Newsweek Poll: The Lone Ranger (ISG 65% Concur - Bush Approval 32%)

[Mark E. Smith]

In a new NEWSWEEK poll, Americans say they back the Baker-Hamilton report and
want President Bush to alter course in Iraq

Dec. 9, 2006 - Consensus. That was the watchword for Jim Baker and Lee Hamilton,
co-chairmen of the Iraq Study Group, as they unveiled the panel's long-awaited
report. Like a pair of politically ecumenical Siamese twins, they trudged around
Washington chanting their mantra: "We believe that a constructive solution requires
that a new political consensus be built, a new consensus...at home and a new
consensus abroad. And it is in that spirit that we have approached our study group's
task on a bipartisan basis," said Baker. We "hope very much that in moving forward
others will wish to continue to broaden and deepen the bipartisan spirit that has
helped us come together."

Mission accomplished. According to the new NEWSWEEK poll, Americans back the
ISG's recommendations by a two-to-one margin. In interviews with 1,000 adults done
Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, 39 percent of Americans said they generally agree with the group's
79 recommendations, while 20 percent said they disagree. (Twenty-six percent said,
in effect, "Report, what report?")

What is the new consensus? Nearly two out of three Americans (65 percent) concur
with the Iraq Study group that the U.S. should threaten to reduce economic and
military aid to the Baghdad government unless it meets benchmarks for security and
development. Fifty-seven percent believe Washington should reach out to its
adversaries Iran and Syria in an effort to stabilize Iraq. And 61 percent believe
Washington should launch a new and sustained effort to end the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.

(Bush approval at the end of the article.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16122983/site/newsweek/

Just for once I'd like to see a poll ask the question about the cause of this war. My
bet is "oil" would win in a walk. You know, in the spirit of candor and bipartisanship.

[bread_and_roses]

1. No questions to the public on the OIL PRIVITIZATION, eh?

Let's not mention the salient point that reinforces that the war is and always was about oil.

[fujiyama]

2. I think

there's a good chance Bush's approval ratings could be under 30% by the end of the year.

[aquart]

3. We back it because it's the only alternative presented.

The report is worthless crap and completely useless for the current state of Iraq.