Data released by Reuters/Ipsos on January 5 show that while Americans are split on their assessment of the military operation against Maduro, they are worried the United States is becoming too involved in Venezuela. Roughly a third (34%) say they approve of the US removing the Venezuelan president, while equivalent numbers (34%) disapprove and 32% are not sure.
Opinions of the US action in Venezuela splits sharply along partisan lines with just 65% percent of Republicans supporting the military operation, compared to 11% of Democrats and 23% of Independents.
Bipartisan consensus – US becoming too involved in Venezuela
There is a bipartisan consensus on the question whether the US is becoming too involved in Venezuela. Just under three out of four worry that the US is getting too involved in Venezuela. A full 65% feel that the US should only be involved in conflicts when the United States faces a direct and imminent threat.
Polling in the immediate aftermath of a major event is always a tricky business. Many people are still learning about the event and altering their opinions based on new information and cues from public figures and party leaders. Nonetheless, we can still conclude that there is not a ‘rally ’round the flag’ event as you have often seen with past American interventions abroad.
Republican voters, back Trump and Democrats oppose is most often the case. What is striking with this scenario, is that less than one in four Independent voters back Trump’s operation against Maduro.
History tells us that the glow will not last
Furthermore, there is a widespread and deep concern that the US is too involved in Venezuela. At the moment, Trump may be basking in the glow of a successful and well-run military operation. But both history and current public opinion data tells us the glow is not likely to last. Does anyone remember George W. Bush and his comment “Mission Accomplished” stated in his 2003 speech claiming combat operations in Iraq were completed as Saddam Hussein had been toppled.
More on world:
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE BYLINES NETWORK CROWDFUNDER!
