Showing 1 – 50 of 143 results.
Curated
Simple Crosstabs
2012 Chicago Council Survey on American Public Opinion and Foreign Policy (ICPSR 36230)
Released/updated on: 2015-12-07
Geographic coverage: United States
The Chicago Surveys are part of a long-running series of public opinion surveys conducted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs every two years. This study is the 2012 Chicago Council Survey, designed to investigate the opinions and attitudes of the general public on matters related to foreign policy, and to define the parameters of public opinion within which decision-makers must operate.
The 2012 Chicago Council Survey focuses on respondents' opinions of the United States' leadership role in the world and the challenges the country faces domestically and internationally.
The survey covers the following international topics: relations with other countries, role in foreign affairs, possible threats to vital interests in the next ten years, foreign policy goals, benefits or drawbacks of globalization, situations that might justify the use of United States troops in other parts of the world, the number and location of United States military bases overseas, respondent feelings toward people of other countries, opinions on the influence of other countries in the world and how much influence those countries should have, United States participation in potential treaties, the United States' role in the United Nations and NATO, which side the United States should take in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what measures should be taken to deal with Iran's nuclear program, the military effort in Afghanistan, opinions on efforts to combat terrorism, and the rise of China as a global power.
Domestic issues include economic prospects for American children when they become adults, funding for government programs, the fairness of the current distribution of income in the United States, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and United States dependence on foreign energy sources.
Demographic and other background information include age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, left-right political self-placement, political affiliation, employment status, highest level of education, and religious preference. Also included are household size and composition, whether the respondent is head of household, household income, housing type, ownership status of living quarters, household Internet access, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) status, and region and state of residence.
Curated
Simple Crosstabs
2015 Chicago Council Survey of American Public Opinion and U.S. Foreign Policy (ICPSR 36437)
Released/updated on: 2016-07-29
Geographic coverage: United States
The Chicago Council Surveys are part of a long-running series of public opinion surveys conducted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs beginning in 1974. They were conducted quadrennially from 1974 to 2002, biennially from 2002 to 2014, and are now conducted annually. The surveys are designed to investigate the opinions and attitudes of the general public on matters related to foreign policy, and to define the parameters of public opinion within which decision-makers must operate. This public opinion study of the United States focused on respondents' opinions of the United States' leadership role in the world and the challenges the country faces domestically and internationally. Data were collected on a wide range of international topics, including: United States' relations with other countries, role in foreign affairs, possible threats to vital interests in the next ten years, foreign policy goals, situations that might justify the use of United States troops in other parts of the world, international trade, United States' participation in potential treaties, U.S. policy towards Russia in Ukraine, the embargo on Cuba and the effects of renewed diplomatic relations with Havana, views of the nuclear deal with Iran and what effects that deal is likely to have, and United States' relations with allies in Asia. Respondents were also asked their opinion on domestic issues including climate change, measures to improve the United States' economic competitiveness, and their views on US immigration policy. Demographic information collected includes age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, left-right political self-placement, political affiliation, employment status, highest level of education, and religious preference, household income, state of residence, and living quarters ownership status.
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 Daniloff Freedom Poll, September 1986 (ICPSR 8640)
Released/updated on: 2007-05-07
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted after the release of Nicholas Daniloff, a reporter who had been held by the Soviet Union on charges of spying. The United States government negotiated his release but denied that there was any connection between his release and the release of Gennadi Zakharov, a Soviet physicist who had been held by the United States on spying charges. Respondents were asked about: their knowledge of the Daniloff case, whether or not they thought there was a swap, if they considered the case a victory or a defeat for the United States, and their evaluation of how Reagan handled the case. Respondents were also asked to evaluate Reagan's handling of the hostage situation in Beirut, Lebanon. In addition, they were asked whether or not they expected any important accomplishments to come from the upcoming summit meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev in Iceland.
Curated
ABC News Kosovo Peace Poll #1, June 1999 (ICPSR 2774)
Released/updated on: 1999-08-20
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded June 6-7, 1999, sought respondents' views on the peace agreement reached between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Serbia, and on a series of political issues pertinent to the United States. Those queried were asked for their opinions on the United States' commitment of 7,000 ground troops as part of a larger NATO peacekeeping force in Serbia, the outcome of the conflict, whether it was right for the United States to become involved, and whether Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic should be put on trial for war crimes. Respondents were also asked for their opinions of President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, the United States Congress, the Republican and Democratic parties, Texas Governor George W. Bush, former president of the American Red Cross and presidential hopeful Elizabeth Dole, First Lady Hillary Clinton, and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley. Their views were sought on which political party they trusted to do a better job in the areas of crime, foreign affairs, the economy, and encouraging high moral standards. Given a possible match between Gore and Bush for president in the 2000 election, respondents were asked for whom they would vote. They were also asked for their vote choice given a Republican primary or caucus for president in 2000 with candidates Bush, Dole, Arizona Senator John McCain, businessman Steve Forbes, New Hampshire Senator Bob Smith, former Vice President and Indiana Senator Dan Quayle, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander, Ohio Congressman John Kasich, Family Research Council president Gary Bauer, and radio show host Alan Keyes. Finally, given a Democratic primary or caucus for president in 2000 with candidates Gore, Bradley, and Reverend Jesse Jackson, respondents were asked to indicate their vote. Background information on respondents includes age, race, sex, education, political party, voter registration status, and income.
