Zogby Poll: 76% of likely voters believe War on Drugs is failing

Zogby International
Three in four likely voters (76%) believe the U.S. war on drugs is failing, a sentiment that cuts across the political spectrum – including the vast majority of Democrats (86%), political independents (81%), and most Republicans (61%). There is also a strong belief that the anti-drug effort is failing among those who intend to vote for Barack Obama (89%) for president, as well as most supporters of John McCain (61%).

When asked what they believe is the single best way to combat international drug trafficking and illicit use, 27% of likely voters said legalizing some drugs would be the best approach — 34% of Obama supporters and 20% of McCain backers agreed.

One in four likely voters (25%) believe stopping the drugs at the border is the best tactic to battle drugs — 39% of McCain supporters, but just 12% of Obama backers agree.

Overall, 19% of likely voters said reducing demand through treatment and education should be the top focus of the war on drugs.

13% believe that the best way to fight the war on drugs is to prevent production of narcotics in the country of origin.

89% of the people who will vote for Barack Obama – almost 9 in 10! – believe the War on (Certain American Citizens Using Non-Pharmaceutical, Non-Alcoholic, Tobacco-Free) Drugs is a failure.  And yet, when I was in Denver for the Democratic convention, not ONE panel, speech, flier, talking point, or memo even mentioned anything about our failed drug policies.

One third of those Obama supporters back the idea of legalizing some drugs, a number I believe would be much higher if it were asked as, “do you support the taxation and regulation of cannabis for adults so more effort may be redirected toward controlling hard drugs?”

It’s clear the people know the Drug War is lost, but it’s not so clear what alternative should replace it.  Here is an opportunity for a true leader who chants the “change” mantra to put his money where his mouth is.  The support is there for a leader to change the vision of our punitive drug policies.  

If only some of those 89% had an “Inc.” or a “Corp.” behind their names, I’d have more faith that a true leader will actually pick up on the issue.  76% of us know the Drug War has failed, but 100% of the corporations that depend on the Drug War for their livelihood (private prisons, drug rehabs, pharmaceutical companies, breweries, and industries that couldn’t compete with legal hemp, for example) think the Drug War is going just fine… and they have lobbyists and give big campaign donations.