By a margin of 53% to 42%, Americans want Congress to impeach President Bush if he lied about the war in Iraq, according to a new Zogby poll. The poll was a nationwide telephone operation which interviewed 1,200 U.S. adults from October 29th through November 2nd.

Party Affiliation (percentage of those who favor impeachment)
• 76% Democrat
• 50% Independent
• 29% Republican
Age
• 70% (18-29)
• 51% (31-49)
• 50% (50-64)
• 42% (65+)
Gender
• 56% women
• 49% men
Race
• 90% of African Americans
• 67% Hispanics
• 46% Whites
Religion
• Majorities of Catholics, Jews, and Muslims
• 49% Protestants
• 46% Born Again Christians

Studies show a steady increase in support of impeachment at a clip of 3% each month. At that rate the percentage of Americans who would like to see President Bush impeached would climb to 60% in January, 65% in March, and 70% in April.

This contrasts starkly with the 16 major polls conducted between August and September of 1998 when the same question was asked regarding the impeachment of President Clinton. Only 36% supported even the consideration of impeachment while 26% supported actual impeachment and removal from office. (Source: ImpeachPAC)

We will not know for sure whether the elected Democratic Majority will move towards impeachment. Although they have sufficient ammunition and the majority of American support to do so, overreaching and use of political capital could backfire in the long-run if Democrats are not seen as having a more bipartisan outlook and agenda.

The question that the Democrats will have to decide upon is whether or not they would like to be remembered for meaningful legislation or revenge against the opposition party. Of course I’m sure they would like to have their cake and eat it to.