Curated
ABC News New Hampshire Primary Voter Poll, January 2000 (ICPSR 2964)
Released/updated on: 2000-10-18
Geographic coverage: United States, New Hampshire
This special topic poll, fielded January 13, 2000, queried residents of New Hampshire on the upcoming February 1, 2000, presidential primaries. Respondents were asked how much attention they had paid to the New Hampshire primary campaigns and whether they intended to vote. Those queried were asked for whom they intended to vote in the Democratic primary, Vice President Al Gore or former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, or for whom they intended to vote in the Republican primary, given the choice among Texas governor George W. Bush, publisher Steve Forbes, Arizona senator John McCain, Family Research Council president Gary Bauer, radio talk show host Alan Keyes, and Utah senator Orrin Hatch. Their views were sought on the most important issues of the 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 in world affairs, loyal to his political party, inspiring, has a chance of winning the election, and says what he thinks even though it may be unpopular. Additional topics covered whether respondents were pleased with the choice of candidates for the 2000 election, whether they would support a plan whereby candidates agreed to participate in twice-weekly debates and agree not to run televised political advertisements, whether Bush could cut income taxes while maintaining a balanced federal budget, and which candidate was best prepared to lead the nation into the Internet age. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, political party, political orientation, Hispanic descent, voter registration and participation history, military service, labor union membership, and family income.
Curated
ABC News "Nightline" Haiti Poll, October 1993 (ICPSR 6291)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
For this special topic poll, respondents were asked whether they approved of President Bill Clinton's handling of foreign affairs, the situation in Somalia, and the situation in Haiti. Specifically, they were queried as to whether Clinton had a clear policy on the situations in Somalia and Haiti and whether United States vital interests were at stake in either country. Questions covered whether the United States has the responsibility to take the leading role in world affairs, whether the United States should send United States troops to participate in United Nations peace-keeping efforts around the world, and whether those troops should be placed under United Nations command. Other questions focused on whether Clinton had consulted Congress enough regarding sending United States troops to participate in United Nations missions and whether Congress should have the power to prevent a president from sending troops to participate in such missions. Those queried were also asked whether they agreed with the United States oil embargo on Haiti and whether they supported sending United States troops to Haiti if democracy was not restored. The results of the poll were announced on the ABC television program "Nightline" the day the poll was taken. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News Poll, July 1991 (ICPSR 9758)
Released/updated on: 2007-07-03
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1991-07-25--1991-07-28
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 situation in the Persian Gulf, and the recession. In addition, respondents were questioned in depth regarding health care and health insurance. They were asked about the quality of health care, health insurance coverage, the health insurance system in the United States, whether they would choose an inexpensive health care program that did not allow them to choose their own doctors or an expensive one that permitted that choice, and whether they would prefer private health insurance or national health insurance. Respondents were also asked if they thought the Persian Gulf War was worth fighting, if the United States should bomb Iraq if the United States government believed Iraq was secretly trying to make nuclear weapons, if they approved of Clarence Thomas's nomination to the Supreme Court, and if they had favorable impressions of certain persons, organizations, and countries. Among the other subjects addressed are the economic and political system changes of the Soviet Union, cutting the number of long-range nuclear missiles, the Middle East peace conference, the United States House of Representatives election in November, and AIDS testing. 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 Poll, July 2000 (ICPSR 3058)
Released/updated on: 2001-04-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-07-20--2000-07-23
This poll, fielded July 20-23, 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 (Democratic Party), Texas governor George W. Bush (Republican Party), conservative commentator Pat Buchanan (Reform Party), and consumer advocate Ralph Nader (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, handling the death penalty issue, protecting people's privacy on the Internet, handling the federal budget surplus, managing the federal budget, handling crime, protecting the environment, addressing women's issues, and appointing justices to the Supreme Court. Views were sought on whether presidential debates should be held, which candidates should be invited to participate, and whether respondents were satisfied with the presidential candidates. In addition, respondents were 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, said what he really thought, was honest and trustworthy, had an appealing personality, and had the right kind of experience to be president. Those queried were asked whether a difference existed between Gore and Bush on the issues about which the respondent cared and their personal qualities. Opinions were elicited 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. Additional questions covered abortion and the impact of Bush's naming a running mate who supported legalized abortion, Bush's handling of the death penalty while governor of Texas, voter intentions regarding the 2000 Congressional elections, whether a smaller government with fewer services is preferred to a larger government with many services, whether the country should continue to move in the direction that Clinton established, and whether it mattered who was elected president. 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, and neighborhood characteristics.
