The first poll released in the wake of the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl and the controversy that has arisen because of it shows that the nation is divided on whether or not the deal was a good idea:
Voters are split over the Obama administration’s swap of five Taliban prisoners held at Guantánamo Bay for the release of Army. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
According to a Fox News poll released Wednesday night, 47 percent disapprove of the trade that took place over the weekend. Another 45 percent approve, while 8 percent do not know.
Democrats are the only group in which a majority, 59 percent, approve of the trade. Another 32 percent of Democrats disapprove.
Sixty-two percent of Republicans disapprove, while 31 percent approve.
Among independents, 49 percent disapprove, and 41 percent approve.
The vast majority of every group, however, believes that “negotiating with terrorist groups” will encourage those groups to hold more soldiers hostage in the future.
The United States released the prisoners to the country of Qatar, which acted as an intermediary between the U.S. and the Taliban in the negotiations.
Overall, 84 percent of voters are concerned that the negotiation could lead to more hostages being taken. Only 15 percent are not concerned.
Ninety-three percent of Republicans and 83 percent of independents expressed concern. Seventy-seven percent of Democrats felt the same.
As more information comes out, of course, these numbers could very well change. However, I would imagine that this is far from what the White House expected the reaction to this release deal would be. But, then, if you screw up the messaging on something like the release of an American P.O.W. then you probably deserve whatever happens.
