Poll: Only 36% Back 'Surge'

Bush's idea of troop escalation in Iraq is about as popular as the measles. Looks like John Edwards was right to call this the "McCain Doctrine" -- his backing of this policy should follow Sen. John McCain's campaign around like an ugly stepchild.

Editor & Publisher:

When President Bush speaks to the nation tomorrow night, he will announce plans for a "surge" or escalation in the number of American troops in Iraq, according to most reports.

But a new Gallup poll, taken over the past four days, finds that "the American public in general opposes the concept of an increase in troops in Iraq."

Asked directly about the idea, 36% back it and 61% oppose. Of that, only 18% "strongly" support the idea.

Gallup also notes that the same poll shows that 54% want a complete pullout within 12 months.

Looks like the american public is way ahead of Washington on this one.

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