Curated
ABC News Poll, November 1999 (ICPSR 2901)
Released/updated on: 2000-06-21
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1999-10-28--1999-10-31
This poll, fielded October 28-31, 1999, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and a range of other political and social issues. Several questions were asked of respondents to gauge their feelings about the 2000 presidential election and the candidates Vice President Al Gore, Texas governor George W. Bush, Arizona senator John McCain, former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, publisher Steve Forbes, developer Donald Trump, and conservative commentator Pat Buchanan. Respondents were asked whom they intended to vote for, whether they had favorable or unfavorable impressions of each candidate, how well they knew each candidate's personal qualities and stance on specific issues and which was the more important factor in choosing a candidate to support, and whether they thought the individual presidential hopefuls would follow the governing path laid down by Clinton or would forge a new path. Respondents were asked how important the following issues were to the 2000 presidential election and how Gore and Bush would handle these issues: gun control, election campaign finance reform, patients' rights in the health care system, holding taxes down, protecting the Social Security system, protecting the Medicare system, the national economy, crime, foreign affairs, improvement of education and schools, helping the middle class, encouraging high moral standards and values, the federal budget, protecting the environment, abortion, and the nuclear test ban treaty. More comparison questions were asked concerning Gore and Bush, specifically, which of the two candidates the respondent was most likely to vote for, how strongly they supported their choice, and if there was a chance that they would change their minds. Gore and Bush were also compared on these attributes: honest and trustworthy, high personal and moral standards, understands the problems of the average American, strong leader, new ideas, right kind of experience to be president, right kind of personality and temperament to be president, and would bring needed change to Washington. Additional topics covered included respondents' satisfaction with the jobs done by President Bill Clinton, the United States Congress, and the respondents' representatives in the House of Representatives. They were also asked if they would vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate if a congressional election were held today. Background information on respondents includes whether they voted in the 1996 presidential election, whom they voted for, self-placement on the conservative/liberal continuum, education, age, labor union membership, Hispanic descent, race, and sex.
Curated
ABC News Poll, September 1993 (ICPSR 6285)
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, the nation's economy, foreign affairs, and the health care plan. Respondents were asked whether Clinton's health care plan was better or worse than the existing system and whether it was good for the long-term future of the nation. The quality of health care and health insurance coverage were also addressed. Respondents were asked whether the plan treated them fairly and whether Congress should pass Clinton's health care plan with or without changes. Other topics included the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and whether the penny is a useful coin. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News Poll, September 1994 (ICPSR 3854)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: Cuba, Haiti, 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. Questions included the respondent's opinion on what the most important problem facing the United States was and approval ratings for President Clinton's handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, crime, and health care. Approval ratings were also tallied for the United States Congress and the Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Respondents were asked how much Congress had accomplished in the past year compared to years before and who was responsible (i.e., President Clinton or the parties in Congress). Respondents were asked if they believed certain political figures, including President Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, and the respondent's representative in Congress, were doing what was best for the country, their district, or their own political lives. Those polled were asked what they believed their representative in Congress should or should not be doing, and which political party was better at handling issues such as the economy and helping the middle class. Queries included the general functioning of the federal government and what, if any, changes were needed. Respondent opinions on the crime bill were gathered, as well as approval ratings on Congress's handling of the health care system. Other questions concerning health care included whether the respondent supported proposed changes to the health care system and whether the respondent believed that significant improvements would be made to the health care system. Respondents were also queried on what changes they would like to see in Congress -- for example, whether they would vote for their incumbent representative or the challenger. Respondents were asked if they believed that America's vital interests were at stake in the situation in Cuba and/or in Haiti and whether the United States should end its economic embargo against Cuba if certain conditions were met. Questions also solicited respondent views on whether they would support a military invasion of Haiti and if they believed that the United States would go to war with Haiti. Respondents' knowledge of bills passed in Congress within the past year was also assessed. Demographic information gathered includes political affiliation, voter registration status, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, religious preference, urban or rural residence, marital status, labor union status, working status, ethnicity, age, sex, yearly income, and willingness for call-back.
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 Press Conference Poll, November 1986 (ICPSR 8644)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-13
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted on the evening of November 19, 1986 after President Reagan's press conference. Reagan spoke about United States arms shipments to Iran. Respondents were asked to evaluate Reagan's job performance and his handling of world affairs, relations with Iran, and dealings with terrorists. They were also asked whether they believe Reagan was telling the truth about arms shipments and whether Schultz and/or other advisors should resign. Respondents were asked if they watched the press conference and if so, their opinion of what the president said was recorded.
