Nine-out-of-ten Americans have read, seen, or heard news stories about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Half of all voters (48%) believe that such abuses represent an isolated event. However, 29% believe such practices are fairly widespread.

The survey also found that 62% of Americans believe that Iraqis today are better off than they were when Saddam Hussein was in charge. However, 17% disagree with that assessment.

Republicans, by a 65% to 17% margin, believe the horrible treatment represented an isolated event.

Democrats are evenly divided--37% believe the abuse represented an isolated event while 38% think that such events are fairly widespread.

Among those not affiliated with either major party, 43% say isolated event while 33% say the practices are fairly widespread.

Following the reports of prisoner abuse, public preference for Bush over Kerry on national defense issues has reached its lowest level of the year.