President Barack Obama on Tuesday night will address a nation solidly opposed to using military force against Syria, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.
The survey shows that roughly six in 10 Americans want their representatives in Congress to vote "no" on giving the president the authority to use force. Though Obama argued that the Constitution gives him the authority to strike even if Congress is against it, a similar majority oppose him doing so. Only about a third back military action.
Support rises slightly when the proposed military action is described as missiles launched from Navy ships. On that question, 44 percent express support, while 51 percent are opposed.
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Behind the public's hesitation is uncertainty over whether military action would be in America's national interest. Just 24 percent say yes, 47 percent say no, and 28 percent lack enough information to have an opinion. By 54 percent to 33 percent, Americans say Obama has yet to make a convincing case.