Showing 1 – 50 of 1,362 results.
Curated
ABC News Between Debates Horserace Poll, October 1996 (ICPSR 2165)
Released/updated on: 2008-08-05
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted October 7-8, 1996, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of political and social issues. The focus of this data collection was on the first presidential debate held October 6, 1996. Registered voters were asked their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, and the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Respondents familiar with the debate were asked who they believed won, President Bill Clinton or Republican candidate Bob Dole. Several questions asked about campaign advertisements and whether they affected respondents' intentions to vote, and for whom respondents planned to vote in the upcoming presidential and congressional elections. Additional topics addressed the possible 2000 presidential election match-up of Vice President Al Gore and vice-presidential candidate Jack Kemp, which qualities were most important in a president, and whether respondents expected life to be better or worse for the next generation of Americans. Demographic information collected on all respondents include sex, race, age, education level, political party affiliation, political philosophy, and voter registration status.
Curated
ABC News Clinton Economy Speech Poll, February 1993 (ICPSR 6180)
Released/updated on: 2007-05-03
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll monitored public opinion on President Bill Clinton's televised speech on the economy, delivered February 15, 1993. Respondents rated their approval of Clinton's speech, and indicated whether they had a good idea of where Clinton planned to lead the nation in the next four years, whether Clinton was headed in the right direction in his plans for dealing with the economy, and whether they agreed that Americans were going to have to make some financial sacrifices for the long-term good of the nation's economy. Those surveyed were also asked if they thought most Americans were ready to make such sacrifices, and if they personally would be willing to accept a $100-a-year increase in their taxes to help reduce the federal budget deficit. Background information on respondents includes political party, household income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News Economy Poll, October 1987 (ICPSR 8887)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-05
Geographic coverage: United States
The nation's economy was the topic of this poll. Respondents were asked if they thought the economy was getting better or worse, whether they thought they would be better off financially one year from now, if they planned to spend more or less money than last year at Christmas, and whether stock market prices affected them personally. Additional questions related to the impact and causes of the recent fall in stock prices, the federal budget deficit, and the ways in which the Congress and Ronald Reagan were and should be working to reduce it. Demographic data on respondents are included.
Curated
ABC News Iraq Poll, August 1990 (ICPSR 9464)
Released/updated on: 2007-04-02
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-08-17--1990-08-20
This survey concentrates on issues surrounding the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and American political, economic, and military reactions to this invasion. Respondents were asked if they approved of the way Bush, King Hussein of Jordan, and Israel were handling the situation caused by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, how important it was for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait, if they approved of Bush's decision to send American military forces to Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf, if they thought Bush had been tough enough with Iraq, if the United States should strike first against Iraq, if the United States would have to get involved in a land war with Iraq, if they thought the economic boycott would make Iraq withdraw from Kuwait, and if they approved of putting some members of United States military reserves on active duty because of the situation. Other questions included who would win the war if the United States went to war with Iraq, if it would be a relatively short war, if the United States should consider using nuclear weapons, if the United States was heading for another Vietnam War, if the situation would lead to increased terrorism against American citizens, if those Americans not allowed to leave Iraq and Kuwait were hostages, and whether moral principle or economic consideration was behind United States actions. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, education, age, race, sex, and state/ region residence.
Curated
ABC News Listening to America Poll, May 1996 (ICPSR 6820)
Released/updated on: 2009-10-29
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted April 30 to May 6, 1996, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. This poll sought Americans' views on the most important problems facing the United States, their local communities and their own families. Respondents rated the public schools, crime, and drug problems at the national and local levels, their level of optimism about their own future and that of the country, and the reasons they felt that way. Respondents were asked whether they were better off financially than their parents were at their age, whether they expected their own children to be better off financially than they were, and whether the American Dream was still possible for most people. Respondents then compared their expectations about life to their actual experiences in areas such as job security, financial earnings, employment benefits, job opportunities, health care benefits, retirement savings, and leisure time. A series of questions asked whether the United States was in a long-term economic and moral decline, whether the country's main problems were caused more by a lack of economic opportunity or a lack of morality, and whether the United States was still the best country in the world. Additional topics covered immigration policy and the extent to which respondents trusted the federal, state, and local governments. Demographic variables included respondents' sex, age, race, education level, marital status, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration and participation history, labor union membership, the presence of children in the household, whether these children attended a public school, and the employment status of respondents and their spouses.
Curated
ABC News "Nightline" Stock Market Poll, November 1987 (ICPSR 8886)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey focused on the stock market. Respondents were asked if they thought the economy was getting better or worse, whether they thought they would be better off financially one year from now, if they planned to spend more or less money than last year at Christmas, and whether stock market prices affected them personally. Additional questions pertained to the recent sharp drop in stock prices and its impact on the respondent, and the respondent's understanding of a number of terms used to describe the economy and the stock market (e.g., the Down Jones Industrial Average, federal budget and trade deficits, liquidity, "buying on margin," and bear and bull markets). The results of the poll were announced on the ABC television program "Nightline." Demographic characteristics of respondents are included.
Curated
ABC News Poll of Public Opinion on Crime, December 1982 (ICPSR 8100)
Released/updated on: 2005-11-04
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. In this poll, respondents were questioned regarding their perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system. Questions assessed the respondents' fear of crime, perceptions of the seriousness of crime in the United States, evaluation of the judicial and penal systems, assessment of police performance, and confidence in the ability of the police to prevent crime. The poll also asked for respondents' opinions about President Ronald Reagan's policies, the state of the economy, and government spending. Demographic information was collected, including the respondent's sex, age, education level, race, and income level.
Curated
ABC News Post-Republican Convention Poll, August 1992 (ICPSR 6018)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-08-20--1992-08-21
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of political, social, and economic issues. Conducted by ABC News in August of 1992, the poll focused on topics such as the effect of Ross Perot's withdrawal from the presidential race on voting preferences, evaluations of the current presidential and vice-presidential candidates, perceived responsibility for current economic conditions, and the federal government's lack of action on major problems facing the nation, the economy, and the budget deficit. Respondents were asked to rate the likelihood of their voting in the upcoming presidential election in light of their personal daily schedules and to indicate their voting preferences and strength of support for Bush, Clinton, and Perot. The poll also assessed how favorably respondents viewed the current presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and whether the respondent was satisfied that each candidate had the honesty, integrity, and ability to understand the problems of the average American and to serve effectively as president. Respondents were also asked to indicate which candidate would do the best job of dealing with family values, foreign affairs, the economy, the budget deficit, bringing needed change to government, and taxes. Bush and Clinton were also evaluated with regard to whether they had a vision for the future of the country, would get things done, and could be trusted in a crisis. Respondents were asked whether Bush or the Democrats in Congress were most responsible for the current economic conditions and the federal government's failure to act on major problems. With respect to the economy, respondents were asked whether they would be willing to contribute a percentage of their tax returns if it lowered the deficit by the same percent, whether the economy was getting better or worse, and which was more important: cutting federal taxes or spending more on domestic problems. Other items included respondents' assessments of the economic level of people Bush cared most about, and whether the United States should bomb Iraq if it believed Iraq was not in compliance with the terms of the cease-fire agreement. Demographic information includes political affiliation, political conservatism/liberalism, education, age, race, and gender.
