NATIONAL SECURITY RISES IN U.S. WORRIES - AT 9:10 A.M. ET:  Rasmussen reports a sharp rise in Americans' concern about national security:

The economy remains the top issue for most Americans, but national security and the War on Terror are considered very important by 70% of voters nationwide, the highest level found since September 2007.

That’s up from 64% in April and 60% in February, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

Another 24% say national security is somewhat important. Only five percent (5%) say the issue is not very or not at all important.

And in another Rasmussen poll, Americans show their concern over Pakistan:

Eighty-seven percent (87%) of U.S. voters are now at least somewhat concerned about the security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan as the radical Islamic Taliban continues to make gains in that country. Sixty percent (60%) are Very Concerned.

Just 10% are not concerned about Pakistan’s nuclear weapons in the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

The level of overall concern is unchanged from last August, following Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s resignation from office, but the number of those Very Concerned has jumped 15 points.

COMMENT:  This can't be good news for the Obama administration, widely perceived as weak on national security.  This an area of great vulnerability for Obama.  Although his hardened base may not be moved much by security concerns, the great American middle is moved.  Even one serious setback can have its impact, especially if it occurs as we're entering next year's election season. 

May 5, 2009