POL SCI 120A Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Pearl Harbor, Bipartisanship, New Divide
Document Summary
Indirect affect holds president accounting and sets limits on presidents foreign policy. Uninformed and uninterested, public is informed about most obvious facts about foreign policy. Public opinion polls shows that americans believe saddam was responsible for 911 and has wmd"s. Not concern until it affects them personally. Public are more concerned about economic issue like unemployment and inflation and prolonged war with american casualties. Lives of american soldiers and family check book, peace and prosperity that"s what. Wording a question could make a different in public support. Uniformed and unstable public opinion could be dangerous could lead to isolationism or crusades or unrealistic expectations. Some analysts said president should not pay attention to public opinion. Us public didn"t want to get involve in wwii when hitler was invading europe. President doesn"t have to do the job well to get the rally effect. When a president does something dramatic abroad, will get higher approval ratings at home.
