NJ's Political Insiders Poll: Even They Can't Agree on Iraq

National Journal’s Political Insiders were divided as to how recent developments in the war would affect the political equation at home. A hefty majority of Republicans—71 percent—thought the military progress reported so far would strengthen President Bush’s hand. As one GOP Insider put it: “Now he has an argument.”

Democrats were more uncertain, with a plurality—45 percent—saying that the developments pro and con had not had significant impact on the overall debate. Even so, you don’t get the sense that Democrats who feel that way are worried that they are particularly vulnerable. As one Democratic Insider who said that the developments in Iraq had not yielded a significant impact said:: “It will take far more dramatic improvements than the current incremental progress to change the American people’s strong anti-war views."