Poll: Plurality Say Obama About Right On Approach To Iranian Reformers
A new Rasmussen poll suggests that the criticism of President Obama for not being tough enough on behalf of Iranian dissidents -- which has come mainly from the right -- is not the majority view among American likely voters, and is not even a full majority view among Republicans.
The question is pretty straightforward: "Has President Obama been too aggressive in supporting the reformers in Iran, not aggressive enough, or has his response been about right?"
The numbers: 43% about right, 35% not aggressive enough, and 9% too aggressive. The margin of error is ±3%.
From the pollster's analysis: "Democrats overwhelmingly view the president's response as about right while 49% of Republicans say he has not been aggressive enough. Voters not affiliated with either party are closely divided on the question."
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
I always wonder about the small minorities in these polls. For example, who are the 9% who think Obama has been "too aggressive"? He hasn't done anything other than say that he finds the violence "deeply troubling." How could anyone possibly think that's too aggressive?
June 19, 2009 11:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Those are people who haven't been following the issue closely and are just looking for the option that sounds worst for Obama.
June 19, 2009 11:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm thinking it's more a case of respondents ignoring the question and choosing the answer that best fits their conception of Obama. They conceive him as being "weak" and they pick the option that best fits that.
But yeah, there's definitely some of what you mentioned too.
June 19, 2009 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is not about "us." This is about the Iranians. As a free people, however, it is our duty to watch, to learn, and to record. After the tension is over, it will be our job to react.
Obama has sounded the perfect tone. Note that the complainers on the right are from the same group that wants Ahmedinejad as Iran's President (AIPAC, neocons), and, of course, the same group who got us into Iraq.
I'm praying for the demonstrators. However, this is in their, and God's/Allah's, hands.
June 19, 2009 11:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Should Obama support the Iranian opposition openly?
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=5561
.
June 19, 2009 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Republicans have such short memories. George W. Bush supported a coup in Venezuela in 2002. The coup leaders visited the White House in the months preceding the coup and Bush immediately recognized the new Venezuelan Government. Forty eight hours latter when the coup was crushed by the popular outpouring of the citizens of Venezuela. Bush was left sputtering unconvincingly that they had nothing to do with the coup.
Since that 2002 coup Chavez has been able to speak of American interference with some credibility. The US holds far less influence in South America as a result.
June 19, 2009 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Meanwhile, over at CNN, (the Comical News Network) Bill Bennett make this assinine remark:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/22/bennett-obamas-reaction-to-iran-very-disappointing-2/
This is the first poll I've seen that doesn't seem to include the "no opinion" demographic. Thank you.
June 22, 2009 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink