Iraq advice: Four in 10 would tell president ‘get out’

More than 1,000 Americans were asked: “If you could talk with President Bush for 15 minutes about the situation in Iraq, what would you, personally, advise him to do?” The question was open-ended, meaning people could say whatever came to mind.

“The most frequently occurring response was get out, bring them back,” said Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup Poll. “Those 41 percent appear to be fairly unequivocal about bringing the troops home.”

About three in 10, 29 percent, in the Gallup poll said the United States should finish what it started, be more aggressive or send more troops.

An AP-Ipsos poll in mid August found that almost four in 10 said troops should be brought home immediately, with six in 10 saying the United States should keep troops in Iraq until the situation is stabilized.

The open-ended question by Gallup allowed a closer look at all those who did not say bring the troops home now.

—18 percent said the United States should be more aggressive and finish what was started.

—7 percent said the U.S. is doing a good job and should continue with its actions.

—6 percent said come up with and execute a well-thought-out exit strategy.

—6 percent said the Iraqis need to be trained so they can run their own country.

—4 percent said build up the military and send in more troops.

—3 percent said keep the public informed, be honest and explain actions

—3 percent said the U.S. should work with the United Nations.

—3 percent said the U.S. should admit to past mistakes and apologize.

The remainder said they had no opinion, would tell him nothing or had other suggestions. Some of those polled suggested political leaders should send their own children to Iraq.

“If you want our sons and daughters to go over there,” one poll respondent said, “send your own two daughters there first!”

The specific responses indicated the American public has given a great deal of thought to the Iraq situation and has very strong feelings about the war, said Newport. All of the responses are posted on the Gallup web site.

The poll of 1,007 adults was conducted Aug. 22-25 and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

———

Gallup Poll results — http://www.gallup.com