Public Opinion on War and Terror: Manipulated or Manipulating?

Leaders, elites, and the media may put ideas on the shelf, but that doesn’t mean people will buy them. And when they do, it may often be best to conclude that the message has struck a responsive chord rather than that the public has been manipulated. As people sort through […] Read more »

Greatest Threat: Democrats Say White Nationalism, Republicans Say China

Just a few weeks into taking control of the White House, the Biden administration faces a variety of threats. On the home front, President Joe Biden warned about domestic terrorism in his inaugural speech, including the rise of political extremism and white supremacy. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken identified […] Read more »

Most Americans credit Trump for Baghdadi death, but raid doesn’t shake negative ratings of president’s leadership

A majority of Americans say President Trump deserves credit for the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, although this past weekend’s successful raid has failed to improve ratings for Trump’s strength as a leader, a Washington Post-ABC News poll finds. CONT. Scott Clement & Emily Guskin, Washington Post Read more »

54% credit Trump for ISIS leader’s death but with broader doubts on Syria policy

A majority of Americans in a new ABC News/Washington Post poll give Donald Trump credit for the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but at a level that far lags credit for Barack Obama after the killing of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011. Fifty-four percent say Trump deserves […] Read more »

Will killing Al-Baghdadi give Trump a boost in the polls? Probably, but it won’t last

John A. Tures, LaGrange College After former Islamic State Group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a U.S military action, speculation began on whether or not President Donald Trump would get a boost in public opinion surveys as a result. My political science research with my students shows that […] Read more »

CNN Poll: Most Americans are concerned about Syria and think it’s likely ISIS will reemerge

Three-quarters of Americans are concerned about the situation in Syria and many see a reemergence of ISIS as likely following recent changes in US policy, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS. But the country is divided over how to proceed. Just over half (51%) think the US […] Read more »