Curated
ABC News START Talks Poll, January 1985 (ICPSR 8556)
Released/updated on: 2007-09-20
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted just prior to Secretary of State George Shultz's meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko in Geneva to discuss arms control. Respondents were asked if they approved of Ronald Reagan's handling of foreign affairs and relations with the Soviet Union in particular, if they felt the United States or the Soviet Union was ahead in military power, and if the United States should strive for military superiority. They also were asked whether they approved of the United States' entering into a new round of arms control talks, how they would rate the chances of success of the talks, and whether they felt the Soviet Union would cheat on an agreement if one were reached. In addition, respondents were queried for their opinions on the new defensive weapons that use lasers to shoot down enemy missiles and the impact of this technology on the arms race.
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 Bush War Speech Poll, March 2003 (ICPSR 3781)
Released/updated on: 2004-06-04
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll was undertaken to assess public opinion on President George W. Bush's March 17, 2003, speech that threatened military action against Iraq. Respondents were asked whether they had watched or listened to any of the speech that evening, whether they supported or opposed the United States going to war with Iraq and the 48 hour deadline given for Saddam Hussein to leave his country, and how confident they were that President Bush's policy on Iraq was the right one for the United States. Several questions addressed the Bush Administration's decision not to have the United Nations Security Council vote on war with Iraq, whether the administration did enough to try to win support from other countries for taking military action against Iraq, whether the United States should offer Saddam Hussein and his sons amnesty in exchange for leaving Iraq, and whether Iraq could be disarmed and Saddam Hussein removed from power without going to war. Additional questions addressed whether the United States should show less cooperation and support for France and the United Nations in the future or continue its usual relationship, and whether the war with Iraq would increase or decrease the risk of further terrorism in the United States. Background variables include sex and political party affiliation.
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 Contract with America Poll, January 1995 (ICPSR 3833)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: United States
For this poll, fielded on January 3-4, 1995, respondents were asked to rate President Clinton's handling of the country in general, the economy, and foreign affairs. It was also intended to gauge the public's knowledge of the "Contract with America," a nationwide Republican initiative to gain a majority in Congress in which they laid out a specific action plan in the Senatorial and Representative campaigns of Republicans throughout the United States. Other approval rating questions sought opinions on Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Respondents were queried on whether they trusted President Clinton or the Republicans in Congress to provide strong leadership and handle issues such as Social Security and reduce the federal budget deficit. Those surveyed were asked if the switch from Democratic control of the Congress to Republican control was a good thing, and if the respondents had any idea how Clinton or the Republicans planned to lead the nation in the next two years. Questions included who the respondents would vote for if the 1996 election were to occur that day. Items regarding the budget included whether respondents would support an amendment to the Constitution requiring the federal budget to be balanced and under what circumstances they would support such an amendment, such as cutting spending on certain programs or raising taxes. Opinions were gathered on a range of social issues including prayer in schools, the death penalty, and welfare. Respondents were asked how often they watched daytime talk shows and whether they were more interested in the new session of Congress or the O.J. Simpson trial. Respondents were also asked to gauge if the economy or the standard of living was improving and to speculate how economically hard-off their parents were or their children would be. Demographic information includes party identification, voter registration status, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, birth date, ethnicity, total yearly income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Inaugural Poll, January 1997 (ICPSR 2173)
Released/updated on: 2008-01-14
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted January 13-15, 1997, 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. This data collection was undertaken to assess public opinion prior to President Bill Clinton's second-term inauguration as president of the United States. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Clinton and his handling of the first term of his presidency, whether he would do a better or worse job in his second term in office, whether they approved of his choices for Cabinet and other top positions in his administration, and what the nature of his relationship with Congress should be in his second term. Views were sought on whether President Clinton had made progress toward reducing unemployment and improving education during his first term, and whether he would make substantial progress in these areas during his second term. Respondents rated the most important issue facing the country, whether they were better or worse off financially compared to four years ago, whether they approved of the way Congress was handling its job, whether they expected Congress to do a better job in the next two years, and whether they trusted the Clinton administration or the Republicans in Congress to handle the main problems the nation would face over the next few years. Other questions asked whether respondents approved of the way Hillary Clinton was handling her job as first lady and the amount of influence she held over her husband, and whether she should play a greater role in her husband's second administration. A series of questions asked about recent allegations involving President Clinton, including Whitewater, the Democratic National Campaign Committee's acceptance of foreign contributions, and former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones's sexual harassment charges, and whether they would interfere with his ability to serve as president. Additional topics addressed what actions the government should take to protect the long-term financial stability of Social Security and the Medicare health system and the overall level of ethics and honesty in politics and the federal government. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, and voter participation history.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post John McCain Departure Poll, March 2000 (ICPSR 2970)
