President Obama and National Security

May 19, 2009 President Obama and National Security Democracy Corps

The Survey Democracy Corps survey of 1,000 2008 voters 840 landline, 160 cell phone weighted Conducted May 10-12, 2009 Data shown reflects 852 likely 2010 voters Margin of error +/- 3.3 percent on likely voter data Page 2 Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

National Mood and Political Context May 19, 2009

Country direction Generally speaking, do you think things in the country are going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track? Right direction Wrong track 2006 60 55 37 35 67 63 56 30 28 25 61 30 2006 Election 71 61 63 66 66 66 62 59 58 34 34 30 31 28 25 23 25 23 Iraq surge 69 70 72 63 66 25 25 28 23 22 2008 68 24 75 72 20 17 Conventions 78 15 Financial Crisis 2008 Election 85 80 78 72 76 70 24 14 16 10 17 22 61 56 50 4648 43 44 38 32 28 Jan-06 Jul-06 Jan-07 Jul-07 Jan-08 Jul-08 Jan-09 Net -18-25 -33-42 -28-31 -30-25 -35-24 -41-32 -43-41-48-44 -35-47 -50-41 -44-52-58-63 -46-66 -75-62-59-50 -33-24 -12-3-4 Difference *Note: From Democracy Corps surveys conducted over the last several years. Data reflects likely voters. After 2008 election, data reflects likely 2010 voters. Page 4 Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

Obama enjoys high favorability, Republicans struggling Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. Therm. Mean Warm - Cool Cool Warm Barack Obama 29 59 62.1 +30 Democratic Party 38 46 50.3 +8 Democratic Congress 39 42 47.1 +3 Republican Party 44 28 43.1-16 Republicans in Congress 45 27 43.4-18 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 Page 5 Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

Party favorability gap at high point Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with 100 meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and 50 meaning not particularly warm or cold. Democratic Party Republican Party 2000 Election 59 2002 Election 2004 Election 2006 Election 2008 Election 40 39 44 38 47 44 45 52 43 49 44 52 41 48 40 44 42 45 43 47 45 45 39 41 39 37 35 39 37 41 40 43 36 33 32 48 37 46 28 Nov- 99 May- 00 Nov- 00 May- 01 Nov- 01 May- 02 Nov- 02 May- 03 Nov- 03 May- 04 Nov- 04 May- 05 Nov- 05 May- 06 Nov- 06 May- 07 Nov- 07 May- 08 Nov- 08 May- 09 Net +1 +6 Difference +3 +2-7 -5-9 -8-2 +2-2 -6 +2 +2 +2 +8 +4 +11 +11 +18 *Note: Data represents the WARM ratings from Democracy Corps surveys conducted since its inception. Data reflects likely voters giving each party a >50 favorable rating at the marked point in time rating is representative of one survey at each 6-month point. No survey between each point shows the favorability gap to be greater than +18 at May 2009.

Obama: High Marks on National Security May 19, 2009

Strong approval for Obama s handling of national security Now I'm going to read you a list of issues. For each one, I would like you to tell me if you approve or disapprove of the job being done by President Obama on that issue. Strongly disapprove Somewhat disapprove Strongly approve Somewhat approve Improving America's standing in the world Afghanistan Dealing with pirates off the coast of Somalia Iraq Trips to other countries, meetings w/ foreign leaders Leading America's military National security Fighting terrorism The economy President Obama s overall approval rating 58 America's policies on nuclear weapons The budget deficit Immigration 44 37 39 29 30 30 31 31 33 22 23 26 22 37 28 27 25 18 21 21 12 12 16 16 11 10 15 22 31 30 32 30 28 33 37 34 38 44 45 52 47 66 65 64 61 60 58 68 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 68 67 67

Voters Disagree Obama Increasing Risks

Obama increasing security; Bush undermined security First Statement: All told, President Obama's foreign and national security policies are INCREASING America's security. Second Statement: All told, President Obama's foreign and national security policies are UNDERMINING America's security. First Statement: All told, President Bush s foreign and national security policies INCREASED America's security. Second Statement: All told, President Bush s foreign and national security policies UNDERMINED America's security. 60 40 55 37 44 51 20 0 Obama increasing security Obama undermining security Bush increased security Bush undermined security

Obama seen as doing better on national security than Bush When it comes to national security policy, do you think President Obama is doing better, worse, or about the same as President George W. Bush? Much Better Somewhat Better Much worse Somewhat worse 48 +22 37 26 17 Better Job Worse Job Page 11 Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

