The survey focused on three particularly controversial actions: the use of torture in terror interrogations; the use of telephone wiretaps without warrants on U.S. citizens; and the possible attempts to use the Justice Department for political purposes. For each of these issues, survey respondents were asked whether there should be a criminal investigation by the Justice Department or an investigation by an independent panel without criminal charges, or whether neither should be done.

 

At least 6 in 10 say there should be either a criminal investigation or an independent probe into all three. Concerning the possible use of torture, 62% favor some sort of investigation, whether criminal or not, and 63% feel the same way regarding the possible use of unwarranted wire-tapping. The alleged attempts to use the Justice Dept. for political purposes drew the biggest demand for investigation at 71% in favor.

 

Despite this public sentiment, and even after Sen. Patrick Leahy’s recent call for a “truth commission,” President Obama has been reluctant to pursue such investigations.

 

Another recent Gallup poll, taken on the eve of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday, showed that only 39% of Americans say they “believe in the theory of evolution,” while 25% say they do not believe in the theory, and another 36% don't have an opinion either way.

 

Poll: Most want Inquiry into Anti-Terror Tactics (by Jill Lawrence, USA Today)

No Mandate for Criminal Probes of Bush Administration (by Jeffrey M. Jones, Gallup)