August 14, 2017
8/14: Americans Oppose Military Action Against North Korea
Marist National Poll
Americans want the United States government to diffuse heightened tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear programs through diplomatic means and not military intervention. 76% of residents say the U.S. should either negotiate directly with North Korea, 39%, or convince China to use their influence to stop North Korea’s nuclear programs, 37%. Only 11% think the United States should employ air strikes to destroy North Korea’s nuclear facilities, and 4% believe the U.S. should launch a first strike nuclear attack. Two percent of Americans say troops should be deployed to overthrow the government.
“There is very little appetite for the United States to use military intervention to stop North Korea’s nuclear proliferation,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “While wide partisan differences underscore most issues in today’s politics, on the question of North Korea, most Democrats and Republicans want the crisis to be handled diplomatically.”
While President Donald Trump’s base is confident in his ability to lead the nation during an international crisis, more than six in ten U.S. residents, 61%, lack faith in the president’s ability to do so. This includes 19% who have not very much confidence in President Trump and a plurality, 42%, who have no trust at all in him to lead during a global crisis. 40% of residents nationally have confidence in President Trump to navigate the nation through rough international waters, including 19% who have a great deal of confidence, and 21% who have a good amount of faith.
Eight in ten Republicans, 80%, and most of those who supported President Trump in the 2016 election, 89%, have confidence in President Trump to guide the country during an international crisis. Of note, one in five Republicans, 20%, have little or no confidence in President Trump to lead during global turmoil.
Complete August 14, 2017 Marist Poll Release of the United States
Complete August 14, 2017 Marist Poll of the United States (Tables of Adults and Registered Voters)