CNN Poll: Surge in Americans Believing NKorea 'Immediate Threat'

More than four in 10 Americans now believe that North Korea poses an “immediate threat” to the United States, a new poll reveals.

In the CNN/ORC International survey of more than 1,000 adults, 41 percent of respondents said they think North Korea and its saber-rattling leader Kim Jong Un pose an immediate threat, up from 28 percent a year ago, and another 41 percent believe the nuclear-armed nation poses a long-term threat. Just 16 percent say North Korea does not pose a threat at all, and the rest have no opinion.

More than half of Republicans, 56 percent, say North Korea poses an immediate threat, compared to 37 percent of Democrats.

Asked if they think the United States should use military troops to help defend South Korea if it is attacked by North Korea, 61 percent of respondents said Yes, and 36 percent said No.

Also, a slight majority of respondents, 51 percent, said the situation involving North Korea cannot be successfully resolved using only economic and diplomatic efforts, while 46 percent believe it can be resolved that way.