Resource Type:

Report-Paper

Posted On: Mar 12, 2009

Posted By: Joanna Hecht

Description:

This report, produced by the Topos Partnership for the National Security Network and US in the World, examines why the public believes that Republicans are better at dealing with national security issues. Through an examination of public opinion research, the report examines the question, "What distinuishes the parties on security, and what can alter the existing dynamic?" The analysis indicates that the public sees different advantages for the two main parties, indicating that "security" can not be a one-dimensional issue:

"Democrats are advantaged when Americans are considering the nation's role in the world, our approach to interacting with other nations, the work we do cooperatively with others to address global problems and so on, [while] Republicans are advantaged when Americans imagine a narrow interpretation of 'security' as physical safety, use of force, addressing threats to our nation and so on."