Curated
ABC News Reagan Tax Reform Speech Poll, May 1985 (ICPSR 8567)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-13
Geographic coverage: United States
Federal income tax reform is the central topic of this survey. Respondents were asked for their opinions on the following: the amount of tax they pay, difficulties in filling out the tax forms, the importance of simplifying the tax system and/or making it fairer, President Reagan's proposal to simplify the system, and the impact of the reform proposal on the amount of tax the respondent would expect to pay. Demographic characteristics also are included.
Curated
ABC News State of the Union Poll, January 1986 (ICPSR 8572)
Released/updated on: 2007-09-20
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted after President Reagan's 1986 State of the Union address. Respondents were asked to rate Reagan's performance as president, to identify the country's major problems and to describe the state of the economy. They were also asked their opinion of: the likelihood of a war involving the United States in the near future, the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the United States, whether they favor cutting spending or raising taxes (or both) to reduce the federal budget deficit, and whether they favor tax reform measures that reduce tax rates but eliminate many of the current tax deductions. Political affiliation and sex were also recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Congressional District Poll, 1986 (ICPSR 8638)
Released/updated on: 1992-02-16
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1986-09-01--1986-10-01
In this study of voting practices and preferences respondents were asked: if they voted in the last election, who they voted for, if they were planning to vote in the upcoming election for the House of Representatives, and who they were likely to vote for in that election. They were asked to rate Reagan's performance as president on issues such as the economy, foreign affairs, and aid to the poor. They were also questioned about which political party they generally support and what they believe to be the nation's worst problem. Respondents to the follow-up questionnaire were again asked who they would be voting for as well as whether they perceived the state of the economy as getting better or worse. Demographic characteristics were also recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Election Poll #1, October 1992 (ICPSR 6019)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-13
Geographic coverage: United States
This election poll focuses primarily on respondents' perceptions of the candidates in the 1992 presidential election. Those surveyed were asked to rate the chances of their voting in the election, to indicate their vote intentions in the election, to comment on the possibility of changing their minds about a candidate before the election, and to identify any candidates they would definitely not vote for under any circumstances. The survey posed questions regarding the applicability of statements such as "He is a strong leader," and "He can be trusted in a crisis," to George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot, and asked respondents to choose the candidate able to do the best job on issues such as the economy, race relations, and family values. In addition, respondents were asked to comment on how they felt the federal government was working, whether they felt things in the United States were going in the right direction, and whether the nation's economy was getting better. Background information on respondents includes voter registration status, party preference, education, age, race and Hispanic origin, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Election Poll #2, October 1992 (ICPSR 6020)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-13
Geographic coverage: United States
This election poll focuses primarily on public perceptions of the 1992 presidential campaign. Respondents were queried concerning the likelihood of their voting in the election, their vote intentions, the strength of their support for a preferred candidate, the possibility of changing to support a different candidate before the election, the candidate the respondent might change to, and the respondent's level of satisfaction regarding his/her choice for president. A major portion of the survey evaluated the 1992 campaign in terms of whether, in comparison with other recent presidential campaigns, it had dealt with the biggest problems facing the country, whether issues that the respondent really cared about had been addressed, and whether the campaign had been more positive or negative than past presidential campaigns. Presidential candidates were evaluated along a similar line of questioning. Those surveyed were also asked to describe their level of worry in response to a variety of issues including pollution and environmental problems, the Republicans or Democrats having too much political power, the American education system getting worse, and the federal government running out of money, and to indicate whether these issues had received enough attention during the campaign. In addition, respondents were asked about the helpfulness of the presidential debates in deciding on a candidate, whether Ross Perot's running for president was a good or a bad thing, whether they would have voted for Perot if they thought there was a chance he could have won, whether the next president would take the country in a new direction, whether things in the United States were currently going in the right direction, and whether they would want the job of president for themselves or their children. Background information on respondents includes voter registration status, party preference, education, age, race and Hispanic origin, household income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Exit Poll, 1986 (ICPSR 8641)
Released/updated on: 2010-11-23
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted with voters participating in the November 4, 1986 general election. Polling sites in the 48 continental United States were used. Voters were asked to fill out questionnaires as they exited the polling places. Questions included vote choices, evaluation of the way Reagan was handling his job as president, assessment of the state of the economy, and vote choices for the 1984 presidential election. Demographic questions included income, religion, age, education, sex, race, ethnic background, and political affiliation.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Labor Day Poll, September 2000 (ICPSR 3072)
Released/updated on: 2001-05-29
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-09-04--2000-09-06
This poll, fielded September 4-6, 2000, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they intended to vote in the November 7, 2000, presidential election and for whom they would vote if the election were held that day, given a choice between Vice President Al Gore and Connecticut senator Joseph Lieberman (Democratic Party), Texas governor George W. Bush and former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney (Republican Party), conservative commentator Pat Buchanan and educator Ezola Foster (Reform Party), and consumer advocate Ralph Nader and activist Winona LaDuke (Green Party). Respondents were asked to assess the importance of the following issues in their electoral decision-making and to specify which candidate they most trusted to do a better job addressing them: holding taxes down, protecting the Social Security system, improving education, improving the health care system, handling the economy, handling gun control, handling foreign affairs, encouraging high moral standards and values, reforming election campaign finance laws, handling abortion, managing the federal budget, handling the issue of prescription drug benefits for the elderly, handling national defense and the military budget, helping the middle class, handling crime, protecting the environment, and reducing political partisanship in Washington. Views were sought on whether presidential debates should be held and which candidates should be invited to participate. Respondents were also asked which candidate understood the problems of the American people, was a strong leader, would bring needed change to Washington, had the knowledge of world affairs it takes to serve effectively as president, could keep the economy strong, would say or do anything to get elected, had new ideas, was honest and trustworthy, would be a good commander- in-chief, had high personal, moral, and ethical standards, would unite people, had taken a clear stand on the issues, cared about the less fortunate, had an appealing personality, and had the right kind of experience to be president. Respondents' opinions were sought on whether the top priority for the federal budget surplus should be cutting federal taxes, reducing the national debt, strengthening Social Security, or increasing spending on domestic programs. Support for the following proposals was assessed: a large tax cut across the board or smaller tax cuts for the lower and middle class, a plan that would allow people to invest some of their Social Security earnings in the stock market, and a federal plan that would give parents money to send their children to private or religious schools instead of local public schools that were not meeting state standards. Additional topics covered abortion, the status of United States military strength over the past eight years, whether presidential candidates should discuss their religious beliefs, voter intentions in terms of the 2000 Congressional elections, whether the candidates were conducting positive or negative campaigns, and whether the country needed a fresh start after the Clinton era. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, labor union membership, Hispanic origin, household income, marital status, children in household, neighborhood characteristics, number of hours per day spent watching television, and whether the respondent considered himself/herself a morning person.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Labor Day Poll, September 2001 (ICPSR 3288)
Released/updated on: 2001-10-22
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted September 6-9, 2001, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, environmental issues, education, the energy situation, patients' rights in the healthcare system, Social Security, the federal budget, the cost of prescription drugs, and the defense/military budget. Their views were sought on the state of the nation's economy, including effects of the recently enacted $1.4 trillion tax cut and whether the economy was headed toward a recession. A series of questions addressed recent estimates that the federal budget surplus was much lower than earlier forecasts showed. Respondents were asked whether they were worried about such estimates, and who or what was most to blame for the lower surplus -- Bush, congressional Democrats, the tax cut passed by Congress and signed by Bush, or a slowing national economy. Those queried were asked whether they supported or opposed the following ways the government could handle the shrinking surplus: taking surplus money from the Social Security program and spending it on other programs, reducing the size of the tax cut, dropping plans to increase spending on education, dropping plans to improve prescription drug benefits for senior citizens, or dropping plans to increase military spending. An additional question solicited views on whether the country should follow the direction of the Bush administration or whether the country should follow the lead of congressional Democrats. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter participation history, education, Hispanic origin, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, April 2005 (ICPSR 4326)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-11
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted April 21-24, 2005, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the current presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were queried on such topics as Social Security benefits, parenthood, young people joining the military, capital punishment, same-sex marriage, stem cell research, and whether abortion should be legal in all cases. Respondents were asked how President George W. Bush was handling his presidency, the economy, the situation in Iraq, and the United States campaign against terrorism. A series of questions also focused on Tom Delay, the majority leader of the United States House of Representatives, and the ethics charges made against him, and whether he should step down as majority leader.
A random national sample of 1,082 adults were given this poll, including an oversample of 284 Catholic respondents, who were asked an additional group of questions about Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church. Questions asked included their feelings about the selection of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as pope, whether they approved or disapproved of the selection, if they thought he should maintain the traditional policies of the Church, and what should be his highest priority (e.g., responding to the concerns of women in the Church, encouraging human rights, or addressing the issue of sexual abuse by priests). Other questions included whether the Roman Catholic Church was in touch with the views of Catholics in America, whether the respondent would want their son to become a priest, and whether they would support the Catholic Church denying communion to Catholic politicians who are in favor of legal abortion.
Demographic variables include race, gender, age, level of education, income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, and religious affiliation.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, April 2009 (ICPSR 27764)
Released/updated on: 2010-04-29
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded April 21-24, 2009, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Barack Obama and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy as well as opinions on Vice President Joe Biden. Respondents were asked whether the Obama administration, the Republicans or the Democrats in Congress could be trusted to do a better job coping with the economic problems the nation faced, whether things in the country were going in the right direction, and the capacity of President Obama to understand the problems and needs of the American citizen. Respondents were also asked their opinions of the effectiveness of the economic stimulus and federal controls to prevent waste and fraud in the economic recovery, as well as the appropriateness for United States automakers to declare bankruptcy and their role in the national economy. Non-economic questions concerned the role of the United States in Afghanistan, confidence in the Obama administration in the handling of Afghanistan and the campaign against terrorism, whether the United States should establish diplomatic/trade relations with Cuba, whether the Obama administration should investigate the legality of the use of torture during the previous Bush (George, W.) administration, concerns over greenhouse gases, gun control and its relationship to the level of violent crime in the United States and the legality of same-sex marriage. Additional questions asked respondents for their opinions on the effectiveness of immigration control and proposed amnesty plans for illegal immigrants, and legalizing possession of marijuana for personal use. Personal financial and economic topics addressed how concerned respondents were that they could maintain their current standard of living. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, political philosophy, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), education level, religious preference, employment status, household income, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, April 2010 (ICPSR 30204)
Released/updated on: 2011-09-21
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded April 22-25, 2010 is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Barack Obama and his handling of the presidency, the federal budget deficit, health care, the situation in Afghanistan, regulation in the financial industry, nuclear weapons policy, the economy, and whether the Obama Administration or the Republicans in Congress could be trusted to do a better job handling these issues. Respondents were also asked their opinions on whether the Bush Administration or the Obama Administration were to blame for the current economic situation and federal budget deficit. Respondents were asked whether they supported or opposed stricter federal regulations on the way banks, other financial institutions, and Wall Street firms conducted their businesses, having the federal government regulate derivatives, and increasing federal oversight of the way banks and other financial companies make consumer loans. Opinions were collected on whether factors such as gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, race and professional experience would be in favor or against a Supreme Court nominee, whether respondents supported the Tea Party political movement, and whether the Tea Party, Democratic Party, or the Republican Party best represented their personal values, the needs of people like them, and best understood the economic problems of people in the country. Respondents were also asked whether they believed the support for the Tea Party movement was based on concern, dissatisfaction with the Republican Party, opposition to Obama and the Democratic Party's policies, based on distrust of government, or racial prejudice against Obama. Other topics covered included the national economy, the war in Afghanistan, the Supreme Court case Roe versus Wade, voter behavior for the United States House of Representatives election, and opinions of President Obama's birth place. Several questions addressed federal spending, the respondent's personal economic situation, and opinions on the war in Afghanistan. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, political philosophy, party affiliation, education level, religious preference, household income, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, December 2009 (ICPSR 29045)
Released/updated on: 2010-09-17
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded December 10-13 2009, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Barack Obama and his handling of the presidency, the federal budget deficit, health care, the situation in Afghanistan, unemployment, global warming, and the economy. Respondents were asked whether the Obama Administration or the Republicans in Congress could be trusted to do a better job handling the economy, health care reform, the situation in Afghanistan and energy policy. Several questions addressed health care including whether respondents supported the health care system being developed by Congress and the Obama Administration, whether they believed health care reform would increase the federal budget deficit, whether government should lower the age requirement for Medicare, and what the respondents' plan preference was for people who are not insured. Noneconomic questions focused on the role of the United States in Afghanistan, confidence in the Obama Administration in the handling of Afghanistan and the Taliban, and the environment. Other questions focused on the topics of health care in the United States, job availability, personal finances as well as opinions on professional golfer Tiger Woods. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, political political philosophy, party affiliation, education level, religious preference, household income, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, February 2009 (ICPSR 27762)
Released/updated on: 2010-04-30
