For First Time-More TROOPS DISAPPROVE Of Bush Handling Of War (Military Times Poll)

[kpete]

More troops unhappy with Bush's course in Iraq, poll finds
Updated 12/29/2006
By Robert Hodierne,
Military Times

WASHINGTON — The American military, once a staunch supporter of President Bush and the Iraq war, has grown increasingly pessimistic about chances for victory.

For the first time, more troops disapprove of the president's handling of the war than approve of it, according to the 2006 Military Times Poll.

When the military was feeling most optimistic about the war — in 2004 — 83% of poll respondents thought success in Iraq was likely. This year, that number has shrunk to 50%.

Only 35% of the military members polled this year said they approve of the way Bush is handling the war, and 42% said they disapprove. While approval of the president's war leadership has slumped, his overall approval remains high among the military.


more at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2006-12-29-poll-iraq_x.htm?csp=34

[renate]

1. how can 33% of the MILITARY have no opinion?

I suppose those 33% must feel duty-bound to not oppose the C-in-C; either that or they're afraid to say what they really think while they're still in uniform.

I also wonder what proportion of the 35% who say they approve are also thinking that way and aren't talking about how they really feel.

[blm]

5. Fear of retaliation. Same reason Ford held his tongue

and wouldn't let his actual beliefs be told until he died - THAT is desperate fear.

[babylonsister]

2. Nom-worthy! nt

[Straight Shooter]

3. I doubt seriously his overall approval remains high.

Many members of the military tend to maintain the attitude that one must present an appearance of support, regardless of their own personal feelings.

Also, being exposed to right wing mouthpieces like Rush and Fox tends to skew the information which they receive.

[ThoughtCriminal]

7. By "High" - they mean 52%

"Approval for Bush's overall performance as president remains high, at 52%. That's down from his high of 71% in 2004, but still far above the approval ratings of the general population, where that number has fallen into the 30s."

However it should also be noted that since the poll is restricted to Military Times subscribers.

"The results are not representative of the military as a whole. The survey's respondents, 945 this year, are on average older, more experienced, more likely to be officers and more career-oriented than the overall military population."

In a poll that was more representative of the entire military, Bush is almost certainly below 50%.

[progressoid]

4. Why do the troops hate the troops...err...freedom...um, I mean the president?

Dang its tough to keep all of those things straight. Rush, Sean and Bill are all on vacation & I'm lost without them.

[Qanisqineq]

6. 100% disapproval from all the soldiers we know (n/t)

[muntrv]

8. Force feeding limpballs on armed forces radio ain't workin'. Time to

broadcast Ed Schultz.

[WiseButAngrySara]

9. k(pete)nr. ....n/t