Americans are facing the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a mix of concern and confidence. About a third (35%) say the country is safer from a terrorist attack now, but 27% say it is less safe. And more than half believe there is some chance of another terrorist attack in the next year.
Concern about an attack is higher than it was one year ago. In September 2009, 48% thought there was a chance of an attack (and only 14% thought an attack was very likely. Now 60% express concern, with 21% thinking the odds are high. But worry has dropped some from the start of the year: after the attempted car bombing in Times Square last winter, 70% were concerned, and about a third thought the chances of another terrorist attack were high.
This is an issue where the Republican Party has an advantage. Asked which party would be better at protecting the U.S. from a terrorist attack, 32% say the Republicans, 25% the Democrats (44% see little difference, however). And President George W. Bush is seen as having been better than President Obama at keeping the U.S. safe, although many are critical of the Bush Administration. 40% say Bush Administration policies made the U.S. safer. Just 29% say that about Obama Administration policies. There have been only small changes in perceptions in the last year.
However, over a third says each Administration’s policies made the U.S. LESS safe. And when it comes to the Bush Administration’s decision to invade Iraq, Americans are just as likely to say that decision HURT the fight again Al Qaeda as to say it helped in the war on terrorism.
And Americans are divided on how the current President is handling terrorism. Just 43% approve of how he is handling terrorism; 47% disapprove.
However, the President’s terrorism approval rating has risen five points in the last week.