Democratic National Security Gap Erased

Which party better on national security 60 54 Democrats Republicans 40 48 32 48 33 48 45 44 45 42 41 38 37 39 34 49 35 43 41 20 25 0 Aug- 03 Dec- 03 Apr- 04 Aug- 04 Dec- 04 Apr- 05 Aug- 05 Dec- 05 Apr- 06 Aug- 06 Dec- 06 Apr- 07 Aug- 07 Dec- 07 Apr- 08 Aug- 08 Dec- 08 Apr- 09

Democrats favored on wide range of foreign policy issues I am going to read a list of issues and I want you to tell me whether, overall, you think the Democrats or the Republicans would do a better job with this issue. Reps. much better Reps. somewhat better Dems. much better Dems. somewhat better Improving global respect for America 23 10 37 59 Dem. Rep. +36 Working with our allies around the world 29 12 37 56 +27 Foreign policy 35 16 31 52 +17 The economy 34 19 32 50 +16 The situation in Afghanistan 32 15 23 44 +12 The situation in Iraq 37 18 27 47 +10 Immigration 37 16 20 39 +2 The war on terrorism 41 25 22 41 0 National security 43 25 23 41-2 Ensuring a strong military 53 31 18 35-18 75 50 25 0 25 50 75

Iraq May 19, 2009

Bipartisan support for Iraq withdrawal plan As you may know, President Obama announced that he will withdraw America's combat troops in Iraq by August 2010, but will leave up to fifty-thousand support troops for functions such as training, logistics, and support until 2011. Do you approve or disapprove of this plan? Strongly Disapprove Somewhat Disapprove Strongly Approve Somewhat Approve Likely Voters 23 17 38 73 Republicans 36 27 19 59 Independents 22 16 40 72 Democrats 12 10 54 86 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 100

Strategy in Iraq is achieving results, but withdrawal will create violence May 19, 2009 First Statement: The strategy that the U.S. and its allies are pursuing in Iraq is achieving results Second Statement: The strategy that the U.S. and its allies are pursuing in Iraq is seriously off course As you may know, the US is pursuing a plan to withdraw its combat forces from Iraq over the coming months. After the United States withdraws its combat forces, do you think Iraq will move toward greater peace or greater violence? 60 40 60 53 20 33 31 0 Achieving results Off course Greater violence Greater peace

Afghanistan May 19, 2009

Obama s Afghanistan strategy supported across party lines As you may know, President Obama recently announced a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, which includes our NATO allies sending more support personnel, and the US sending an additional seventeen-thousand combat troops. Based on what you know, do you approve or disapprove of this new strategy? Strongly Disapprove Somewhat Disapprove Strongly Approve Somewhat Approve Likely Voters 19 11 35 73 Republicans 23 14 26 67 Independents 18 10 37 74 Democrats 17 9 43 78 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 100

Many unclear about Afghanistan mission Now I m going to read you some pairs of statements. After I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right. First Statement: Our military mission in Afghanistan seems pretty clear to me. Second Statement: I do not believe we have a clear military mission in Afghanistan. First Statement Strongly First Statement Somewhat Second Statement Strongly Second Statement Somewhat First Second Likely Voters 46 29 32 48-2 Republicans 53 35 27 42 +11 Independents 46 27 29 48-2 Democrats 40 24 38 54-14 100 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 100

Why the US is fighting in Afghanistan Now I am going to read you a list of reasons some people give for why the U.S. is fighting in Afghanistan. Which TWO do you think are main reasons the US is fighting in Afghanistan? Prevent it from becoming a safe haven for terrorists like al Qaeda 54 Stop the resurgence of the Taliban 42 Prevent Pakistan from falling to Islamic extremists 26 Capture Osama bin Laden 20 Protect oil interests 18 Promote democracy in that region 18 0 15 30 45 60

Nuclear Policy May 19, 2009

Support for Obama policies and job performance on nuclear weapons May 19, 2009 Now I'm going to read you a list of issues. For each one, I would like you to tell me if you approve or disapprove of the job being done by President Obama on that issue. America s policies on nuclear weapons While in Europe, President Obama announced the US would pursue [the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, including] new negotiations with Russia to reduce both countries nuclear arsenals, a global ban on nuclear testing, & new efforts to stem proliferation of nuclear materials and weapons. Based on what you know, do you support or oppose these policies? 60 40 58 68 20 22 20 0 Approve Disapprove Support Oppose

