Just 33% believe that President Bush’s plan to temporarily increase troop strength in Iraq will succeed in terms of reducing violence in Baghdad. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey conducted on the two nights following the President’s State of the Union Address found that 62% disagree and say the surge is not likely to succeed. That figure included 31% who say the troop surge is Not At All Likely to succeed.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of Republican voters believe the surge is at least somewhat likely to work. Only 14% of Democrats share that optimism along with 23% of those who are not affiliated with either major political party.

Most Americans want to reduce the number of troops in Iraq while only 34% support the plan to send more troops. Americans have grown increasingly pessimistic in recent months concerning the situation in Iraq and the overall War on Terror.

While Iraq is the dominant issue in politics today, skepticism was also expressed over other initiatives mentioned in the State of the Union Address. Forty-two percent (42%) believe that it is at least somewhat likely that the U.S. will be able to reduce gasoline consumption by 20% over the next ten years. Fifty-three percent (53%) believe this goal is not likely to be achieved, including 14% who say it is not at all likely.

Voters are more evenly divided when it comes to the health insurance program outlined by the President. Forty-six percent (46%) say it is likely to be passed while 47% disagree.

Only 35% believe the President and Congress will agree on an immigration plan. Sixty percent (60%) disagree.

The President’s Job Approval has stabilized following the State-of-the-Union but remains low. The troop surge proposal also appears to be having a negative impact on Republican Presidential hopeful John McCain.

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