Public Split on Sending More Troops to Afghanistan

Forty-four percent of Americans say they would like to see the U.S. begin to reduce the size of its military force there, while 35 percent back Gen. Stanley McChrystal's call for an infusion of 40,000 more soldiers,

Seven percent would increase troops, but by less than 40,000. If that number is added to those who support the larger increase, then the public is almost evenly split on the question. Seven percent would keep the number of troops the same and 7 percent had no opinion.

The New York Times reports today that President Obama is considering cour optionsthat range from sending 10,000 to 15,000 additional troops up to the 40,000 requested by McChrystal.

Democrats overwhelmingly want the U.S military presence reduced, with 60 percent taking that position compared to 18 percent who support sending as many as McChrystal has asked for. Independents favor a reduction in troops by a smaller margin, with 43 percent taking that stand compared to 36 percent who would send the 40,000 troops. Fifty-seven percent of Republicans would send the 40,000 compared to 26 percent who would like to see a draw-down.

A CNN/Opinion Research poll released yesterday said Americans opposed sending more troops by a 59 percent to 39 percent margin.

CNN's question was worded: "Would you favor or oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan?"

Gallup asked the question this way: "Which of the following would you like to see President Obama do: increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by the roughly 40,000 the U.S. commanding general there has recommended, increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan but by a smaller amount . . . keep the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan the same as now, or begin to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan?"