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Bush, George W.

Bush Reclaims Advantage on Terrorism, But Fears Grow in Iraq and US-Led War Effort

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As concerns about the war on terrorism and the situation in Iraq intensify, President Bush has reclaimed the advantage over Democratic challenger John F. Kerry as the presidential candidate best able to deal with the international terrorist threat. A new Washington Post poll finds that 55 percent of Americans approve of Bush's handling of the campaign against terrorism, up 5 points in the past three weeks. In contrast, 51 percent of respondents trust Bush more than Kerry to deal with terrorism, while 42 percent prefer the Democrat.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bush's approval rating on terrorism has increased to 55 percent, a 5-point gain in the past three weeks.
  • 51 percent of Americans trust Bush more than Kerry to deal with terrorism, while 42 percent prefer the Democrat.
  • For the first time in Post polls this year, fewer than half of the country (46 percent) say the United States is winning the war on terrorism, down 8 points since April.
  • 38 percent of respondents say the United States is losing the terrorism fight, a new high in Post surveys and up 11 points since March.
  • A record high 53 percent of Americans say the war with Iraq was not worth fighting, while 45 percent believe it was worth it.
  • However, 53 percent of respondents believe the conflict with Iraq has contributed to the long-term security of the United States.

Statistics:

  • 55% of Americans approve of President Bush's handling of the campaign against terrorism.
  • 51% trust Bush more than Kerry to deal with terrorism.
  • 42% of respondents prefer Kerry to deal with terrorism.
  • 46% of Americans say the United States is winning the war on terrorism.
  • 38% of respondents say the United States is losing the terrorism fight.
  • 53% of Americans think the war with Iraq was not worth fighting.
  • 45% think the war with Iraq was worth fighting.
  • 53% of respondents believe the conflict with Iraq has contributed to the long-term security of the United States.

Sources:

  • "Bush Takes Back the Lead in Polls on Terrorism" by Robert S. Greenberger, The Washington Post, July 2004.
  • "Kerry-Edwards Ticket Seen as Unchanged by Most Voters" by Dan Balz and Claudia Deane, The Washington Post, July 2004.

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