AP-Ipsos Poll: Political Leaders as MOST Important Problem has TRIPLED

[kpete]

Poll: Concerns Shift From Economy to War By WILL LESTER, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 41 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - Economic worries have decreased over the last six months as the American public has shifted its concern more to the war in Iraq and problems faced by political leaders, AP-Ipsos polling found.


The economy has been showing signs of strength in recent months. But the violence in Iraq has continued, before and after the latest round of elections in mid-December. And high-profile politicians in this country have been ensnared by scandal.

When people were asked in an open-ended question to name the nation's top problem, 25 percent named war, close to the level in October, but up from 19 percent in July. The number of people who named political leaders as the most important problem has almost tripled, from 5 percent in July to 14 percent as the new year starts.

"The war is a problem that fouls up what we need to do in the world," said Peter Palys, a lawyer from Wheaton, Ill. "My feelings about Iraq have solidified over the last six months. ... We can't stay; we can't leave, and we can't win. Our success or failure is not in our hands."

more at:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060116/ap_on_re_us/top_problems;_ylt=AsCGEYvhhksFQir.9RaqwVas0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--