December 18, 1998
POLLS SHOW MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SUPPORT STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ
(Also show confidence in Clinton's handling of situation)
Washington -- A strong majority of the American people support President Clinton's decision to order missile strikes against Iraq, according to several major public opinion surveys.
A survey of adults taken by the Gallup Organization in conjunction with CNN and USA Today indicated a 74 percent approval rating for the joint U.S.-British attack, with 76 percent having confidence in the President's ability to handle the situation. Sixty-two percent said they believed the sole reason Clinton ordered the strikes was because he felt it was in the best interests of the country.
Another survey, this one by ABC News/Washington Post, showed a 73 percent approval rating. The poll noted that Clinton said he ordered the strikes to prevent Iraq from having time to prepare and to avoid bombing during Ramadan, and 60 percent said these were good enough reasons for the attacks. Only 41 percent, however, thought the attacks will accomplish to goal of limiting Iraq's ability to produce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
A CBS News/New York Times poll had a 79 percent approval rating, and 75 percent said Clinton explained the situation enough for an understanding of why the United States is attacking Iraq. Asked if getting Saddam Hussein to comply with U.N. inspectors is worth the potential loss of American lives, 62 percent said yes. Sixty-three percent of those surveyed also said the United States should continue the strikes until Saddam Hussein is removed from office, while 27 percent said they should continue only until the Iraqi leader cooperates.
In an NBC News survey, 75 percent of respondents said they approve of the president's decision to order military strikes.
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