57% Want Military Response to North Korea Missile Launch

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

If a solid majority favors a military strike to thwart N Korean nuclear ambitions will Obama risk further erosion of his numbers by appearing weak in the face of obvious provocation?

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of U.S. voters nationwide favor a military response to eliminate North Korea’s missile launching capability. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 15% of voters oppose a military response while 28% are not sure.

North Korea defied international pressure and launched a missile last night. Officials from that country claim a satellite was placed in orbit. U.S. defense officials confirm that a missile was launched but that no object was placed in orbit.

"With this provocative act, North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations,” President Obama said.

The telephone survey was conducted Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, the two days immediately prior to North Korea’s launch. The question asked about a military response if North Korea actually did launch a long-range missile.

Support for a military response comes from 66% of Republicans, 52% of Democrats and 54% of those not affiliated with either major political party. There is no gender gap on the issue as a military response is favored by 57% of men and 57% of women.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls.) Rasmussen Reports updates also available on Twitter.

Overall, 75% of voters say they’ve been closely following news stories about the possible launch. That figure includes 40% who’ve followed the news Very Closely.

Seventy-three percent (73%) are at least somewhat concerned that North Korea will use nuclear weapons against the United States. That’s up just a few points from 69% who held that view in October 2006. Prior to that survey, North Korea had successfully conducted an underground nuclear test.

Currently, 39% are Very Concerned about a possible nuclear attack from North Korea.

Just three percent (3%) of voters view North Korea as an ally while 46% say it’s an enemy. Surprisingly, the latter number is down 14 points from a survey in mid-February despite North Korea's belligerent talk before the missile launch.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/general_current_events/57_want_military_response_to_north_korea_missile_launch

[TheSarge]

We should have shot it down.

And now by all estimates...when SecDef Gates goes before the cameras tomorrow to announce changed to the DoD budget...it's expected that one of the areas to get even LESS money than it does now will be Missile Defense.


 

[Bluesuiter-Retired]

We should have shot it down.

And now by all estimates...when SecDef Gates goes before the cameras tomorrow to announce changed to the DoD budget...it's expected that one of the areas to get even LESS money than it does now will be Missile Defense.


 

Yep, both the ABL [airborne laser] weapon system on the 747 airframe and the ground-based missle defense system are on the chopping block.

DEMOCRAT senator Carl Levin is already telling the DOD to expect DEEP and PAINFUL cuts in the defense budget.

Ya gotta love how the dems/libs keep showing how strong they are on national security.

Just once I'd like to see social programs take a major hit on their budgets and leave the defense budget alone!

[thundley4]

I disagree with the poll. I think a military response now is too late.  I would have supported shooting it down, but to do anything now would seem childish. Oh shit, 0Bama is going to do something stupid because of this poll isn't he?

[franksolich]

Oh shit, 0Bama is going to do something stupid because of this poll isn't he?

That's a given.

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

I disagree with the poll. I think a military response now is too late.  I would have supported shooting it down, but to do anything now would seem childish. Oh shit, 0Bama is going to do something stupid because of this poll isn't he?

If we had shot it down during launch or boost phase we could have said it was a mechanical failure and played it off while allowing the NorKs to "save face" by simply appearing unfortunate as opposed unresponsive to a foreign attack; but never underestimate the power of a leftist to miss an opportunity.

[TheSarge]

Yep, both the ABL [airborne laser] weapon system on the 747 airframe and the ground-based missle defense system are on the chopping block.

DEMOCRAT senator Carl Levin is already telling the DOD to expect DEEP and PAINFUL cuts in the defense budget.

Ya gotta love how the dems/libs keep showing how strong they are on national security.

Just once I'd like to see social programs take a major hit on their budgets and leave the defense budget alone!

These people are determined to make sure that "American Greatness" is a thing of the past.  A myth told in hushed tones by rebel Conservatives huddled together in secret.

They look at us and they look at (insert 3rd world country here) and are embarrassed that we are better.

I don't think there's a naive bone in our leaders body...I think he's and his cohorts on Congress are doing this to U.S.A. on purpose.

[NHSparky]

I disagree with the poll. I think a military response now is too late.  I would have supported shooting it down, but to do anything now would seem childish. Oh shit, 0Bama is going to do something stupid because of this poll isn't he?

If the last 90 or so days are any indication, Obama doesn't need polls in order to do stupid shit.

[thundley4]

If the last 90 or so days are any indication, Obama doesn't need polls in order to do stupid shit.

That's true.

[DumbAss Tanker]

57% or not, it ain't gonna happen.

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

57% or not, it ain't gonna happen.

Hence, the inspiration for the de-motivational poster.

[formerlurker]

Ignore North Korea.   Responding at all is giving attention to their lame attempt at attention.

North Korea is China's problem.    If the Russian made crap they are launching hits Japan or South Korea, then the game is on.   Until then