POLL ANALYSES

November 1, 2001

Eight of 10 Americans Support Ground War in Afghanistan

One in five is opposed; another one in five can be considered "reluctant warriors"

by David W. Moore

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- The latest Gallup polls shows that Americans favor the use of ground troops in Afghanistan by more than a four-to-one margin, 80% to 18%. However, the poll also shows that there are differences in shades of support, with about one-fifth of Americans who can be classified as "hawks," one-fifth as "reluctant warriors," and two-fifths as "willing supporters," in addition to the one-fifth who are "doves."

The poll was conducted Oct. 19-21 and asked respondents if they favored or opposed the use of ground troops in Afghanistan, one of the key strategies frequently enunciated by President George W. Bush and the country's military leaders. By a margin of 80% to 18%, Americans expressed support, while 2% were undecided. Among the supporters, however, more than a quarter -- or 22% among all adults -- can be classified as "reluctant warriors." These are supporters of the war who said they would not have supported military action in Afghanistan had the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks not occurred, and in general they feel that military forces should be used only as a last resort.

Another 22% of respondents can be classified as "hawks" on the war -- people who favor the use of ground troops, and also indicate that they would have supported military action in Afghanistan even if the terrorist attacks had not occurred. They also say that in general the United States should use military action as readily as diplomatic and economic pressure in its pursuit of foreign policy goals.

Almost one-half of the supporters, or 39% of all Americans, can be considered "willing supporters," people who support the war but do not necessarily fit either classification as a "hawk" or "reluctant warrior." And, finally, there are the "doves" -- the 18% who oppose the ground war altogether.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2001