Released/updated on: 2000-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded March 8, 2000, the eve of Arizona senator John McCain's announcement that he was withdrawing from the presidential race, 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), Texas governor George W. Bush (Republican), Arizona senator John McCain (Republican), and conservative commentator Pat Buchanan (Reform). Those queried were asked whether Bush or Gore better understood the problems of the American people, was a strong leader, would bring change to Washington, DC, was intelligent, and was mature enough to be president. Views were sought on which candidate was best able to address gun control, campaign finance reform, protecting patients' rights in the health care system, taxes, foreign affairs, protecting Social Security, health care, Medicare, the economy, education, the environment, and abortion. An additional question asked respondents whether they thought that Gore was too close to President Bill Clinton. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, Hispanic origin, labor union membership, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Lewinsky/Politics Poll, September 1998 (ICPSR 2643)
Released/updated on: 1999-02-25
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll sought public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the economy, and foreign affairs. Those queried were also asked to provide opinions on the United States Congress, the operation of the federal government, and the upcoming November 1998 elections. Respondents were asked to compare the Democratic and Republican platforms in the following areas: the economy, crime, foreign affairs, education, the middle class, taxes, the federal budget, Social Security, Medicare, health care, moral leadership, and dealing with the Monica Lewinsky matter. They were asked to consider the importance given to those issues and the role of Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky in their upcoming electoral decisions. Those queried were asked whether they believed that Clinton should remain in office, resign, be impeached, or be censured, if it were determined that he lied under oath or encouraged others to do so. If they answered that Clinton should not be impeached, respondents were asked to explain further. Respondents were asked to describe how impeachment hearings should be carried out, if they were held. Additional topics covered the motivation of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr and Congress regarding the Lewinsky investigation, and whether respondents believed that this scandal had damaged Clinton's ability to serve effectively as president. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, education, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, marital status, religion, family income, and age of children in household.
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, 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, 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, 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 Poll, April 2003 (ICPSR 3782)
Released/updated on: 2003-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a 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 on the effectiveness of President George W. Bush, the 2004 presidential election, the war on terrorism, the future of relations between the United States and Iraq, the economy, the strengths of the Democratic and Republican parties, and government spending. A series of questions addressed President Bush's handling of domestic issues like education, the budget, Social Security, health care, homeland security, the economy, and foreign affairs including the war on terrorism, the situation in North Korea, and the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians. Other questions focused on the president's chances of winning a second term against Democratic challengers Senator Joseph Lieberman and Senator John Kerry, the effectiveness of military action in Iraq, future relations with a new Iraqi government, prioritizing domestic and foreign affairs, the effectiveness of the Democratic and Republican parties on foreign and domestic issues, and the current state of the nation relative to years past. Background variables include age, sex, education, religious orientation, household income, ethnicity, marital status, union membership, and location of the respondents' home.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, August 1994 (ICPSR 3852)
Released/updated on: 2007-08-03
Geographic coverage: United States
This ABC News/Washington Post poll, fielded during August of 1994, 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 approval ratings for President Clinton in his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, the situation in Haiti, and health care. Issues in health care included the changes Congress made to Clinton's health care plan and the priority of providing health care to all Americans and/or full-time workers. Respondents were asked to speculate on whether leading officials in Washington, DC, would make significant improvements to the country's health care system. On the subject of Haiti, respondents were asked how strongly the United States should act to restore democracy to Haiti. Opinion was also gathered on whether respondents thought that the United States would go to war with Haiti. On the subject of the Whitewater investigation, those surveyed were asked their opinion on how President Clinton was handling the situation, how worthwhile and/or important the Whitewater hearings were, and whether they thought that Clinton or any other high-level members of the Clinton administration did anything illegal. Queries concerning Hillary Clinton asked for respondents' perception of her influence over President Clinton, their favorable or unfavorable opinion of the First Lady, and their opinion of President Clinton's decision to appoint her head of the health care task force. Respondents were asked if the federal government had become more efficient in the past year, and how much progress the Clinton administration had made in making it so. Opinions were also gathered on United States marshals guarding abortion clinics and the potential baseball players strike. Demographics include political party identification, voter registration address, political philosophy, level of education, age, employment status, ethnicity, yearly household income, and sex.
