McCain Tops Obama in Commander-in-Chief Test; Stays Competitive on Iraq

ANALYSIS by GARY LANGER
July 14, 2008

Poll Finds 72 Percent of Americans Say McCain Would be Good Commander-in-Chief

Americans divide evenly between Barack Obama and John McCain's approaches to the war in Iraq, and rate McCain much more highly on his abilities as commander-in-chief — key reasons the unpopular war isn't working more to Obama's advantage.

Despite broad, longstanding dissatisfaction with the war, just 50 percent of Americans prefer Obama's plan to withdraw most U.S. forces within 16 months of taking office. Essentially as many, 49 percent, side with McCain's position — setting no timetable and letting events dictate when troops are withdrawn.

That division is reflected in another result: While Obama's steadily led on most domestic issues, he and McCain run about evenly in trust to handle Iraq, 45-47 percent in this new ABC News/Washington Post poll.

This is an interesting poll but not remarkable in the results.

John McCain is a more qualified candidate to be Commander-in-Chief. Experience does matter.

W. had no experience and look where we are today.

BO has spent less than two years as a Senator in D.C. Before that he was an unremarkable local Illinois politician.