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded February 19-22, 2009, is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicits public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Opinions were sought on how well Barack Obama was handling the presidency, the economy, and appointments to his cabinet, and whether things in the country were generally going in the right direction. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way Republicans and Democrats in Congress were doing their jobs, whether they trusted the Democrats in Congress, the Republicans in Congress or President Obama to do a better job in handling the economy and coping with the main problems the nation faced. Several questions addressed the stimulus plan asking respondents whether they supported the plan, whether the plan would help the local economy in their area or their personal financial situation, whether it would be enough to improve the economy, and whether the stimulus package went far enough in terms of tax cuts and aides to states and individuals. Information was collected on whether respondents were confident that the federal government would implement adequate controls to avoid fraud with the use of federal money used for the nation's economic recovery, how concerned they were about the size of the federal deficit, whether stricter regulations should be placed on the way financial institutions conduct business, whether the government should provide refinancing assistance to homeowners, and whether additional government loans should be given to United States automakers. Respondents were asked questions about the effect the economy had in their lives. They were asked how financially secure they felt, whether the recession hurt them financially, how optimistic they felt about the state of the economy and their family's financial situation, whether they had cut back on their spending, and whether the economic situation was a cause of stress in their lives. Respondents were also asked how long they thought the recession would last, how confident they were they would retire with enough income to sustain them for the rest of their lives, how concerned they were about having enough money to pay their rent or mortgage, and whether they or anyone they knew had experienced or was concerned about job loss or pay cuts. Other topics focused on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Washington DC's delegate in Congress being a nonvoting member of the United States House of Representatives. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, marital status, political party affiliation, political philosophy, household income, religious preference, home ownership, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, January 2009 (ICPSR 27761)
Released/updated on: 2010-06-10
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded January 13-16, 2009, is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicits public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. A national sample of 1,079 adults was surveyed, including an oversample of 204 African Americans. Opinions were sought on how well George W. Bush handled his job as president, how Dick Cheney handled his job as vice president, and whether things in the country were going in the right direction. Respondents were asked their opinions about how they thought President George Bush would go down in history, how newly elected Barack Obama handled his presidential transition, the level of confidence they had in President Obama and Congress to make decisions for the country's future, the expectations they had for Obama's performance as president, whether he got off to a good start in dealing with the economy, and the confidence level they had that President Obama's economic program would improve the economy. Views were sought on the kind of priority the president and Congress should give several issues including the economy, the situation in Iran, in Israel, and in Afghanistan, the federal budget deficit, education, global warming, health care, immigration issues, the United States campaign against terrorism, and taxes. Respondents were also asked questions about and the kind of priority that should be given to items that could be included in the economic stimulus plan such as upgrading schools with new technology, computerizing American medical records, extending unemployment insurance and health care coverage, and putting a moratorium on home mortgage foreclosures. Several questions addressed race relations and asked such things as whether Blacks in the community receive equal treatment, whether respondents felt they were ever denied housing or a job because of their race, and whether they felt they had ever been stopped by the police because of their race. Additional topics covered included respondents' personal finances, the war in Iraq, the situation in Afghanistan, the United States military prison at Guantanamo Bay, the treatment of terrorist suspects, embryonic stem cell research, and race relations. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, political party affiliation, political philosophy, religious preference, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, July 2009 (ICPSR 27766)
Released/updated on: 2010-10-11
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded July 15-18 2009, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Barack Obama and his handling of the presidency, the federal budget deficit, health care, the situation in Afghanistan, and the economy. Respondents were asked whether the Obama Administration or the Republicans in Congress could be trusted to do a better job handling the economy, health care, and the federal budget deficit. Respondents were also asked their opinions of Obama, whether the Bush Administration or the Obama Administration were to blame for the current economic situation, whether they approve of the parties in Congress and the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor. Several questions addressed federal spending, the respondent's personal economic situation, opinions on the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq as well as opinions on Vice President Joe Biden, Republican Sarah Palin, the United States space program and the 1969 moon landing. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, political philosophy, party affiliation, education level, religious preference, household income, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, June 2004 (ICPSR 4112)
Released/updated on: 2005-03-25
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll conducted, June 17-20, 2004, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit opinions on the presidency and on other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to assess the performance of United States President George W. Bush relative to the national economy, the conflict in Iraq, education, the national deficit, health care, terrorism, taxes, and international affairs. They were queried on how closely they were following the 2004 United States presidential election, their knowledge and opinions of the candidates, Republican incumbent George W. Bush and Democratic Senator John F. Kerry, their preferences between the candidates, and their opinions of the conflict in Iraq and its effects on domestic issues, international policy, the Iraqi people, and the Iraqi government and society. Specific questions addressed whether Bush intentionally misled the country about Iraq, the state of the national economy, who should have custody of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, whether Iraq supported al-Qaeda directly, and who should have decision-making power in Iraq. Background information includes age, callback receptivity, education, employment status, ethnicity, geographic classification, labor union membership, marital status, number of children in the home, political party affiliation, political party ideology, religious affiliation, voter registration status, and whether the respondent voted in the 2000 United States presidential election and for whom they voted.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, March 2009 (ICPSR 27763)
Released/updated on: 2010-04-29
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded March 26-29, 2009, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Barack Obama and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy. Respondents were asked whether the Obama administration or the Republicans in Congress could be trusted to do a better job coping with the economic problems the nation faces and whether things in the country were going in the right direction. Respondents were also asked their opinions of First Lady Michelle Obama as well their opinions on the roles of banks, the Bush administration, large businesses and consumer debt, and the state of the national economy. Non-economic questions focused on the role of the United States in Afghanistan, confidence in the Obama administration in the handling of Afghanistan and the Taliban, efforts made in building relationships between the United States and Muslim-majority nations, and the general world image of the United States. Personal financial and economic topics addressed how concerned respondents were that they could maintain their current standard of living and in what areas they are experiencing spending cutbacks. Additional topics addressed familiarity and understanding of the Islamic religion and Muslims, and whether respondents had shopped at a Walmart store in the past 12 months. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, political political philosophy, party affiliation, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), education level, religious preference, employment status, household income and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, May 2008 (ICPSR 24607)
Released/updated on: 2009-09-10
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded May 8-11, 2008, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. A national sample of 1,122 adults was surveyed, including an oversample of African Americans, for a total of 206 African American respondents. Views were sought on how well George W. Bush was handling the presidency, whether the country was moving in the right direction, and whether the Democratic or Republican party could be trusted to do a better job coping with the main problems the nation would face over the next few years. Respondents were asked how closely they were following the 2008 presidential race, their opinions of presidential candidates Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, for whom they would vote in the general election in November, which candidate had the best chance of getting elected, and how comfortable respondents would be with a president who was African American, a president who was a woman, and a president over the age of 72. Other questions asked whether Hillary Clinton should drop out of the Democratic primary, whether Democrats would be able to unite if Obama were nominated, and who Obama and McCain should choose as vice presidential running mates if nominated by their parties. Additional topics addressed the controversy over comments made by Barack Obama's minister, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, how concerned respondents were that they could maintain their current standard of living, the most difficult economic issue affecting their family, particularly recent increases in the price of gasoline, and whether they supported a summer suspension of the federal gasoline tax. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, marital status, political party affiliation, voter registration status, political philosophy, education level, religious preference, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, October 2008 (ICPSR 27326)
