Harris Poll Asks Americans Then/Now Thoughts on Iraq

Harris Interactive recently released the results of a poll conducted regarding the sentiments now on the War in Iraq versus the feelings about it at its inception. In the beginning of the war, poll results (September 2003) indicated that more than half of Americans (55%) believed that taking military action in Iraq was the right thing to do compared to roughly one third believing it the wrong thing.

Asked the same question at this point in time and only 46 percent say it was right while 39% say it was wrong. And....the most current poll yet, shows only 35 percent saying it was right, while 46% say it was wrong. The results have done a complete turnaround from the beginning of the war until now due to the increasing impatience and public disapproval of the war in Iraq. These results are from a Harris Poll online survey of 2,694 adults who completed an online survey between August 3 rd and 13th, 2007 by Harris Interactive ®.

The online survey included the responses to the following questions and compiles the results over time as well. Below is a brief summary of the results:

--Consider all that has happened: Military action the right thing or the wrong thing?

Right Thing? Then.....55% Now......35%

Wrong Thing? Then....32% Now.....46%

Not sure? Then.....13% Now....20%

--At the time that it began: Military action being taken...was it wrong or right?

Right Thing? 46%

Wrong Thing? 39%

Not sure? 15%

--Is it getting better or worse for the troops in Iraq?

Better? Then....24% Now....20%

Worse? Then....36% Now....42%

No change? Then....31% Now....30%

Not sure? Then....8% Now....8%

--The level of U.S. Casualties: Acceptable or not?

Unfortunate, but acceptable? Then....51% Now....33%

Unacceptable? Then....43% Now....60%

Not sure? Then....6% Now....7%

--Should U.S. Troops stay in Iraq....

Whether they are wanted there or not? Then...45% Now....23%

Only if most want them to stay? Then....31% Now....21%

Neither/they should leave now. Then....12% Now....42%

Not sure? Then....12% Now....14%