In fact, Americans are far less approving of President Obama’s handling of the situation in Afghanistan than they have been in recent months, with 35% currently approving, down from 49% in September and 56% in July.
“The decline in Obama’s approval rating on Afghanistan is evident among all party groups, with double-digit decreases since September among Republicans (17 points), independents (16 points), and Democrats (10 points).”
Tuesday, Mr. Obama outlined his new strategy for the war in Afghanistan in a nationally televised address which includes an increase of 34,000 U.S. troops — a number slightly less than the 40,000 troops requested by Gen. Stan McChrystal.
The president’s policy came after months of meetings his military and foreign policy advisers, drawing some criticism for the delay in formulating a new strategy.
President Obama’s tanking approval rating on Afghanistan is evident among all party groups, with double-digit decreases since September among Republicans (17 points), independents (16 points), and Democrats (10 points).
But, the skepticism on Afghanistan isn’t unique to the American public.
“I see no good reason for us to send another 30,000 or more troops to Afghanistan when we have so many pressing issues – like our economy – to deal with in this country,” said Representative Louise Slaughter, Democrat of New York and chairwoman of the Rules Committee.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a noncommittal statement on the speech, saying “the American people and the Congress will now have an opportunity to fully examine this strategy.”
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Christine Macdonald
Steve Katz
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