Released/updated on: 2010-03-15
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded October 8-11, 2008, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. A national sample of 1,101 adults was surveyed, including oversamples of African Americans and 18- to 29-year-olds, for a total of 150 African American respondents and 201 respondents aged 18 to 29 years. Respondents were asked whether the Democratic or Republican party could be trusted to do a better job coping with the main problems the nation would face over the next few years. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way George W. Bush was handling his job as president, whether things in the country were going in the right direction, and how concerned they were about the national economy. Views were sought on whether the Democratic or Republican party could be trusted to do a better job coping with the main problems the nation would face over the next few years. Respondents were also asked how closely they were following the 2008 presidential race, their opinions of presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, for whom they would vote in the general election in November, which candidate had the best chance of getting elected, and how comfortable respondents would be with a president who was African American and a president over the age of 72. Economic topics addressed how concerned respondents were that they could maintain their current standard of living, the most difficult economic issue affecting their family, particularly personal finances, the stock market, and the ability to obtain bank loans. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, marital status, political party affiliation, voter registration status and participation history, political philosophy, education level, religious preference, military service, household income, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, September 2008 (ICPSR 27328)
Released/updated on: 2010-04-08
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded September 19-22, 2008, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. A national sample of 1,082 adults was surveyed, including oversamples of African Americans for a total of 163 African American respondents. Respondents were asked whether the Democratic or Republican party could be trusted to do a better job coping with the main problems the nation would face over the next few years, whether things in the country were going in the right direction, and how concerned they were about the national economy. Respondents were also asked how closely they were following the 2008 presidential race, their opinions of presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, their opinion of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, for whom they would vote in the general election in November, which candidate had the best chance of getting elected, and how comfortable respondents would be with a president who was African American or a president over the age of 72. Respondents identifying with the Democratic party, were asked for whom they originally voted for to be the party nominee: Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Economic topics addressed how concerned respondents were that they could maintain their current standard of living, the most difficult economic issue affecting their family, particularly personal finances, the stock market, and the ability to obtain bank loans. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, marital status, political party affiliation, voter registration status and participation history, political philosophy, education level, religious preference, military service, household income, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), home ownership and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #1, August 2006 (ICPSR 4663)
Released/updated on: 2007-11-30
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted August 3-6, 2006, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way President George W. Bush was handling the presidency and issues such as the situation in Iraq and the economy. Those registered to vote were asked how closely they were following the upcoming congressional elections in November, whether they would vote for a Democrat or Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives if the election were held that day, and which issue was most important in their vote. All respondents were polled on which political party they trusted to handle issues such as the United States campaign against terrorism, which party was more concerned with the needs of people like themselves, whether they approved of the way the United States Congress was handling its job, and whether the Democrats were offering a clear direction that was different from that of the Republicans. Views were also sought on the war in Iraq, whether Iraq was in a state of civil war, and whether the Bush Administration and the Democrats in the United States Congress had a clear plan for handling the situation. A series of questions regarding the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon asked which group was to more to blame, whether Israel was justified in bombing Hezbollah targets in civilian areas, whether Israel should agree to an immediate, unconditional cease-fire in Lebanon, whether the conflict would make Israel more secure from attacks, and whether it would help or hurt the situation for the United States in Iraq. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status, religious preference, and whether respondents considered themselves born-again or evangelical Christians.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #1, October 1991 (ICPSR 9755)
Released/updated on: 2007-05-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1991-10-15--1991-10-20
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the economy, foreign affairs, the most important problem facing this country, who was most responsible for doing something about this problem, and which political party better represented the interests of poor people, rich people, and the middle class. In addition, respondents were questioned on whether they thought people in government wasted a lot of money and whether most of them were dishonest. Respondents were also asked if they had a favorable impression of certain people who might run in the presidential election, whom they would vote for if the House of Representatives election were held that day, and toward which candidate they were leaning. Other subjects addressed included whether respondents supported a federal law requiring businesses with more than 50 employees to allow workers 12 weeks of unpaid leave and a federal law giving unemployed people as much as 20 weeks of extra unemployment benefits, whether the United States should cut military spending because of the changes in the Soviet Union, and whether the Senate should have confirmed Clarence Thomas's nomination to the Supreme Court. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, number of people in household, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, sex, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #1, September 1990 (ICPSR 9557)
Released/updated on: 1992-02-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-09-06--1990-09-09
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Major topics covered include Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the economy, the federal government, and the upcoming congressional election. Respondents were asked if they approved of the way Bush, King Hussein of Jordan, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Jesse Jackson were handling the situation caused by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, how important it was for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait, if they approved of Bush's decision to send American military forces to the Persian Gulf, if they thought Bush had been tough enough with Iraq, if the United States should strike first against Iraq, if the United States would have to get involved in a land war with Iraq, and if the economic boycott would make Iraq withdraw from Kuwait. Concerning economic issues, respondents were questioned about consumer prices and taxes. They were also asked for their opinions on which country was the strongest economic power, whether life was easier or harder for young people currently, and whether it would be easier or harder ten years from now. Other questions revolved around confidence in various American institutions, respondent's trust in the federal government, the level of ethics and honesty in politics, the degree to which public officials care about people like the respondent, and the importance of various political and social issues in deciding which candidate and political party to vote for on election day. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, registered voter status, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, number of people in the household, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, sex, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, April 1986 (ICPSR 8580)
Released/updated on: 2007-07-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey covers a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked to rate Reagan's performance as president, to comment on United States policy and actions in the Middle East including the air strike against Libya, to evaluate the state of the nation's economy, and to assess the reliability of our allies. They were also questioned about the effect of falling oil prices on the nation's economy and about their own personal financial situations. Other topics included legalization of marijuana, successes of the civil rights movement, which political party the respondent supports, and the likelihood that the respondent will vote in the next election. Demographic characteristics were also recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, April 2000 (ICPSR 3053)
Released/updated on: 2001-03-26
