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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
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
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
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%).
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