These poll results suggest that, apart from the irresponsibility of their position on the merits, the Democrats' defeatist approach to Iraq may not be a winning political strategy. In fact, the Dems' approach may be a dubious political strategy precisely because of its weakness on the merits.

According to the survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, 57 percent of Americans say “The Iraq War is a key part of the global war on terrorism.” 57 percent also “support finishing the job in Iraq, that is, keeping the troops there until the Iraqi government can maintain control and provide security for its people."

Moreover, 56 percent believe that “Even if they have concerns about his war policies, Americans should stand behind the President in Iraq because we are at war.” And 53 percent believe “The Democrats are going too far, too fast in pressing the President to withdraw the troops from Iraq.”

In the same poll, 60 percent predict that Iraq probably will never be a stable democracy and 60 percent disapprove of the job President Bush is doing. Yet, unlike most Democrats, they are willing and able to distinguish between these issues and the matter of what we should do going forward in Iraq.

Via Outside the Beltway

JOHN adds: These poll data are consistent with the Investors Business Daily poll I commented on here.

To comment on this post, go here, where Forum participant Arthur Plang is carrying on a furious defense of the Democrats--who, he says, are "underplaying their hand."

Posted by Paul at 04:42 PM  |    |