Iraq opinion poll
Interesting.
Gallup groups these answers, curiously, into four categories:
But why are "stay the course" and "finish what we started" lumped in with "build up a military presence" and not in with the gradual withdrawl category? Perhaps because it helps support Gallup's analysis that Americans are evenly split on what to do in Iraq. "Stay the course" really is a terrible bit of rhetoric. I've always prefered "As the Iraqis stand up, we'll stand down." It's more concrete, states what that "course" actually means, avoids setting an arbitrary deadline, and implies both the responsibility borne by the Iraqis as well as our confidence that they're up to the job.
"Stay the course" is so freakin' vague, it allows organizations like Gallup to interpret it to mean permanent military presence. I don't know anyone who wants that, Iraqi or American.
What do you think the United States should do next in regard to Iraq? (OPEN-ENDED)
Pull the troops out and come home 31
Stay the course/Doing a good job 16
Train Iraqis to run own country 15
Be aggressive/Finish what we started 13
Come up with an exit strategy 10
Make a gradual withdrawal 8
Send more troops/Build up military presence 2
Work with advisers/Act on advice 2
Work with the United Nations 2
Admit we made a mistake/Apologize and move forward 2
Keep the public informed/Explain what is going on 1
Other 4
No opinion 8
Gallup groups these answers, curiously, into four categories:
1. Gradual Withdrawal: 31%
- Train Iraqis to run own country
- Come up with an exit strategy
- Make a gradual withdrawal
2. Immediate Withdrawal: 31%
- Pull the troops out and come home
3. Stay the Course: 30%
- Stay the course/Doing a good job
- Be aggressive/Finish what we started
- Send more troops/Build up military presence
4. Other: 7%
But why are "stay the course" and "finish what we started" lumped in with "build up a military presence" and not in with the gradual withdrawl category? Perhaps because it helps support Gallup's analysis that Americans are evenly split on what to do in Iraq. "Stay the course" really is a terrible bit of rhetoric. I've always prefered "As the Iraqis stand up, we'll stand down." It's more concrete, states what that "course" actually means, avoids setting an arbitrary deadline, and implies both the responsibility borne by the Iraqis as well as our confidence that they're up to the job.
"Stay the course" is so freakin' vague, it allows organizations like Gallup to interpret it to mean permanent military presence. I don't know anyone who wants that, Iraqi or American.