Opposition to total elimination of nuclear weapons Now I m going to read you some pairs of statements. After I read each pair, please tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own view, even if neither is exactly right. First Statement: It should be America's goal to eliminate all nuclear weapons in the world. Second Statement: Eliminating all nuclear weapons in the world is not realistic or good for America's security. First Statement Strongly First Statement Somewhat Second Statement Strongly Second Statement Somewhat First Second Likely Voters 32 25 43 63 +31 Republicans 25 17 55 67-42 Independents 31 27 42 66-35 Democrats 39 30 34 59-20 100 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 100

Support for Obama nuclear policy: with and without zero option May 19, 2009 While in Europe, President Obama announced that the U.S. would pursue the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, including new negotiations with Russia to reduce both countries' nuclear arsenals, a global ban on nuclear testing, and new efforts to stem the proliferation of nuclear materials and weapons. Based on what you know, do you support or oppose these policies? Support While in Europe, President Obama announced that the U.S. would pursue new negotiations with Russia to reduce both countries' nuclear arsenals, a global ban on nuclear testing, and new efforts to stem the proliferation of nuclear materials and weapons. Based on what you know, do you support or oppose these policies? Oppose +41 +56 66 71 25 15 Support Oppose Support Oppose

WMD terrorism, hostile states with nukes biggest threats to U.S. security Now I am going to read you a list of threats that some people say America faces. Please tell me which TWO of these you personally consider to be the biggest threats to America's security? Terrorists obtaining nuclear, chemical, or biological materials Nuclear weapons programs in Iran, North Korea, and other hostile states 32 34 America's dependence on foreign oil 28 Drug violence and immigration from Mexico 24 Terrorist attacks 21 Resurgence of the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan 18 Increasing power of Russia and China 15 Continuing extremist violence in Iraq Global epidemics, like swine flu 5 6 0 10 20 30 40

Torture May 19, 2009

Public split on partisan lines on whether torture justified First Statement: It is sometimes justified for the US officials to torture detainees, such as to prevent terrorist attacks. Second Statement: It is never justified for American officials to use torture to get information from detainees. First Statement Strongly First Statement Somewhat Second Statement Strongly Second Statement Somewhat First Second Likely Voters 50 35 39 45 +5 Republicans 70 53 19 25 +45 Independents 52 37 38 42 +10 Democrats 30 18 58 66-36 100 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 100

Opposition to inquiry into Bush administration interrogation policies First Statement: It is important to launch a bipartisan inquiry into the Bush administration's use of harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding. Second Statement: It is not useful to launch a bipartisan inquiry into the Bush administration's use of harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding. First Statement Strongly First Statement Somewhat Second Statement Strongly Second Statement Somewhat First Second Likely Voters 32 22 45 55-23 Republicans 14 67 74-60 Independents 33 26 45 57-24 Democrats 47 31 27 39 +8 100 75 50 25 0 25 50 75 100

Leadership of the Military May 19, 2009

Obama messages on national security Now, I am going to read you some things President Obama might do or say. For each one, please tell me whether it would make you feel much more favorable about President Obama, somewhat more favorable, just a little more favorable, no more favorable, or less favorable about President Obama. Much more favorable Obama says: I believe the foundation of our national security are our men and women in uniform. That is why I proposed a $17 billion increase in defense spending, including the largest increase in benefits for veterans in history, with quality health care for 500,000 low-income veterans previously ineligible. Somewhat more favorable 42 69 Obama says: I am determined to use our influence in the world to improve life for Americans. That is why I am working to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, working with foreign leaders to regulate the financial sector worldwide, and closing down tax loopholes that allow co.s to send US jobs abroad. 43 63 Obama says: I am determined to deter and defeat the terrorists who endanger America. That is why I sent additional US troops to fight al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and launched new efforts to prevent rogue states and terrorists from getting their hands on nuclear weapons or materials. Obama says: I am determined to address the full range of threats that now face America. That is why we expanding the fight against drug wars on the Mexican border, launching new efforts to combat global warming, and taking aggressive steps to prevent the spread of global epidemics like swine flu. Obama says: I am determined to restore America's leadership in the world. That is why I coordinated with our NATO allies on new strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan, closed the prison at Guantanamo, and stepped-up global negotiations to combat global warming. 31 27 30 54 53 62 Obama says: SecDef Gates and I are launching deep reforms in procurement & cancelling unneeded weapons systems. That will save billions, which we are using to expand the troop strength of army, the marines, and our special forces, and investing in new intelligence capabilities, such as the unmanned aerial vehicle highly in demand Iraq and Afghanistan. 19 45 0 25 50 75

The Domestic Connection May 19, 2009

May 19, 2009 President Obama and National Security Democracy Corps