.MaddowBlog: Despite the wording of the poll's question, a plurality of Americans effectively said, 'Terrorist, schmerrorist, let's get out of Afghanistan.'
"Do you believe the U.S. should still withdraw its military presence in Afghanistan if it means it creates an opening for al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to establish operations in Afghanistan?"
Before we get to how the public responded to this, it's worth dwelling on the amazing wording of the question itself. It's easy to imagine the phrasing eliciting a specific response: those responding to the poll are being introduced to the idea that withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan may invite terrorists to take root in the country.
That the question specifically referenced al Qaeda, shortly before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, adds additional weight to the scale. The wording practically echoes a negative campaign ad. [support withdrawing from Afghanistan, while 40% oppose withdrawing"if it means it creates an opening" for terrorists.
In other words, despite the wording of the question, a plurality of Americans effectively said,"Terrorist, schmerrorist, let's get out of Afghanistan." I'm mindful of the fact that President Biden's public standing took a hit after the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan and Americans saw brutal images of chaotic conditions in Kabul. But if this Morning Consult/poll accurately reflects public attitudes at all, it's reminder of just how eager many Americans are to end the longest war in U.S. history.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
84 percent of Americans want to let Afghan military translators into U.S.While an even number or Democrats, Republicans and Independents support the idea, some right-wing media figures disagree.
Read more »
Biden holds to Afghan pullout deadline despite criticismUS President Joe Biden says completion of withdrawal by August 31 'depends on continued coordination with the Taliban,' a decision that defies allied leaders who want to give evacuation more time.
Read more »
Rep. Crow: 'Not going to be possible' to get Americans and Afghan allies out before Aug. 31Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a member of the House Intelligence Committee and a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, tells Andrea Mitchell that based on the intelligence he's seen he believes 'it is not going to be possible to get American citizens out and our Afghan partners and their families out' before the August 31 troop withdrawal deadline. 'That is why there is broad and deep bipartisan support in Congress and across the country to extend the deadline, to make sure that we're doing what's necessary to get folks out,' says Rep. Crow.
Read more »
U.S. still working to contact most of the estimated 1,500 American citizens left in AfghanistanBlinken said the U.S. has been in direct contact with approximately 500 Americans in the last 24 hours with directions on how to get to the airport.
Read more »
Up to 1,500 Americans still waiting to be evacuated from Afghanistan, Blinken saysThe secretary of State said the U.S. had contacted 500 and was still trying to reach the others, but it’s unclear how many want to leave the country.
Read more »