Rising US deaths in Iraq may have political fallout

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N16143154.htm

WASHINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) - The rising death toll of U.S. troops in Iraq and prickly questions over the intelligence used to justify the war may combine to shift some public opinion ahead of the 2004 presidential race, according to analysts.

With 147 U.S. soldiers killed in combat in Iraq, the death toll now equals the casualty rate from the 1991 Gulf War and recent polls show a shift in perceptions over U.S. action in Iraq and a drop in support for President George W. Bush, said Carroll Doherty, editor of Pew Research Center.

"People are much more negative now on how things are going," Doherty told Reuters on Wednesday.

While there was worry over the mounting death toll, Doherty said key public concerns appeared to focus on weapons of mass destruction and whether they would be found and the "continuing chaos" on the ground in Iraq.

"I think there will be some more political fallout but it could be some time before we will see a real hemorrhaging of support (for the president)," he said.

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[David__77]

1. We can't count on fall-out helping Dems.

This only sets the stage; Democrats must come up with a viable plan that invokes hope for people. I think of the leading contenders, Dean is most likely that leader.

[UrbScotty]

2. Agreed. Dean is the man.

Well, Dean and Kucinich.

[Stuckinthebush]

4. Yes, yes, yes!

You hit the nail on the head.

The Dems must step in and say, "Enough! Here is a plan to get out of this quagmire and restore honor and integrity to the White House, the Congress, and the Nation."

[Dhalgren]

3. And still with the low-ball death toll!

.