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 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.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 2000 (ICPSR 2965)
Released/updated on: 2000-10-18
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded January 10, 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 to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy, 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. Given a choice between 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 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, loyal to his political party, inspiring, and has a chance of winning the election. 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, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, publisher Steve Forbes, McCain, radio talk show host Alan Keyes, Family Research Council president Gary Bauer, and Utah senator Orrin Hatch. Additional topics covered whether respondents were pleased with the choice of candidates for the 2000 election, whether they would support a plan whereby candidates agreed to participate in twice-weekly debates and agreed not to run televised political advertisements, and whether they believed homosexuals should be allowed to serve in the military. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, education, political party, political orientation, Hispanic descent, voter registration and participation history, military service, labor union membership, and family income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 2001 (ICPSR 3193)
Released/updated on: 2001-06-27
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2001-01-11--2001-01-15
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. It was fielded January 11-15, 2001, just prior to the end of the Bill Clinton presidency. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the economy, foreign affairs, race relations, the welfare system, crime, and the health care system. A series of questions focused on Clinton and his presidency, including whether Clinton was honest and trustworthy, possessed high personal moral and ethical standards, understood the problems of the American people, had kept the economy strong, had been a strong leader, how he would go down in history, whether the House of Representatives was right to impeach him, and whether he should be charged with a crime for giving false testimony in 1999 regarding his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Respondents were asked which of the following issues should be given the highest priority by incoming president George W. Bush and Congress: maintaining a strong economy, protecting the Social Security system, holding down the costs of health care/health insurance, keeping the federal budget balanced, reducing the use of illegal drugs, reforming campaign finance laws, reducing political partisanship in Washington, DC, raising pay and benefits for military personnel, improving opportunities for women and minorities, cutting taxes, improving education, expanding health care coverage, helping the elderly pay for prescription drugs, protecting the environment, upgrading military systems and equipment, banning partial-birth abortions, establishing uniform standards for presidential elections, and improving race relations. A series of questions focused on the incoming Bush administration. Respondent views were sought on Bush's nomination of John Ashcroft for attorney general, Bush's nomination of Gale Norton for secretary of the interior, whether Bush was legitimately elected as president, whether Bush had a mandate to carry out his campaign promises, what type of president Bush would be, and Bush's handling of the presidential transition. Those queried were also asked whether they thought Bush would work for or against the following interest groups: labor unions, large corporations, the poor, the wealthy, the middle class, women's rights groups, the military, environmental groups, religious conservatives, Blacks or African-Americans, Hispanics, other racial and ethnic minorities, and white males. A series of questions on the economy covered whether the economy was headed toward a recession, respondent stock investments, whether stock investments were safe, whether the market would go up or down next year, whether changes in the stock market personally affected the respondent, and what type of tax cut they would prefer. Additional topics covered respondent views on homosexuals serving in the military, gun control laws, abortion, school voucher programs, the construction of a missile defense system, drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, energy conservation vs. finding new energy sources, preferential treatment of minorities and women, tobacco companies, and mad cow disease. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter participation history, education, race, Hispanic origin, labor union membership, household income, and whether the respondent ate beef.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, July 1988 (ICPSR 9067)
Released/updated on: 2007-01-26
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-07-06--1988-07-11
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 the drought occurring in the United States, recent charges of corruption at the Pentagon, the resignation of Edwin Meese as attorney general, the United States military presence in the Persian Gulf, and the downing of an Iranian airliner by the United States Navy. In addition, respondents were asked if they would vote for Michael Dukakis or George Bush if the election were held that day, if they had a favorable or unfavorable impression of various political figures, if the political views of Bush and Dukakis were too liberal or too conservative for the respondent, who the respondent would like to see as running mates if Bush and Dukakis won their parties' nominations, and how the candidates compared with respect to their positions on income taxes. Respondents also were asked if they agreed or disagreed with statements pertaining to a number of issues such as the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, raising taxes to deal with the federal budget deficit, government provision of a national health care program, reducing the military budget, outlawing abortion, using the CIA to undermine hostile foreign governments, reinstituting the military draft, and calling South Africa a terrorist state. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1984 presidential vote choice, sex, 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, July 2001 (ICPSR 3287)
Released/updated on: 2002-02-11
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted July 26-30, 2001, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and a range of other social and political issues. This survey assessed the public's satisfaction with President George W. Bush, as well as their satisfaction with his political agenda and motivations. Respondents were asked what they thought of Bush's ability to handle the nation's economy, the environment, a possible energy crisis, and stem cell research as compared to the ability of the Democrats in Congress to handle these issues. Respondents were also asked whether Bush's administration was influenced too much by large business corporations, the oil and gas industries, conservative religious groups, wealthy people, environmental groups, minority groups, or people like the respondent, and whether the following applied to Bush: he understands the problems of people like you, he can be trusted in a crisis, he's doing a good job as commander-in-chief of the military, he is honest and trustworthy, he is a strong leader, he's got a vision for the future, he understands complex issues, he has strong personal character, he has brought needed change to Washington, and he's done a good job keeping the economy strong. Opinions were solicited on whether the President or Congress was more trustworthy in handling the economy, international affairs, environmental issues, education, the energy situation, patients' rights in the health care system, Social Security, the federal budget, campaign finance reform, the cost of prescription drugs, and the defense and the military budget. Respondents were queried on whether they would vote for Bush, Al Gore, Ralph Nader, Pat Buchanan, or someone else, if the 2000 presidential election were held that day. Additional issues addressed in the poll included respondent's views of the nation's economy, how they thought the nation's economy would be affected by the tax cut, whether they supported stem cell research, if they would support federal funding for stem cell research, and if they had a favorable impression of Vice President Dick Cheney, the Republican party, the Democratic party, Arizona senator John McCain, and former President Ronald Reagan. Background information on respondents includes political party, voter registration status, education, type of graduate degree, age, religion, characteristics of place of residence, marital status, labor union membership, Hispanic origin, race, combined household yearly income, and gender.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, June 1989 (ICPSR 9354)
Released/updated on: 2008-01-15
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1989-06-05--1989-06-19
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 state of the economy, foreign affairs, and nuclear weapons policy. In addition, respondents were asked how much of a threat the Soviet Union, China, and communism posed to the security of the United States, if they favored or opposed the pro-democracy demonstrations in China, how important it was for the United States to show strong support for the pro-democracy movement in China, and if they approved of Bush's reaction to the Chinese government. Respondents also were questioned on the issues of abortion, child care, air and water pollution, and raising the federal minimum wage. 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, June 1992 (ICPSR 9939)
Released/updated on: 2008-04-04
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-06-03--1992-06-07
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 if they felt that things in the United States were going in the right direction and whether they approved of how Bush was handling the presidency, the economy, race relations, education, and the environment. Respondents also offered approval ratings of Congress and their own Congressional representatives, rated the condition of the economy, and indicated whether they were better off financially than in 1989 when George Bush became president. In addition, respondents gave their impressions of Bush, Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, Dan Quayle, and television character Murphy Brown. They were also asked whether Vice President Quayle would be qualified to take over as president if something happened to Bush, and whether after four years of Bush a new president was needed that could set the country in a new direction. Concerning the 1992 presidential election, those surveyed rated their chances of voting, indicated for whom they would vote if the election were held the day of the interview, and commented on whether they supported a candidate because they liked him or because they didn't like the other candidates. Perot supporters were asked whether they would vote for Bush or Clinton if Perot did not run, and whether they would switch their support from Perot to one of the two major-party candidates in November. All respondents were asked if they thought the candidates were qualified, whether there was a candidate for whom they would definitely not vote under any circumstances, and whether they would be better off financially under Bush, Clinton, or Perot. Those surveyed were also asked which candidate would do the best job of dealing with a variety of problems including race relations, unemployment, foreign affairs, the economy, the environment, health care, and protecting the Social Security system. Respondents indicated the applicability of various characteristics to each of the candidates including strong leadership, vision for the future, trustworthiness in a crisis, understanding the needs of average Americans, honesty, the right temperament to serve as president, and high moral standards. In addition, those surveyed indicated whether the views of Bush, Clinton, and Perot were too liberal, too conservative, or just about right, whether they had a good idea of where the three candidates planned to lead the nation in the next four years, and whether they would be more or less likely to support a presidential candidate who had engaged in extramarital affairs, had never run for public office, or had come from a wealthy, privileged background. Other topics included assessments of the Republican and Democratic parties, re-electing representatives in Congress, the role of the federal government, and the Los Angeles riots of 1992. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, area of residence, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, Hispanic origin, household income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, June 1994 (ICPSR 3846)
Released/updated on: 2008-02-08
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted June 23-26, 1994, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on a range of political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, health care, and the welfare system. Views were sought on the most important issues facing the country, the condition of the national economy, whether President Clinton was seeking the right or wrong changes for the country, if he made more mistakes than usual for a president, whether he was a strong and decisive leader, and whether he understood the problems of people like the respondent. Respondents were polled on whether they approved or disapproved of the way President Clinton was handling the situations in North Korea, Haiti, Rwanda, and Bosnia, whether the United States' interests were at stake in these countries, and whether the United States should take action to restore democracy in Haiti and prevent North Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons. Questions involving health care asked whether President Clinton's plan was better than the current system, whether President Clinton or Congress should handle health care reform, whether the system should be fixed or changed completely and in what ways, and whether it was more important to guarantee health care for all Americans or to hold down the cost for working people. Opinions were solicited on Congress and how well it was doing its job, how much it accomplished in the past 18 months, what prevented it from accomplishing more, and whether the Democratic or Republican party could be better trusted to deal with the country's main problems. Respondents were asked whether they would likely vote for President Clinton or a Republican nominee in the 1996 presidential election, whether they would vote for a Republican or Democratic candidate in the upcoming United States House of Representatives election, whether they approved or disapproved of the way their own representative was doing his or her job, whether they would vote to re-elect him or her, whether they felt more inclined to vote for incumbents or challengers for public office, and whether they favored or opposed term limits for representatives. A series of questions addressed whether respondents considered themselves professional sports fans, whether they watched or planned to watch the world cup soccer games, and whether they thought they might ever be soccer fans. Other topics addressed whether respondents had ever heard of the religious right, whether they held favorable or unfavorable impressions of this group, whether they considered themselves a member of the religious right, whether homosexual relations should be legal or illegal, whether it was morally wrong, whether homosexuality was a choice, and whether homosexuals should have equal rights. Background variables include age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, education, religion, religiosity, employment status, household income, social class, subjective size of community, labor union membership, political orientation, political party affiliation, whether the respondent was registered to vote, whether he or she voted in the 1992 presidential election, and if so, for whom (Democrat Bill Clinton, Republican George H.W. Bush, or Independent candidate Ross Perot).
