James M. Lindsay

The Water's Edge

Lindsay analyzes the politics shaping U.S. foreign policy and the sustainability of American power.

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Will Removing U.S. Troops from Afghanistan Hurt Obama Politically?

by James M. Lindsay
January 30, 2012

President Barack Obama speaks to troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on December 14, 2011. (Kevin Lamarque/courtesy Reuters) President Barack Obama speaks to troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on December 14, 2011. (Kevin Lamarque/courtesy Reuters)

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have pummeled President Obama on the campaign trail for his decision to begin drawing down the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. They no doubt make this case because they think it’s good policy and good politics. I’ll leave it to others to debate whether it’s good policy. Here is a chart drawn from a new poll from the Pew Research Center that suggests it’s not good politics and that their criticisms aren’t likely to do much damage to Obama.

Chart source: The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.

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  • Posted by Tony

    I believe the American people are mainly focused on the job and the economy, if the removal of GIs from Afghanistan will help the economy , then I would say yes, it will help him for his campaign re-election,

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