People Still Believe Trump Is Likely To Get Us In War

This chart was made from information in a recent Economist / YouGov Poll -- done between June 25th and 27th of a random national sample of 1,500 adults (including 1,295 registered voters), with a margin of error of 3.1 points.

It shows that 56% of Americans, and 58% of registered voters, believe Donald Trump is likely to get us into a war (either a new or a bigger war). And that is the opinion of nearly every demographic group, with only those over 65 and Republicans registering less than a majority belief (and even then, 48% of those over 65 and 33% of Republicans think it is likely Trump will get us into war).

This is especially important now that officials are saying North Korea has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile -- a missile that could conceivably deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States mainland. Obviously, it is time for some serious diplomatic efforts to be taking place -- efforts to stave off North Korea having the capability to attack others with a nuclear missile.

Unfortunately, diplomacy doesn't seem to be a part of the Trump administration. Trump has tossed out diplomacy as an option, leaving him only with two options -- bullying (economic or military) and military action (war). I'm not even sure the Trump administration is capable of diplomacy (if they wanted to do that). Trump's cabinet and close aides are former military, Wall Street and corporate moguls, or party hacks. None have any experience (or competence) in leading a truly diplomatic effort.

Add to this the fact that our biggest enemies (North Korea, Iran, and Russia) have shown that they cannot be bullied, and the situation gets downright scary. All that's left in the Trump administration repertoire is military action.

It gets even scarier when you realize that it's Donald Trump who has his finger on the nuclear button.