Most Oppose Terror Probe, with Sharp Partisan Rift
EmailMost Americans now oppose an Obama administration investigation into the treatment of terrorism suspects during the Bush presidency, with an increasing partisan rift – a cautionary note for the probe Attorney General Eric Holder’s said to be considering.
Fifty-four percent in the most recent ABC News/Washington Post poll oppose such an investigation, up from 47 percent in April, with a 13-point boost in opposition from Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Seventy-nine percent in that group oppose the idea, now surpassing its support among leaned Democrats, 63 percent.
Investigate treatment of terrorism suspects? Yes-No Now AprilAll 44-54% 51-47%Leaned Dems 63-35 66-32Leaned Reps 19-79 32-66
Holder was reported earlier this month to be considering whether to appoint a special prosecutor to review the Bush administration’s policy on interrogating suspected terrorists; some other administration officials are said to oppose it, citing its divisive nature. ABC’s Senior Justice Correspondent, Pierre Thomas, has an exclusive interview with the attorney general today, airing on ABC’s World News and Nightline tonight and tomorrow’s Good Morning America.
While most now oppose an investigation of the treatment of terrorism suspects, the numbers are reversed on another sort of inquiry – into the question of whether the CIA withheld required information from Congress during the Bush years; 54 percent favor an examination of that issue, with 43 percent opposed. This gets substantially more support from leaned Republicans, 32 percent, than does a torture investigation, 19 percent; it also does a bit better with Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, with 70 percent in favor.
Investigate CIA disclosure to Congress? Yes-NoAll 54-43%Leaned Dems 70-27Leaned Reps 32-67
The nature of the two proposals could be at play – an Obama administration investigation of Bush administration policies may sound more overtly partisan; an investigation of the CIA’s truthfulness with Congress, less so. Certainly, on both questions – especially the former – partisan preferences are by far the strongest predictor of public attitudes.
Click here for a PDF with the full questionnaire.
Santorum Clarifies Concerns on Women in Combat 
Gulf of Mexico to Become Gulf of America?
What? No huge TERRIFICALLY worked up bunch of Republican apologists wanting to say that Bush/Cheney were trying to re-do Nazism on American soil during THEIR Administration? Torture, shock and awe on a nation with ZERO weapons of mass destruction, and the needless, vile and evil MURDER of scads of innocent Iraqis and thousands of young American men and women military and all like that is nothing to Obama’s DEATH PANELS, eh? LMAO!!!!!
Posted by: Darrie | August 9, 2009, 11:52 pm 11:52 pm
I say everything should be done to save American lives. Bush and his administration should have done more. Oboma and the Democrats are stopping all the things that work because they don’t care about Americal Lives !!!!
Posted by: johnnybee | August 10, 2009, 4:57 am 4:57 am
Leave Healthcare alone. I am very satisfied with the current system.
Posted by: douglas o. | August 10, 2009, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
Read the bill first.
Posted by: douglas o. | August 10, 2009, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
I agree that the cost medical care system is out of control, but I’m concerned that those who are profiting from this are the same ones behind the proposed reforms. I’m also concerned that congress may exempt themselves and other federal employees may be exempt from a national program. I think rather than looking at Canada for a model, they should look at Germany.
Posted by: alanbe | August 10, 2009, 11:34 pm 11:34 pm
The problem with “Chicago Style Politics” of Obama administration is that the Constitution is a piece of paper that they may have read once in high school.
Their responsibility under that document is to protect and defend this country not disregard this country to make friends in other parts of the world.
The Constitution allows us the right, and the duty to have a government that provides us with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It does not mean giving our funds, education, ideas and country away to political hacks and those who only voted for this misguided group of Socialists.
They cannot tells where the money is, but they can tell us that those groups that have taken an oath to protect this land from internal and external enemies (ie. the US Military members and Veterans) are internal terrorists to be watched because we have been in a position to lay down our lives for a country that believed in the ideals that this country once had.
Protect American lives at all costs and defend this country no matter what it takes.
Posted by: William Merrell | August 11, 2009, 8:37 am 8:37 am
I am appalled at the negativism regarding the Obama administration’s attempt at health care reform. Before the election, the whole country was screaming for a reform…too many people not insured were draining our resources and costing too much tax payers money…. and for those who had insurance, it was becoming difficult to find the care – the family physicians were not able to keep up their practices due to poor reimbursements and high malpractice insurance. Only the insurance companies were profiting and profiting big time.
We desperately needed reform. So we elect one of the most brilliant men to lead us on to find the solution. All elected officials should be united in trying to form a good plan. But what is happening? We see hoards of people wildly protesting at Town Meetings – yelling about “the Health Care Bill”, which in reality does not yet exist…only several different rough drafts. I can somewhat understand the anxiety of these protestors because of what they have been told by special interest groups, and sorry to say – by Republican officials who can only think of one thing..saving their seats and regaining the majority. Their hatred of Obama can not be covered up any longer. Their lies betray them. They should be embarrassed. They are depriving our country of a solution to the problem we have been crying about – health care available and affordable. Hopefully, in spite of their ugly attacks, a bill will be passed. Hopefully, when they and their children are beneficiaries of this bill, they will regret that they bought into such evil propaganda. I do have faith in the good will of the citizens of our country; they will eventually see through the smoke-screen of deceptiveness and support true Health Care Reform.
