The War in Iraq has reached a new all-time high. If this statistic was referring to approval ratings for the war then this would be a positive statistic, but in actuality it refers to the percentage of Americans who feel that the war was a mistake. To be exact, according to gallup.com, 63% of Americans feel the war was not worthwhile. This is two percentage points higher than the 61% reached during the highly unpopular Vietnam War.
With data like this in mind, the candidates must be careful when addressing their plans for handling the war. Obama, who has plans for withdrawal will have an apparent advantage on this issue.
Obama's strategy in regards to the Iraq war is to have a "responsible and phased withdrawal" (barackobama.com). He plans to begin withdrawing troops at a rate of approximately one to two brigades per month. This pace for a withdrawal would take about sixteen months. Obama and Biden also plan to leave a "residual force" in the area to be used in combating terrorism as well as protecting Americans in the region.
As the poll discussed above highlights, Obama's plan for handling the Iraq War will sit far better with the majority of voters than McCain's. McCain's strategy for the war revolves around his belief that it is absolutely "strategically and morally essential" for the United States to succeed in Iraq. In stark contrast with the opinion of the American people, McCain feels that the road we are on in Iraq is the "right road" and that the war is "necessary and just" (johnmccain.com).
It seems undeniable that McCain will have some difficulty gaining public support for his strategy considering how adamantly the people of America oppose this war. Since his policy seems so out of touch regarding the voice of the people, it magnifies how Obama's strategy is exactly what the voters are asking for. With policies that are far more favorable to the large number of people against the war, it is apparent that on election day, Obama, in regard to the Iraq War, will have the upper hand.
Sources:
Gallup, "Opposition to Iraq War Reaches New High", April 24, 2008, http://www.gallup.com/poll/106783/Opposition-Iraq-War-Reaches-New-High.aspx
johnmccain.com
barackobama.com
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2 comments:
I think the Iraq War situation is just one example of just how bad McCain will be for the American people as a president. I mean, how can someone want to continue a war that is so unpopular? And to believe that the war is "necessary and just"? How can he countenance that with the daily deaths of American soldiers and Iraqi citizens, and the irrevocable split between the Shiite and the Sunni? I don't see any success in Iraq - but then, I'm not McCain. Who knows what's going on in that man's head?
McCain has more military experience and foreign policy experience than all of us and Obama. Violence in Iraq is at an all time low. Just because people don't agree with McCain doesn't mean he doesn't know what he is doing. I don't necessarily agree with all of McCain's war views, but I know he knows more than me and Obama will ever know. Your point also shows reinforces the rhetoric McCain is playing that Obama would rather win an election than a war and that he is simply playing to the ears of his audience, the citizens.
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