2007-03-25-皮尤-Solid_Majority_Favors_Congressional_Troop_Deadline_13页_55kb

The press release summarizes public opinion on Iraq from a Pew Research Center survey conducted in March 2007.

Key Findings:

1. Iraq Withdrawal Deadline: A solid majority (59%) of Americans wanted their representatives to support a bill for complete withdrawal of U.S. forces by August 2008. Democrats were largely unified (77%) in support, while most Republicans opposed it (59%).
2. Partisan Divides: Opinions were strongly divided along partisan lines. Democrats consistently viewed the troop surge negatively, with low approval (27-44%) and skepticism about its long-term benefits (36-68% believe it will help eventually). Republicans generally believed the surge was already helping (53%) and would have positive long-term effects (68%).
3. Congressional Performance and Influence: Views of Congress's handling of Iraq were generally poor (73% rated it only fair or poor), with criticism not limited to Democrats. Most Democrats (56%) felt Congress needed "a lot of influence" over Iraq policy and believed Democratic leaders hadn't gone far enough in challenging President Bush.
4. Surge Effectiveness: Opinions on whether the surge was improving the situation, would improve it long-term, or had no effect were deeply divided.

Impact Assessment of Surge:

• So far: Making things better (27%), Not having any effect (44%), Making things worse (19%) - Highly partisan.
• Long-term: Will make things better (36%), Won't have any effect (33%), Will make things worse (22%) - Also highly partisan. Democrats were significantly more pessimistic both short-term and long-term compared to Republicans.

5. Congress's Role: Congress was seen as doing only a fair (19%) or poor job (35%) with Iraq policy. Most Republicans (>50%) believed Democratic leaders were going "too far" in challenging Bush. Most Republicans (51%) wanted "some" but few "a lot" of influence for Congress.

6. U.S. Attorneys Firings: Public attention and reaction to the firings were minimal compared to other issues like Iraq and Walter Reed. Opinions were split, but notably partisan among those highly engaged with the story (Republicans favored Gonzales resigning by 81% to 11%, engaged Democrats liked it by 66% to 21%).

Conclusion:

• This survey shows resurgent support for a 2008 withdrawal deadline, particularly from Democrats, contrasted with continued Republican belief in the surge's success. There is bipartisan criticism of Congress, but differing views on the appropriate level of its influence. The U.S. Attorney firings drew limited public response. Overall, public opinion on Iraq was deeply polarized along partisan lines.