Red Cross Torture Report

[Spino]

Before I take a swing at Lemur's wicked googly I'd like to share this CNN poll which landed in my company inbox a short while ago. The results are eye opening...

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, May 6 at noon

Interviews with 2,019 adult Americans conducted by telephone on April 23-26, 2009.

Most Americans don't want to see an investigation of Bush administration officials who authorized waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques used on suspected terrorists. Half of all Americans approve of the Bush administration's decision to use those techniques when questioning suspected terrorists -- even though six in ten believe that some of those procedures were a form of torture. (Roughly one in five Americans think those procedures were torture but approved of their use against suspected terrorists.) Only about four in ten think that there should be an investigation into the Bush officials who authorized the use of those procedures (and it doesn't seem to matter whether the investigation is carried out by Congress or by an independent panel). And only about a third want to see an investigation of the military personnel who actually used those procedures.

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

April 23-26

Bush Administration Decision to
Use Harsh Interrogation Procedures
On Suspected Terrorists

Favor 50%
Oppose 46%
Sampling error: +/-2% pts

QUESTION: As you may know, the Bush administration authorized the use of harsh interrogation procedures, including the procedure known as waterboarding, when the U.S. captured suspected terrorists. Based on what you have read or heard, do you approve or disapprove of the Bush administration's decision to use those procedures while questioning suspected terrorists?

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

April 23-26

Were Harsh Interrogation Procedures
A Form of Torture?

Yes 60%
No 36%
Sampling error: +/-2% pts

QUESTION: And regardless of whether you approve or disapprove of the use of those procedures, do you think any of those procedures were a form a torture, or don't you think so?

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

April 23-26

Should Congress Conduct an
Investigation of Bush Officials
Who Authorized Interrogation Procedures?

Yes 42%
No 57%
Sampling error: +/-3% pts

QUESTION: Do you think that Congress should or should not conduct an investigation of the Bush administration officials who authorized the use of those procedures?

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

April 23-26

Should Congress Conduct an
Investigation of Personnel
Who Used Interrogation Procedures?

Yes 34%
No 65%
Sampling error: +/-3% pts

QUESTION: Do you think that Congress should or should not conduct an investigation of the military and intelligence personnel who used those procedures after the Bush administration authorized their use?

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

April 23-26

Should Independent Panel Conduct an
Investigation of Bush Officials
Who Authorized Interrogation Procedures?

Yes 42%
No 55%
Sampling error: +/-3% pts

QUESTION: Do you think that an independent panel should or should not conduct an investigation of the Bush administration officials who authorized the use of those procedures?

CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL

April 23-26

Should Independent Panel Conduct an
Investigation of Personnel
Who Used Interrogation Procedures?

Yes 33%
No 64%
Sampling error: +/-3% pts

QUESTION: Do you think that an independent panel should or should not conduct an investigation of the military and intelligence personnel who used those procedures after the Bush administration authorized their use?

So while a wee bit more than half of all Americans approve of torture an indisputable majority do not wish to investigate the matter further. When we consider Obama's 7% advantage over McCain in the popular vote last November this entire issue is turning into a major political hot potato. Given the smaller percentage of Americans that actually define themselves as a Republican or Democrat it is fairly safe to say that moderate/independent voters who sided with Obama during the 2008 campaign are not in lockstep with the Democrat position on this matter, especially regarding the notion of investigating the matter further. The longer the Democrats hem and haw and wait to pursue legal action the more they risk being accused of pursuing these proceedings purely out of political gain... or revenge for Clinton's impeachment trial (anyone remember that bit of ancient and bitter partisan history?). Of course the Democrats could still find legitimate legal grounds to pursue those responsible in the Bush administration but they may find themselves assailed with protests and cries of 'drop it already' by moderate/independent voters looking for decisive leadership in matters more pertinent to the average citizen. Not a wise move given that the economy's precarious position may last well into the 2010 elections.

I'm damn curious to see a poll that deals with how Americans view torture/interrogation techniques from this point forward.