Chris Bowers has compiled some facts to consider for Obama’s speech tonight.
• Only 35% of Americans approve of President Obama’s handling of Afghanistan.
• President Obama’s current approval rating among ideological groups, compared to his 2008 voting percentages among each group:
Liberals: 77% approve, 89% voted for Obama in 2008
Moderates: 59% approve, 60% voted for Obama in 2008
Conservatives: 27% approve, 20% voted for Obama in 2008Obama is 12 points down among liberals, and 7 points up among conservatives.
• More Democrats approve of President Obama’s Afghanistan performance than Republicans, even though more Republicans than Democrats support increasing troops in Afghanistan. Click here for more.
johnpi 7:08 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink |
There is a strong subtext of criticism of the Iraq war throughout the first part of Obama’s speech.
johnpi 7:10 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink |
“Safe havens along the border” — actually safe havens within Pakistan.
johnpi 7:16 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink |
Interesting that Pakistan is being brought up so much in a speech about military escalation.
johnpi 7:20 pm on December 1, 2009 Permalink |
The struggle against extremism belongs to Pakistan, given that country’s state sponsorship of violent groups.