Support for Afghan War Slips

The bump in support for the war in Afghanistan that occurred after President Obama's speech at West Point Dec. 1 laying out his new strategy has faded although the percentage of those who approve of Obama's handling of the conflict improved slightly, according to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted Dec. 15-20.

Fifty-one percent say fighting the war in Afghanistan is the right thing to do compared to 41 percent who oppose U.S. involvement, with 8 percent undecided. That's down from the 57 percent to 35 percent approval margin Quinnipiac reported on Dec. 8. Sixty-eight percent of Republicans say the U.S. is doing the right thing as do 51 percent of independents. Fifty-two percent of Democrats oppose being involved.

Voters approve of Obama's handling of Afghanistan by 47 percent to 43 percent with 10 percent undecided. Earlier this month, they were split at 45 percent each.