Torture: The Memos and Partisan Reaction ( Washington Post-ABC News poll)

[struggle4progress]

... A majority of Democrats (55 percent) "strongly support" the president's decision to release the memos, while about six in 10 Republicans (61 percent) "strongly oppose" the release.

Basic views on torture divide the country nearly evenly - 49 percent said they oppose the use of torture no matter the circumstance, 48 percent said there are some cases in which the U.S. should consider it. Partisans align on opposite sides of the issue, with most Republicans (69 percent) saying they are open to torture in some cases and most Democrats opposing it in all cases (65 percent). Independents tilt toward considering it, 52 to 45 percent.

Opposition to the practice has declined across party lines since January; Only among liberal Democrats and moderates have views held steady. Conservatives have become sharply more open to the idea in the wake of the controversy over the release of the memos, 66 percent said the government should consider torture in some cases according to the new poll, it was 50 percent in January.

Americans are also divided on whether Obama should launch an investigation into the treatment of terrorism suspects under George W. Bush's administration. Just over half (51 percent) said there should be such an inquiry, 47 percent oppose it. Among partisans, views are sharply divided, with 68 percent of Democrats in favor of an investigation and 71 percent of Republicans opposed. Independents mirror the overall population, 50 percent in favor, 47 percent opposed ... <more>

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/behind-the-numbers/2009/04/torture_the_partisan_playing_f.html