CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll #2, September 2003 (ICPSR 3921)

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This poll, conducted September 28-October 1, 2003, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit opinions on political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his overall job performance, as well as his handling of the situation with Iraq, foreign policy issues, and the economy. Questions probed respondents' views on the state of the economy, whether they expected a change for the worse or the better, and how the state of the economy had changed since President Bush took office. Respondents were asked if they were registered to vote and how much attention they paid to the 2004 presidential campaign. Opinion was gathered on various Democratic candidates for the presidential nomination, including former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun, General Wesley Clark, former Vermont Governor Dr. Howard Dean, North Carolina Senator John Edwards, Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Florida Senator Bob Graham. They were also asked whether they were likely to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary or caucus, how they voted in the 2000 election, and how often they vote in primaries or caucuses. Respondents were asked who they would like to see win the Democratic nomination and who they believed would have a chance of winning. Respondents also indicated who they expected to win in November, regardless of the outcome of the Democratic Party nomination. Respondents were asked whether personal family finances, the economy, employment and unemployment, cost of prescription drugs, national security, education, and taxes had positively or negatively changed since President Bush took office. Questions gauged respondents' confidence in President Bush's ability to handle an international crisis or to make economic decisions. Respondents were asked whom they thought President Bush cared about: everyone, Blacks, Hispanics, and the lower, middle, or upper classes. Many questions delved into the respondents' perceptions of President Bush's honesty and integrity and compared that perception to those of current and former political figures. General opinions on Republicans and Democrats were sought as well as whether or not either or both parties had a clear plan for the country. Opinions about the war in Iraq were probed, including whether President Bush was clear on the length and cost of the war. Questions addressed whether or not the United States should spend an extra $87 billion on the Iraq War and whether the outcome and the removal of Saddam Hussein were worth the cost and the loss of American life. Opinions were sought on who should have led the effort in Iraq and whether other countries respected President Bush. Respondents were also asked what they believed was the real cause of the Iraq War, and whether they thought Saddam Hussein was tied to the September 11 attacks. The importance of religion in the respondents' lives was also gauged. Demographic variables include political affiliation, union membership, voting record in 2000, marital status, religious preference, education level, age and age group, Hispanic nationality, race, income, and other possible phone numbers.

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This data collection may not be used for any purpose other than statistical reporting and analysis. Use of these data to learn the identity of any person or establishment is prohibited.

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