CBS NEWS POLL

For release: Thursday, February 19, 2015

7:00 am EST
Majority Now Support U.S. Ground Troops in Fight Against ISIS
February 13-17, 2015

Amid more executions by the militant group ISIS, Americans increasingly see the group as a threat to the U.S.
Now, 65% of Americans view ISIS as a major threat - up from 58% in October - while another 18% view it as a
minor threat. Majorities of Republicans (86%), Democrats (61%) and independents (57%) view ISIS as a
major threat.

Major threat
Minor threat
Not a threat

How Great a Threat is ISIS to the U.S.?

Now
10/2014
65%
58%
18
21
13
15

With concern about ISIS growing, support for the use of U.S. ground troops in the fight against ISIS has risen.
For the first time, a majority of Americans (57%) favor the U.S. sending ground troops into Iraq and Syria to
fight ISIS. In October, Americans were divided, and in September these numbers were reversed.

Favor
Oppose

Using U.S. Ground Troops Against ISIS

Now
10/2014
9/2014
57%
47%
39%
37
46
55

Support for sending U.S. ground troops to fight ISIS has risen among all partisans, but particularly among
Democrats and independents. Back in October, more Democrats and independents disapproved than
approved of using ground troops now more approve than disapprove.

Favor
Oppose

Using U.S. Ground Troops Against ISIS

(by political party)
-------- Now --------- October 2014 -Reps Dems Inds
Reps Dems Inds
72% 50% 53%
65% 39% 43%
27
43
39
28
56
49

Additionally, there is public consensus for passing the military authorization bill President Obama has
requested from Congress, which would allow the U.S. to use ground troops for limited operations for three
years without any geographical limitations, but would preclude the use of ground troops for long term offensive
operations. Two in three Americans think Congress should pass this authorization, including majorities of
Democrats (71%), Republicans (65%), and independents (64%).

Should Congress Authorize the Use of Force Against ISIS?

Total
Reps Dems Inds
Favor
66%
65% 71% 64%
Oppose
26
29
21
28
____________________________________________________________________________________
This poll was conducted by telephone February 13-17, 2015 among 1,006 adults nationwide. Data collection was conducted on behalf of CBS News
by SSRS of Media, PA. Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard land-line and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results
based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. Interviews were conducted in
English and Spanish. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

CBS NEWS POLL

Majority Now Support U.S. Ground Troops in Fight Against ISIS
February 13-17, 2015
Q41a. Barack Obama has asked Congress to authorize the use of military force against the
militant group ISIS for three years with no geographical limitations. The authorization would allow
using U.S. ground troops for limited operations but would rule out using them for long term
operations. Do you favor or oppose Congress passing this authorization?
* TOTAL RESPONDENTS *
Total Rep Dem Ind
%
%
%
%
66
65
71
64
26
29
21
28
7
6
8
8

Favor
Oppose
Don't know/No answer

Q42. Do you think the militant group ISIS is a threat to the security of the United States, or not?
IF YES, ASK: Do you think it is a major threat or a minor threat?
Yes, major
Yes, minor
Not a threat
Don't know/No answer

65
18
13

86
8
4
4

61
23
11
2

57
20
18
5

Oct14f
58
21
15
4

Q45. Do you favor or oppose the U.S. sending ground troops into Iraq or Syria to fight ISIS
militants?
Favor
Oppose
Dont know/No answer

Total respondents
Republicans
Democrats
Independents

57

72
37
6

Unweighted
1,006
255
305
446

50
27
1

53
43
8

47
39
8

Weighted
236 (23%)
300 (30%)
470 (47%)

46
6