Just 39% of American voters now believe the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror. That’s down six points from a month ago and the first time that figure has dropped below 40% since last September.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey also found that 27% now believe the terrorists are winning. That’s up three points from a month ago and up seven points over the past two months.

By a 69% to 14% margin, Republicans believe the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror. Democrats are evenly divided on the question. Among unaffiliated voters, 21% say the U.S. and its allies are winning while 34% say the terrorists have the advantage.

A separate survey found that Americans now trust Democrats more than Republicans when it comes to issues of national security. Another survey has found that the number of people who consider themselves Democrats has grown to record levels.

Just 24% now expect the situation in Iraq to get better in the next six months while (39%) hold the opposite view and believe the situation will get worse. That’s the second straight month that a plurality has expected things to get worse. Prior to April, a plurality had held the more optimistic view for six consecutive months.

Just 28% of Likely Voters now say history will deem the U.S. mission in Iraq a success. That’s down four points from a month ago, six points over the past two months, and is the first time fewer than 30% have been optimistic on this point since last August. Most Americans–52%--now say history will judge the U.S. mission in Iraq to be a failure.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of Likely Voters say the United States is safer today than it was before 9/11. That’s down six points from a month ago.

Just 22% now say that President George W. Bush has done a good or excellent job handling the situation in Iraq. That’s down six points over the past month as well. His overall job approval ratings have fallen to record lows in recent weeks. Most voters—55%--now say the President has done a poor job handling the situation in Iraq. A separate survey has consistently found that roughly six-out-of-ten Americans would like to see the troops brought home from Iraq within the year.

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