Friday, October 22, 2004

Report: The Separate Realities of Bush and Kerry Supporters

The Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) recently reported [PDF document] the results of a series of polls they conducted with the help of Knowledge Networks. I found it to be a very interesting read. From the report's introduction:

Since shortly after the Iraq war PIPA has regularly asked Americans about their perceptions as to whether before the war Iraq had WMD and whether it provided substantial support to al Qaeda. To a striking extent, majorities have believed that Iraq did have WMD or at least a major program for developing them, and that Iraq was providing substantial support to al Qaeda. With the reports of David Kay, the 9/11 Commission, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and most recently Charles Duelfer all refuting these beliefs, they have only modestly diminished, and are still held by approximately half of the public.

PIPA has also asked American about their perceptions of world public opinion. Despite indications of widespread international criticism of the US war against Iraq, also reflected in various international polls, many Americans appear to be unaware of this opposition. Few Americans show awareness of the extent of criticism of President Bush and his foreign policy as reflected in international polls.

The report presents key findings (and analysis) regarding Bush and Kerry supporters in the following five areas:
  1. Iraq, WMD, and al Qaeda
  2. What the Bush Administration is Saying About Pre-War Iraq
  3. The Decision to Go to War
  4. World Public Opinion on the Iraq War and George Bush’s Reelection
  5. Candidates’ Foreign Policy Positions
Read the report for yourself here: http://www.pipa.org/OnlineReports/Pres_Election_04/Report10_21_04.pdf You could be very surprised. [Props to fellow madman LokiSpeak for sending me the link via IM.]

No comments: