Americans who oppose U.S. military action in Syria are most likely to explain their position by saying that the events in Syria are none of the United States’ business, that the U.S. does not need to be involved in another war, or that the action is not well thought out, […] Read more »
Obama may want Americans to support strikes on Syria, but can he do anything about it?
Presidential persuasion is way overrated. … Obama, who stunningly reversed course earlier this month in deciding to put the resolution up for congressional approval, is doing everything within his power to bend the country to his will. But the truth — both of his term and of the modern presidency […] Read more »
Obama’s push for a Syria strike depends on many factors other than presidential eloquence
The story line for this coming week is set: President Obama, facing a critical test of strength, will go before the nation to try to rally public opinion and persuade a reluctant Congress to give him the authority to launch military strikes against Syria. … But this narrative, of a […] Read more »
In foreign affairs, Americans are less receptive to moral arguments
… While the data from different surveys taken at different times varies, Americans generally are less willing to support foreign policies on moral or humanitarian grounds than when they are cast as directly benefiting the United States or its allies. [cont.] Drew DeSilver, Pew Read more »
Nothing New About Partisan Votes On Military Action
With so many Republicans apparently committed to voting against a military strike against Syria, the Obama Administration will be forced to rely on Democrats, including liberals, to win the vote in Congress. From an ideological perspective it looks odd, but members of Congress lining up to support the president of […] Read more »
U.S. Support for Action in Syria Is Low vs. Past Conflicts
Americans’ support for the United States’ taking military action against the Syrian government for its suspected use of chemical weapons is on track to be among the lowest for any intervention Gallup has asked about in the last 20 years. Thirty-six percent of Americans favor the U.S. taking military action […] Read more »