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded March 28, 2000, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they intended to vote in the November 7, 2000, presidential election and for whom they would vote if the election were held that day, given a choice between Vice President Al Gore (Democrat) and Texas governor George W. Bush (Republican). Views were sought on the importance of a list of issues to the respondent's electoral decision and which candidate could be trusted to address them. The list of issues included gun control, campaign finance reform, protecting patients' rights in the health care system, Social Security, taxes, the economy, crime, foreign affairs, education, encouraging high moral standards, the federal budget, protecting the environment, abortion, the death penalty, and women's issues. Respondents were asked whether federal spending on education should be increased, whether they supported or opposed a plan to reduce federal education spending in school districts whose students don't improve on standardized tests, and whether federal money should be used to send children to private schools in areas where the local public schools were not improving. A series of questions addressed crime control, including respondent support for gun control, whether stricter gun control laws would reduce the amount of violent crime, the best way to reduce violent crime, and the influence of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Attitudes were also elicited regarding whether campaign finance reform would reduce the influence of money in politics and the most effective ways to reduce improper campaign fundraising. Respondents were asked whether they favored a smaller government with fewer services or a larger government with more services and how often they trusted the government. An additional question sought respondents' opinions on whether Elian Gonzalez, the six-year-old Cuban boy whose mother drowned when they attempted to immigrate to Florida, should be returned to his father in Cuba or allowed to remain with his relatives in Miami. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, labor union membership, household gun ownership, Hispanic origin, household income, and children in household.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, April 2002 (ICPSR 3433)
Released/updated on: 2002-06-27
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, and the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Respondents also expressed their views on the United States campaign against terrorism, the situation regarding Osama bin Laden, and the support given to the United States by Muslim people around the world. In addition, respondents voiced their concerns about more future terrorist attacks on the United States, their feelings toward Israel and the Palestinians, and their views on the role of the United States in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. The poll elicited respondents' views on the influence of Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to the Middle East on the prospects for peace, the negotiations and actions taken by Israel and the Palestinians, the responsibility of the leader of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat for terrorist attacks against Israel by Palestinians, the support of the United States for Israel, and the United States efforts in the war on terrorism. Respondents also answered a set of questions regarding the Catholic Church, its handling the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests, the level of trust respondents felt toward the Church in handling this issue in the future, their opinions of Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, who was accused of mishandling the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests, and the outcome of the American cardinals' meeting at the Vatican. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, education, religion and religious activities, Hispanic origin, race, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, April 2008 (ICPSR 24606)
Released/updated on: 2009-11-12
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded April 10-13, 2008, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. A random national sample of 1,197 adults were surveyed, including additional interviews with randomly selected African Americans and Catholics, for a total of 213 African American respondents and 292 Catholic respondents. Views were sought on how well George W. Bush was handling the presidency, the war in Iraq, and the economy. Respondents were asked what they thought was the single most important issue in their choice for president, and their opinion of Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. Respondents were also queried on whether they thought the war in Iraq was worth fighting, whether significant progress was made toward restoring civil order, whether the United States should keep its military forces there until civil order is restored, and whether they thought the United States must win the war in Iraq for the war on terrorism to be a success. Information was collected on how closely respondents were following the 2008 presidential race, which candidate they would like see win the Democratic nomination for president, whether the tone of the Democratic campaign was positive, whether the length of the Democratic race was good for Democrats, and how the super delegates should choose which candidate to nominate based on different counting methods. Several questions asked respondents to compare Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and which candidate they trusted to handle issues such as international trade, the economy, and health care. Respondents were asked which candidate they would vote for if the 2008 presidential election were being held that day and whether a Democratic or Republican president would do a better job handling the situation in Iraq and the economy. Views were sought on Pope Benedict XVI and whether he should maintain the traditional policies of the Roman Catholic Church, whether the Catholic Church is in touch with American Catholics today, policies on women becoming priests, marriage for Catholic priests, and how the Catholic Church has handled the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests. Additional topics included the Reverend Jeremiah Wright controversy, the state of the national economy, respondents' financial situation, gas prices, whether government assistance such as new tax breaks for businesses would avoid or soften a recession, and respondents' plans for a federal rebate. Demographics variables include sex, age, marital status, race, income, voter registration status, political ideology, political party affiliation, political philosophy, education level, religious preference, frequency of religious attendance, and whether respondents considered themselves to be a born-again Christian.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, August 1989 (ICPSR 9355)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1989-08-17--1989-08-21
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked what the most important problem facing the country was, how they felt about charges of alleged wrongdoing by former Reagan Housing Department officials, and who was taking the stronger leadership role in Washington--Bush or Congress. Respondents also were questioned regarding the destruction and burning of the American flag, the status of the nation's economy, the federal budget deficit, and spending on a series of federal government programs. Other topics covered include terrorism and the Middle East, the quality of education provided by public high schools, the new Medicare program covering catastrophic illness and long-term hospital stays, oil shipping companies and related environmental problems, and the upcoming House of Representatives election. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, sex, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, August 1993 (ICPSR 6283)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president and whether he was a strong and decisive leader. They were also asked to rate Clinton's handling of the nation's economy, foreign affairs, the federal budget deficit, and the federal response to the flooding in the Midwest. Those queried were also asked in detail about Clinton's economic plan -- specifically, whether they supported the increase in federal tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, the new federal tax rate on upper-income families, raising the tax on Social Security benefits, the increase in the federal business tax rate, and spending cuts in Medicare. Other topics included abortion, the situation in Serbia and Bosnia, and whether the respondent approved of United States airstrikes against Bosnian Serbs. The Roman Catholic Church was also a focus of this monthly survey, with specific questions on church policies and moral rules. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1987 (ICPSR 8925)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-12
Geographic coverage: United States
This study is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the fall in stock prices, the Democratic and Republican candidates for president, Gary Hart's decision to re-enter the race, the economy and its impact on major purchases and other spending by the respondent, and the respondent's optimism regarding the economy and quality of life as compared to one year ago. Demographic characteristics also were recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1991 (ICPSR 9890)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-12-11--1992-12-15
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved or disapproved of Bush's handling of the presidency and why, whether the nation's economy could be described as excellent, good, not so good, or poor, whether they were better off financially than in 1989 when Bush became president, and whether Bush cared equally about serving people of all income levels. Concerning political parties, respondents were asked whether the Democrats or Republicans could do a better job of coping with the main problems the nation would face in the coming years and which party could better handle issues such as the economy, crime, foreign affairs, education, defense, and health care. Concerning Congress, respondents were asked whether they approved of the way their own United States Representative was handling his or her job, whether they approved of the way Congress in general was doing its job and why, and whether they approved of the way the Democrats in Congress were handling the nation's economy. In addition, those surveyed were asked whether Bush or the Democrats in Congress could be trusted to do a better job on the economy, whether Bush and the Democrats in Congress were more interested in doing what's best for the economy or what's best for themselves politically, and whether the United States needed a new president that would set the nation in another direction. Respondents were also asked whether cutting taxes or increasing domestic spending was more important at the present time, whether their biggest problem was high taxes, slow income growth, or too much debt, whether it had become more difficult to get a promotion or a better job in the past year, whether their hours and overtime had been reduced in the past year, and if their latest pay raise had been higher or lower than usual. Concerning the 1992 presidential election, respondents were asked for whom they would vote if their state held a Democratic or Republican primary/caucus for president, toward whom they were leaning for the primary/caucus at the time of the interview, what the chances were that they would vote in the 1992 presidential election, whether they would vote for Bush or various other prospective candidates/nominees were the national election held at the time of the interview, and toward whom they were leaning for the national election at the time of the interview. Additionally, respondents were asked whether they would consider voting for David Duke, whether they would like to see the 1992 national elections result in a Republican president with a Democratic majority in Congress or various other combinations and how important that was, and how much a candidate's position on health care influenced the respondent's vote. Other topics included living wills, the cost and availability of health care, approaches to financing health care, and health benefits provided by employers. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, race, income, economic class, religion, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, urban/suburban/rural residence, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1992 (ICPSR 6026)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-19
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-12-11--1992-12-14
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to comment on whether they felt things in the United States were going in the right direction, and to give their approval rating of George Bush with respect to his handling of the presidency and the economy. In addition, respondents were asked to assess Bush's ultimate place in history and his handling of the presidential transition. Questions were also posed about Bill Clinton, including whether the respondent approved of Clinton's choice of cabinet members and the potential effects his administration would have on the economy. Respondents also gave their approval rating of Bush's decision to send troops into Somalia, assessed the length of United States involvement in that area, and offered opinions about whether homosexuals should be allowed to serve in the military. Much of the poll focused on issues of sexual harassment in the workplace and the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas, including Anita Hill's testimony alleging sexual harassment. Respondents were asked whether they believed these charges and whether Thomas was fit to serve on the bench. Those polled were asked to estimate the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace, to relate their personal experiences with sexual harassment, and to identify situations in the workplace that would be indicative of sexual harassment. Respondents were also asked for their opinions of recent allegations of sexual harassment involving Senator Robert Packwood and his response to those charges, how Congress should handle this particular case, and how frequently they thought sexual harassment by members of Congress occurred. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, area of residence, employment status, Hispanic origin, household income, and gender.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1999 (ICPSR 2902)
Released/updated on: 2001-03-26
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1999-12-12--1999-12-15
This poll, fielded December 12-15, 1999, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked for their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, as well as their views on the upcoming November 7, 2000, presidential election and the current presidential primary/caucus season. Respondents were asked how much attention they had paid to the 2000 presidential race and whether they intended to vote in the election. Given a choice among Vice President Al Gore, former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, Texas governor George W. Bush, and Arizona senator John McCain, those queried were asked for whom they would vote. Their views were also sought on the most important issues of this presidential election and which candidate was best suited to handle issues such as education, the economy, taxes, Social Security/Medicare, campaign finance reform, international affairs, and health care. Respondents were asked if the following statements applied to Bradley, Bush, Gore, or McCain: typical politician, understands the average American, strong leader, experienced enough to be president, would bring needed change to Washington, DC, knowledgeable of world affairs, could be trusted in a crisis, has a clear idea of where to lead the nation, and says what he thinks regardless of what is popular. Respondents were asked for whom they would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus, given a choice between Gore and Bradley, and for whom they would vote in a Republican primary or caucus, given a choice among Bush, publisher Steve Forbes, McCain, radio talk show host Alan Keyes, Family Research Council president Gary Bauer, and Utah senator Orrin Hatch. Additional topics focused on whether the amount of money that people could contribute to political parties should be limited, whether the people of New Hampshire had too much influence in determining who wins the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations, whether Bradley's irregular heartbeat for which he took medication was considered serious by the American people, and which candidate would best handle campaign finance reform, taxes, and balancing the federal budget. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, political party, political orientation, Hispanic descent, voter registration and participation history, military service, and family income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, February 1989 (ICPSR 9240)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-28
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1989-02-10--1989-02-14
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of social issues. Topics covered include the federal budget deficit, the economy, and United States involvement with Japan. Additionally, respondents were asked whether the power held by the United States had changed in the past 20 years and whether it would by the end of the century, whether the United States government promoted democracy around the world, and if the United States protected its economic interests around the world. Respondents' opinions also were sought on the use of federal funds to pay for abortions and the conditions (if any) under which abortions should be legal. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, marital status, household composition, union affiliation, employment status, race, income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, February 1990 (ICPSR 9438)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-28
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-02-01--1990-02-04
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked if they approved of the way George Bush was handling the nation's economy, the illegal drug problem, foreign affairs, and relations with China, and if they approved of the way George Bush, Congress, and Dan Quayle were handling their jobs. In addition, respondents were questioned regarding Bush's State of the Union address and the leadership roles of Bush and Congress. Other topics covered include the capital gains tax, abortion, the Social Security system, defense spending, the upcoming international drug summit, and drug trafficking in Colombia. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, sex, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, February 1994 (ICPSR 6618)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to identify the biggest problems facing the country and to comment on whether they thought the United States was generally going in the right direction or was on the wrong track. They were also asked whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president, the nation's economy, the federal budget deficit, foreign affairs, crime, the situation involving the former Yugoslavian republics of Serbia and Bosnia, and Clinton's health care plan. The health care plan was closely examined with questions on whether it was better or worse than the present system and whether the respondent supported federal price controls on medical expenses, an insurance program that would not pay for some medically unnecessary or low-success treatments, and federal laws requiring all employers to provide health insurance to full-time employees and pay some costs for part-time employees. Respondents were asked whether groups such as the American Medical Association, the health insurance industry, Republicans in Congress, Democrats in Congress, and the Clinton administration were helping or hurting efforts to improve the nation's health care system. They were also asked which political party they would trust to do a better job of handling the nation's economy, crime, foreign affairs, improving education and schools, maintaining a strong national defense, helping the middle class, holding taxes down, helping the poor, providing affordable health care, encouraging high moral standards and values, creating jobs, reducing the federal budget deficit, and making American industry competitive. Other topics covered neighborhood crime, prisons, the respondent's impression of Japan, and the arrest of an official of the Central Intelligence Agency accused of spying for the Russians. Demographic background variables include political orientation, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1985 (ICPSR 8516)
