I think the public's support of the war will hold as long as they can believe it serve a important (to America) cause. So far Bush has been able to sell the war to the public as a necessary preemptive strike against the imminent dangers posed by Saddam. On street interviews, I hear a common sentiment in pro-war people:"You gotta trust the president." I take that as meaning: "I don't know exactly why Saddam is such a big threat, but I must have faith in Our Dear Leader." I think if US can claim that they found WMD in Iraq, public opinion will be mollified somewhat.

But if I were Saddam, I would probably destroy WMD before the war starts so that no matter what happens American war will be seen as totally futile and cruel. But I am not a Mustioched Mesopotamian Meglomaniac, so the supposition maybe moot.

btw, while I see on CNN many US cities have huge war protest, LA seems pretty quiet throughout the war so far.