Gallup poll shows American's want to tread lightly in Libya

Americans Back U.S. Involvement in Libya, But Oppose a ‘Leading’ Role

While most Americans support some level of involvement in the military operation in Libya, there is strong sentiment against the U.S. playing a leading role with very few in support of a leading role, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted March 25-27. The survey was taken before President Obama’s Monday night speech explaining his reasons for taking action. (Transcript).

The largest group among those surveyed — 36 percent — want the U.S. role to be minor. Twenty-nine percent support a “major role,” but only 10 percent back a “leading” role. Twenty-two percent want to see the U.S. withdraw.

Republicans tend to favor a stronger hand for the U.S. with 52 percent backing a leading or major role compared to 29 percent who favor a minor role. Democrats and independents lead more strongly to the minor role position, with 41 percent of Democrats and 38 percent of independents in that camp.