Released/updated on: 2009-11-18
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted January 11-16, 1985, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to rate Reagan's performance as president over the past four years and to describe their expectations for his performance in his second term in office. Respondents also were asked a series of questions relating to the nation's economy, their personal financial situation and expectations, and whether they trusted the Democrats or Republicans to do a better job in coping with the nation's problems. A series of questions asked about the federal budget deficit and ways to reduce it, federal income tax system and the Treasury Department's tax reform proposal. Additional subjects addressed support for nuclear power, the apartheid protests in South Africa, the New York City subway shooting, and gun ownership. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, marital status, religious preference, voter registration status and participation history, political party affiliation, political philosophy, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), household income, the number of household members over the age of 18, whether respondents considered themselves to be middle or working class, and whether any member of the household was a veteran, a labor union member, or employed by the government.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1988 (ICPSR 9061)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-12
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-01-17--1988-01-23
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluates the Reagan presidency and solicits opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include trust in the government and the two major political parties, the environment, the nation's health, public education, crime, the quality of life, world peace, and the economy. In addition, opinions were solicited regarding the respondent's favorable or unfavorable impression of various public figures, the respondent's choice for presidential candidate, the debates that had taken place among the various presidential candidates, the most important issue in choosing a candidate, and which party's candidate would do a better job in dealing with problems such as reducing the trade deficit, unemployment, holding down taxes, and providing leadership. Respondents also were asked a detailed series of questions comparing the Republican candidates George Bush and Robert Dole. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1984 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1990 (ICPSR 9436)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-28
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-01-11--1990-01-16
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked to name the two most important problems facing the country, if they approved of the way George Bush was handling the nation's economy, the environment, the illegal drug problem, and foreign affairs, and if they trusted federal, state, and local governments to do what was right. Respondents also were questioned as to which political party they trusted to do a better job handling a variety of political, economic, and social problems, if they thought things would get better in the next ten years, and how they would rate the military and economic power of the United States vis-a-vis Japan and the Soviet Union over the past 20 years. Other topics covered include the United States military action in Panama, Manuel Noriega, the illegal drug problem, and respondents' satisfaction with careers, marriage, children, and cultural life. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, sex, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1992 (ICPSR 9887)
Released/updated on: 1993-10-11
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-01-30--1992-02-02
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked to identify the most important problem facing the country, to indicate whether they approved or disapproved of Bush's handling of the presidency in general and of his handling of foreign affairs and the economy in particular, and to offer opinions on whether Bush was able to deal with the big issues that faced the country. Those surveyed were also asked if they approved of the way their own United States Representative was handling his or her job, and whether they approved of the way Congress was doing its job. Concerning economic matters, respondents were asked how the money from potential cuts in military spending should be used, whether they were better off financially than in 1989 when Bush became president, and whether Bush or the Democrats in Congress could be trusted to do a better job on the economy. Concerning political parties, respondents were asked whether the Democrats or Republicans better represented the interests of various groups of people, and whether the Democrats or Republicans could do a better job of coping with the main problems the nation would face in the coming years. Focusing on health care, respondents were asked whether they trusted Bush or the Democrats in Congress to do a better job of improving the health care system in this country, whether they could vote for a candidate whose position on health care was different from theirs, and if a candidate's position on health care was the most important issue to consider in deciding whether to support that candidate. With respect to Bush's 1992 State of the Union address, those surveyed were asked if they approved of most of the proposals made in the speech, how much Bush's economic proposals would help the economy and the respondent's own financial situation, and whether Bush would be able to accomplish most of the goals he outlined in his speech. Concerning the Persian Gulf War, the survey asked respondents whether the war had been worth fighting considering its cost to the United States versus its benefit, and whether the respondent was more likely to support Bush for a second term as a result of the Gulf War. Regarding the issue of extramarital affairs involving a presidential candidate, respondents were asked if they could vote for a candidate who had had an affair, whether the allegation that Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton had had an affair would have an effect on their vote, and if that should be an issue in the presidential election. Respondents were also asked whether Clinton should withdraw from the race if it turned out that he did have an affair with Gennifer Flowers, whether his withdrawal should be based on having had an affair or having denied it, and whether Clinton or Flowers had told the truth. Concerning the 1992 presidential election, respondents were asked for whom they would vote if their state held a Democratic or Republican primary/caucus for president, toward whom they were leaning at the time of the interview, whether they would vote for Bush or various other prospective candidates/nominees if the national election were held at the time of the interview, and toward whom they were leaning at the time of the interview. Those surveyed were also asked their views concerning presidential primaries and caucuses, and about their expectations for the 1992 presidential campaign. Additional campaign questions asked respondents if who is elected in 1992 really made any difference, and whether they thought that they were being referred to when Republican and Democratic candidates for political office talked about the middle class. Other questions dealt with the respondent's impression of various candidates involved in the 1992 presidential election, the reelection of the respondent's representative in Congress, and the chances of the respondent's voting in the 1992 presidential election. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, race, income, economic class, religion, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, urban/suburban/rural residence, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1993 (ICPSR 6175)
Released/updated on: 2009-08-14
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1993-01-14--1993-01-17
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked their opinions on the direction in which the United States was heading, the major problem facing the country, expectations regarding the incoming Clinton presidency, the economy, President George Bush, health care, Congress, Bush's pardon of former Reagan Administration officials charged in the Iran/Contra affair, the situation with Iraq, the conflict between the former Yugoslavian republics of Serbia and Bosnia, and abortion. Other items concerned the Clinton family's decision to have Chelsea Clinton attend a private school, and Hillary Clinton's influence over Bill Clinton. Background information on respondents includes political party, voter registration status, vote choice in the 1992 presidential election, political orientation, education, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, Hispanic origin, race, age, household income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1994 (ICPSR 6617)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to identify the biggest problems facing the country and to comment on whether they thought the United States was generally going in the right direction or was on the wrong track. They were asked whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president, the nation's economy, the federal budget deficit, foreign affairs, and crime, and were asked for their impressions of Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Bob Dole, and Ross Perot. Questions covered whether Clinton was keeping most of his major campaign promises and whether the changes Clinton was seeking were mainly right or wrong. Clinton's progress as president in specific areas, such as reducing unemployment, improving the nation's economy, dealing with the federal budget deficit, improving the level of ethics in government, dealing with problems of the middle class, and improving health care, was probed in detail. Additional topics included the Whitewater real estate venture, Tonya Harding, the law limiting welfare benefits, Clinton's health care plan, and the government's involvement in the nation's health care system. Demographic background variables include political orientation, age, race, income, and education.