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Americans Give Bush Failing Grade on Iraq
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States are disappointed with the way George W. Bush is handling the situation in Iraq, according to a poll by Canisius College. 52 per cent of respondents give their president a grade of D or F on the issue.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,081 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 15,500 troops have been injured.
On Nov. 16, U.S. vice-president Dick Cheney expressed dissatisfaction with recent criticism of the government's decision to go to war, saying, "Some of the most irresponsible comments have, of course, come from politicians who actually voted in favour of authorizing force against Saddam Hussein."
Yesterday, Democratic Pennsylvania congressman John Murtha—a Vietnam War veteran—introduced a bill seeking the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Iraq "at the earliest practicable date," adding, "Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. cannot accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It's time to bring them home." 51 per cent of respondents believe the Bush administration should announce a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops, while 41 per cent argue for the continuation of the coalition effort.
Polling Data
What grade, A, B, C, D or F would you give the Bush administration for its performance in the war in Iraq?
A | 11% |
B | 21% |
C | 14% |
D | 17% |
F | 35% |
Not sure | 1% |
President George W. Bush has said that the United States will stay in Iraq "as long as it takes." Do you agree with that, or do you think the administration should announce a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops?
As long as it takes | 41% |
Announce a timetable | 51% |
Not sure / Refused | 9% |
Source: Canisius College
Methodology: Interviews with 501 American adults, conducted from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2005. Margin of error is 4.4 per cent.