For all the complaints about attack ads, the quality of the campaign, and 527 groups, the American people have come to see a clear difference between the major candidates on the most important issue of Election 2004.
Fifty-two percent (52%) of Americans say that the War with Iraq is part of the broader War on Terror. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 41% take the opposite view and believe that it is a diversion from the Terror War.
A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 92% of Americans say they are following news about the situation in Iraq either very closely or somewhat closely. Forty-five percent (45%) of Americans say that, in the long run, our mission in Iraq will be considered a success.
Forty-nine percent (49%) of Americans now believe the U.S. is safer than it was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That's up six-points from mid-July and up thirteen-points improvement since our sovereignty was transferred to Iraq.
Most Americans (53%) discuss the War in Iraq with family, friends, and co-workers at least once a week. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 28% discuss the War occasionally while only 17% rarely or never bring up the subject.
In the War on Terror, most Americans (56%) believe that the United Nations is somewhere between an enemy and an ally.
Forty-seven percent (47%) of American voters believe that, in the interests of co-operation, America's allies should "do what the United States wants more often."
Fifty-one percent (51%) of American voters say that making sure Iraq becomes "a peaceful nation enjoying freedom and democracy" is more important than bringing home American soldiers right away.
Forty-three percent (43%) of Americans now believe the U.S. is safer than it was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That's a seven-point improvement since our late-June survey. The earlier Rasmussen Reports survey was conducted on the two nights following the formal transfer of sovereignty to Iraq.
Just 17% of voters believe the U.S. would be safer today if we had avoided the War with Iraq and left Saddam Hussein in power. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that 47% take the opposite view and say that such a strategy would have made life in the U.S. more dangerous.
Following the transfer of sovereignty on Monday morning, 41% of American voters say it is somewhat or very likely that Iraq will become a peaceful nation enjoying the benefits of freedom and democracy.
Thirty-five percent (35%) of Americans think that, over the past couple of weeks, things have gotten better in Iraq. A Rasmussen Reports survey found, however, that 43% believe that the situation has headed in the opposite direction.
Thirty-eight percent (38%) of voters now favor sending more troops to Iraq on a temporary basis while 48% are opposed. These results are similar to those found at the end of May.
Forty-two percent (42%) of American voters say that, in the long run, the U.S. mission in Iraq will be judged a success. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that nearly as many, 39%, believe it will be viewed as a failure.
Forty-seven percent (47%) of America's voters expect the situation in Iraq to get worse during the coming months. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 28% expect things to get better.
Just 41% of American voters now say that Iraq is likely to "become a peaceful nation enjoying freedom and democracy." A Rasmussen Reports survey found that most voters (54%) say such a positive outcome is not very likely or not at all likely.
As for Senator Kerry, just 11% of voters believe he favors sending more troops to Iraq. Most voters (including a majority of Democrats), believe Kerry is opposed to sending more troops.
President Bush's Press Conference had a modestly positive impact on public perceptions in Iraq.
On the two nights following the Press Conference, 46% say the U.S. is safer today than it was before 9/11. Just 39% disagree.
Forty-eight percent (48%) of American voters believe that our nation's best days remain in the future.
