Wars can strengthen U.S. Presidents' policy gains in Congress, but as casualties rise, they can become a liability

Wars divert public attention to foreign affairs. While this provides the president with leverage in his encounters with Congress, public perception of the war can turn the tide against him. Research by Susanne Schorpp and Charles Finocchiaro shows that the president's gains from public attention to foreign affairs are mediated by the human cost of war. As casualties increase, the public's position will shift from support to blame, allowing Members of Congress to oppose ...