A new YouGov survey conducted prior to President Obama’s visit to Japan this week reveals that 70 percent of Americans are “unapologetic” about the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945 — or the second one that hit Nagasaki three days later. Twenty-two percent felt a formal presidential apology would be “appropriate.”
About 45 percent said then-President Harry Truman “made the right decision” with his order to bomb the cities at the time; one quarter disagreed, another 30 percent were unsure.
Mr. Obama visited Hiroshima on Friday where he offered a memorial wreath at the city’s Peace Memorial Museum, spoke to survivors of the blast and called for an end to the use of nuclear weapons. He did not make a formal apology, however.
Former U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton weighed in on the issue through a public-service ad released Thursday and produced through the Foundation for American Security and Freedom, which focuses on national security issues here and abroad.
“President Obama has made it his mission to apologize for American exceptionalism, which has damaged our reputation and standing throughout the world,” said Mr. Bolton, who chairs the foundation. “This ad reflects on the fearless and independent spirit of the American people.”
The 30-second spot is currently featured on major news organization websites and can be seen at fasfreedom.com/apology.
“I hope our next president shares the understanding that America is a great nation, and that peace is only maintained when America leads from a position of strength,” Mr. Bolton added.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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