Now the Israel lobby has told Congress how to vote, why should Obama care about public opposition to military strikes?

Oh, how about for this reason: That grandiose title, “leader of the free world,” is supposed to signal that America is a democracy and its democratically elected representatives are supposed to take into consideration the views of the people they represent. So, public opinion should matter on the question about authorizing military strikes on Syria. But that’s now all irrelevant because the Israel lobby has spoken and members of Congress no longer need to think too much about which way to cast their votes.

Pew Research: President Obama faces an uphill battle in making the case for U.S. military action in Syria. By a 48% to 29% margin, more Americans oppose than support conducting military airstrikes against Syria in response to reports that the Syrian government used chemical weapons.

The new national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Aug. 29-Sept. 1 among 1,000 adults, finds that Obama has significant ground to make up in his own party. Just 29% of Democrats favor conducting airstrikes against Syria while 48% are opposed. Opinion among independents is similar (29% favor, 50% oppose). Republicans are more divided, with 35% favoring airstrikes and 40% opposed.

The public has long been skeptical of U.S. involvement in Syria, but an April survey found more support than opposition to the idea of a U.S.-led military response if the use of chemical weapons was confirmed. The new survey finds both broad concern over the possible consequences of military action in Syria and little optimism it will be effective. [Continue reading…]

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One thought on “Now the Israel lobby has told Congress how to vote, why should Obama care about public opposition to military strikes?

  1. Norman

    Entering another phase of M.E. war action, should be put to the American people to vote yea or nay, not the bought & paid for circus we call Congress. After all, we’re the ones who have to live with the aftermath of their pandering to the AIPAC & other Jewish paymasters.

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