back by recent controversies over Iraqi weapons, his National Guard record and the federal budget, the number of Americans viewing him as a "strong leader" has slipped to 61 percent, down 6 points from December and the lowest level since the 2001 terrorist attacks.



Washington Post

[joeybee12]

1. Good news, except the 61% who think he's a strong leader--what the

f**k are these people smoking????

[Arugula Latte]

4. Hitler and Mussolini and Pol Pot were strong leaders, as well

"Strong leader" doesn't equal "good leader" in my book!

[boobooday]

2. How come all the elderly unitarian ladies

and Vietnam vets and moms and dads and kids who were protesting alongside me throughout the war knew there were no WMDs, but Bush didn't?

God help us from the media -- it's all their fault. Are they trying to wake up before it's too late?

http://www.wgoeshome.com

Jeanette

[wellst0nev0ter]

3. And The Last Horse Crosses The Finish Line

Seriously, the Washington Post poll has consistently been slanted in Bush's favor over the past three years.

[Jacobin]

5. WP was also High Behind the invasion of Iraq

they could barely contain their excitement.

[Ilsa]

6. I am amazed that out of the 52% that think Bush at least exaggerrated,

21% think he outright lied about WMD and the reason for war. This is a great start, with about 31% giving him some benefit of the doubt, but saying he exaggerrated. We need more facts to arise and smack Bush down.