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John Daley reporting Most Utahns think life for Iraqis will eventually be better than when Saddam Hussein was in power.
But others think the U.S. does NOT have a clear strategy for turning over power.
Numbers from our exclusive poll show it. Even here in Utah, even here in George Bush country, people are expressing some serious concerns about the direction of the war in Iraq.
At the University of Utah, for some the President's speech is just background noise. They made up their minds long ago.
John Bradley/ Univ. of Utah Junior: "I guess even the beginning of the war I was opposed. But now the whole prison abuse scandal, the clouds are getting darker and darker."
Ryan Roylance/ Univ. of Utah Graduate: "I don't think he could say a whole lot that's going to give me any comfort about what's going on over there."
Across the way, another pair sees it differently.
Mike Clement/ Univ. of Utah Senior: "I think the speech was mostly needed. I think there's a lot of things the president needed to explain. I think he's doing that tonight."
Sarah Nelson/ Salt Lake City Resident: "I think we definitely needed to go in with more troops. But they're compensating for that now and tonight the president is laying out a good strategy for the next month or two."
But an exclusive Survey USA poll for KSL-TV reveals pessimism about Iraq.
We asked if the U.S. has a clear strategy for turning over power to the Iraqis on June 30th. Only 29% say YES, while 49% say NO, and another 22% aren't sure.
64% of Utahns polled think that June 30th turnover date will slip.
As for violence after the turnover, only 9% say there will be less violence in Iraq, 43% say more, and 46% say it'll be the same.
Those we spoke with agreed on one thing--it's a critical period in Iraq and for President Bush.
Ryan Roylance, Univ. of Utah Graduate: "I just feel like I've been lied to so many times as this war has gone on. It's hard to believe anything he has to say."
Brad Christopherson/ Univ. of Utah Senior: "I think he can reassure us and give us confidence that he knows what he's doing."
Our poll also shows a large number of Utahns still think things after the turnover will be better than under Saddam Hussein.
70% say it'll be better, 17% say it'll be the same. Only 10% say things will be worse.
