ABC News/Washington Post War Poll #1, March 2003

This special topic poll, conducted March 20, 2003, was undertaken to assess public opinion on the war against Iraq, which began the previous evening. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way President George W. Bush was handling the presidency, as well as the situation with Iraq and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Opinions were sought on whether they supported the United States going to war with Iraq, whether they supported the policies of the Bush administration, whether they supported the troops, whether the United States sought a diplomatic solution before going to war, and whether United States' vital interests were at stake. Those queried were asked if Hussein had to be killed/captured for the war to be considered a success, whether the United States should strike Iraqi military targets located in areas where civilians might be killed, whether the United States should use nuclear weapons if Iraq attacked United States troops with biological/chemical weapons, and whether weapons of mass destruction must be found for the war to be justified. Additional topics covered respondents' level of confidence in the United States and its allies attacking Iraq, whether Bush had adequately explained the reasons for going to war, how long the war would last, whether there would be significant civilian casualties, and whether respondents were concerned about another terrorist attack in the United States. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, and political party.