Many Desire U.N. Backing for War on Iraq

Do you trust President Bush to make the right decision about whether we should go to war with Iraq?

Before Powell's speech

Trust him: 53%

Don't trust him: 44%

Don't know: 3%

After Powell's speech

Trust him: 57%

Don't trust him: 39%

Don't know: 4%

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Q: If the Security Council does not approve military action against Iraq, but the U.S. has the support of some allies, such as Britain, would you support or oppose taking military action?

Before Powell's speech

Support: 50%

Oppose: 45%

Don't know: 5%

After Powell's speech

Support: 55%

Oppose: 42%

Don't know: 3%

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Q: Agree or disagree: "The U.S. should take military action against Iraq only if it has the support of the U.N. Security Council"?

Before speech

Agree: 65%

Disagree: 32%

Don't know: 3%

After speech

Agree: 62%

Disagree: 37%

Don't know: 1%

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Q: Suppose President Bush decides to order U.S. troops into a ground attack against Iraqi forces. Would you support or oppose that decision?

Before speech

Agree: 44%

Disagree: 41%

Don't know: 4%

After speech

Agree: 58%

Disagree: 37%

Don't know: 5%

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Q: Those who watched or listened to Powell's speech, or said they heard or read about it, were asked if they agree or disagree that the U.S. has proved its case that Iraq ...?

Has failed to comply with U.N. resolutions

Agree strongly: 50

Agree somewhat: 24

Disagree: 24

Has weapons of mass destruction

Agree strongly: 47

Agree somewhat: 23

Disagree: 28

Has close ties with Al Qaeda

Agree strongly: 45

Agree somewhat: 19

Disagree: 32

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Q: Those who watched or listened to Powell's speech, or said they heard or read about it, were then asked which of the following statements best described their views:

Before Powell's speech...

-- "I did not favor U.S. military action against Iraq, but the speech changed my mind and I favor it now." -- 10%

-- "I did not favor U.S. military action, and the speech did not change my mind." -- 36%

-- "I favored U.S. military action, and the speech did not change my mind." -- 50%

-- "I favored U.S. military action, but the speech changed my mind and I do not favor it now." -- 4%

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Note: Numbers may not total 100% where "don't know" responses are not shown.