BUSH SUPPORTERS MISLED
A new study by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) shows that
supporters of President Bush hold wildly inaccurate views about the world. For
example, "a large majority [72 percent] of Bush supporters believe that before
the war Iraq had weapons of mass destruction."[1] Most Bush supporters [57
percent] also believe that the recently released report by Charles Duelfer, the
administration's hand-picked weapons inspector, concluded Iraq either had WMD or
a major program for developing them.[2] In fact, the report concluded "Saddam
Hussein did not produce or possess any weapons of mass destruction for more than
a decade before the U.S.-led invasion" and the U.N. inspection regime had
"curbed his ability to build or develop weapons."[3]
According to the study, 75 percent Bush supporters also believe "Iraq was
providing substantial support to al Qaeda."[4] Most Bush supporters [55 percent]
believe that was the conclusion of the 9/11 commission.[5] In fact, the 9/11
commission concluded there was no "collaborative relationship" between al-Qaeda
and Iraq.[6]
Bush supporters also hold inaccurate views about world public opinion of the war
in Iraq and a range of Bush's foreign policy positions.[7]
Sources:
1. "The Separate Realities of Bush and Kerry Supporters," Program on
International Policy Attitudes, 10/21/04,
daily.misleader.org.
2. Ibid, daily.misleader.org.
3. "Iraq's Illicit Weapons Gone Since Early '90s, CIA Says," Los Angeles Times,
10/07/04, daily.misleader.org.
4. "The Separate Realities of Bush and Kerry Supporters," Program on
International Policy Attitudes, 10/21/04,
daily.misleader.org.
5. Ibid, daily.misleader.org.
6. "Al Qaeda-Hussein Link Is Dismissed," Washington Post, 6/17/04,
daily.misleader.org.
7. "The Separate Realities of Bush and Kerry Supporters," Program on
International Policy Attitudes, 10/21/04,
daily.misleader.org. |