Posted by: Ann-Marie Remillard | August 11, 2009, 10:00 am 10:00 am
“ABC News and the Washington Post recently asked 1,001 adults around the country for their views on investigating the treatment of terrorism suspects.”
One thousand people out of a country of over three hundred million does not equate to a “majority opinion” by any stretch of the imagination. This is just another game of smoke and mirriors played out by the liberal media to try and justify their point of view.
And for the record: Terrorists are criminals, they are not patriots, are not soliders and are NOT entitled to the protections of our laws. If I had any say in the matter, they would be summarily executed for carrying out acts of terror.
Oh and Darrie, the last time I checked the chemical weapons Sadam used against the Kurds in Halabja are considered WMDs.
Posted by: George | August 11, 2009, 10:29 am 10:29 am
The key words that are being over looked are terrorist “suspects”, of which anyone in this country could be deemed that because they disagree with policy and corruption in the corrupt.
What does it say about this country to pick up anyone, torture them for years, and not be held accountable. This country can’t move forward until justice is served against those criminals performing and enabling torture providers.
If Obama doesn’t allow justice to be served on the previous administration he will be gone after his first term…people want reckoning.
Posted by: Brett Jameson | August 11, 2009, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
The citizens of the US should wise up, because your say on any issues out there makes no difference. In less than 20 years this country will be just another Muslim nation like those in the Middle East. At their present rate of growth, and our lack of growth, they will become the voting majority, then what are you going to do? They most likely will tell you to convert or die. I’m 69, and most likely will not be alive to see it, but I feel sorry for the younger generation, including my children (8 alive) grand children (24) and great grand children (4). May GOD BLESS you all.
Posted by: USN,Ret in PA | August 11, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
Obama’s vicious attack on the citizens of this country who do not agree with his Socialistic ways is unprecedented in the history of this country. The leadership of this country is not unlike that of many Third World Nations. While there is room for improvement on the Healthcare front, like TORT Reform, we have some of the best healthcare in the world. Any changes should be carefully considered, bipartisan, and have a substantail approval by the vast majority of citizens. Obama is appearing, more and more every day, to be a Fraud, in that he has totally ignored his campaign promise of transparecy. I find it very interesting that in the small communities, in my area, many Democrats are also quite outspoken at local meetings, and many are turning out at TEA parties. Most in Washington, especially Obama, Ried, and Pelosi, have lost sight of what Lincoln said regarding a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Say NO to Obamacare!
Posted by: Randy | August 11, 2009, 2:28 pm 2:28 pm
One comment to all who want to sit back and call Obama names. Educate yourself. Don’t depend on the cable network especially FOX, who has been attacking Obama since he hit the scene. They have lied repeatedly. Just look up the information. It’s everywhere. Get your own study going. They people who are yelling are not allowing others to get answers. If their minds are made up why are they showing up at town hall meeting? To shout down the people who are asking and those answering question. The bills are not even finished. Here’s a thought, if you don’t want the government involved in your life, give up your Medicaid, Medicare and all of your rights as a citizen for a few days and see how that works for you. Obama is trying his best to give the power of this government back to the people by allowing the congress and senate to handle the bills. Speak to your congress and senate people, hold them accountable for speaking for you. They have failed us, not the Obama administration.
Posted by: Cindi | August 12, 2009, 11:51 am 11:51 am
Cindi,
How do you feel about a staged Presidential town hall exploiting the young daughter of a major Obama supporter
for imagery while labeling organic protests as mobs and astro-turf?
Posted by: pauldia | August 12, 2009, 9:16 pm 9:16 pm
this started years ago, with politicians wanting to stay in power and get votes.
illegal aliens and their illegal anchor babies.
close the damn border, stop paying our tax dollars to illegals with their gangs and drive-by shootings.
also, welfare mothers who have about 3 or 4 kids from different fathers.
well, who am i to judge, who the hell am i not to judge.
one term and those politicians get life time medical, and life time pay check.
let them pay for everything.
remember the U.S. Constitution is for Americans, not every illegal criminal who crosses our borders.
Posted by: j.fossum | August 12, 2009, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
Where is Cindy Sherman and the anti war people?
I guess they really didn’t care about dead soldiers.
Perhaps they just wanted to say shrill hatefull things about Bush.
Could it be?
Does Obamas build up in Afghanistan not offend these shrill angry people?
Posted by: Joe Pepe NYC | August 14, 2009, 6:28 pm 6:28 pm
I am sure those of us that have good healthcare (me included) do not want the system to change. Nor do the insurance companies, which are profitting so hansomely and constribute millions to our elected official’s re-election campaigns. But the fact is that SOMETHING has to be done. Healthcare costs aren’t necessarily increasing. Its the value of the dollar that is decreasing due to the incompetence & lack of discipline of our elected officials (Republican and Democrats) and this Federal Reserve system we have. It is not the role of government to provide healthcare. However, our government needs to regulate our insurance companies so that they do not drop AMERICANS from their policies because they become sick and do not exclude AMERICANS that have pre-existing conditions. I believe this is a good compromise for all of us Americans and lets the government get back to the business of governing, not seeking business ventures.
Posted by: Horacio | August 29, 2009, 7:42 am 7:42 am