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, March 1985 (ICPSR 8563)
Released/updated on: 2008-02-08
Geographic coverage: United States
In this survey respondents were asked a series of questions related to Reagan's performance as president, the nation's economy and the budget deficit, the MX missile, United States involvement in Central America and Nicaragua, arms control, and leaders of the Democratic party. Additional questions focused on the United States' military involvement in Vietnam and its impact on the trust placed in leaders in Washington both then and now. Demographic characteristics of respondents also are included.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, March 1988 (ICPSR 9062)
Released/updated on: 2008-02-28
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-03-16--1988-03-21
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 the federal income tax system, Reagan's handling of the situation in Panama and Nicaragua, aid to the contras, and United States troops being sent to Honduras. In addition, respondents were asked if they thought various presidential candidates were qualified to be president, which party had the best chance of winning the presidency in November, which candidate among several possible tickets the respondent would vote for if the election were held that day, candidates the respondent would not vote for under any circumstances, and George Bush's role in the Iran-Contra affair. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, vote choice in 1984, sex, education, age, religion, labor union membership, race, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, March 1994 (ICPSR 6622)
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 give their thoughts on Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president, the nation's economy, foreign affairs, crime, and whether things in the United States were generally going in the right direction or were on the wrong track. They were also asked to give their impressions of Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Bob Dole, Ross Perot, and Al Gore, and to comment on whether they approved of the way Hillary Clinton was handling her position as First Lady and whether she had too much influence over Bill Clinton. Additional topics in this survey covered the Clinton health care plan, ethics and honesty in the federal government, and the Whitewater real estate venture, including whether the respondent thought Whitewater was important and whether it distracted from more important issues, as well as Clinton's handling of the situation in North Korea, and whether Clinton had a clear policy on North Korea. A section of questions was devoted to cigarette smoking--whether it should be allowed or limited indoors, whether the respondent thought that second-hand smoke was a health risk, whether it is dangerous to smoke, and whether the federal government should regulate nicotine or classify it as a drug. Demographic background variables include political orientation, age, sex, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, March 1997 (ICPSR 2177)
Released/updated on: 2008-03-03
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted March 6-9, 1997, 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 to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the economy, and foreign affairs, as well as their views on First Lady Hillary Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott. Those queried were asked if they supported a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, decreases in military spending, decreases in entitlement program spending, and requiring a three-fifths majority vote to raise taxes. A series of questions addressed campaign contributions. Topics included use of the White House as a fundraising tool, permitting contributors to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom and attend special luncheons at the White House, Al Gore's use of White House telephones to solicit campaign contributions, and Clinton's commitment to campaign finance reform. Demographic variables include age, race, sex, education level, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status and participation history, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, March 2001 (ICPSR 3188)
Released/updated on: 2001-06-29
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted March 22-25, 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, international affairs, and environmental issues. They also expressed their opinions on whether President Bush cared more about ordinary people or large business corporations, as well as the most important task for President Bush and the Congress. The poll elicited respondents' views on the economic situation in the country, President Bush's tax cut proposal, the recent drop in the stock market, a plan in which people could invest some of their Social Security contributions in the stock market, and the budget surplus of $5.6 trillion over the next ten years forecast by the federal government. Respondents also answered a set of questions regarding political campaign funding, including whether they supported stricter laws controlling the way political campaigns can raise and spend money, whether politicians do special favors for people and groups who give them campaign contributions, and ways to reduce improper campaign fundraising. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, race, party affiliation, political orientation, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, May 1988 (ICPSR 9064)
Released/updated on: 2008-02-20
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-05-19--1988-05-25
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 important problems facing the country, the economy, foreign affairs, United States relations with the Soviet Union, nuclear weapons policy, and a federal law requiring businesses to give workers 60-day advance notice of factory closings. In addition, respondents were queried as to which party had the best chance of winning the presidency in November, how closely the respondent was following the race, which candidate the respondent would vote for among several possible tickets if the election were held that day, what the respondent liked and disliked most about the candidates, and if the respondent had a favorable or unfavorable impression of various public figures. Respondents also were asked a detailed series of questions comparing the two candidates George Bush and Michael Dukakis, and another set of questions relating to Nancy Reagan's influence and her reported use of the advice of an astrologer. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1984 presidential vote choice, sex, 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, May 1990 (ICPSR 9459)
Released/updated on: 2008-05-14
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-05-17--1990-05-21
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. Topics covered include the state of the economy, foreign affairs, the federal budget deficit, and relations with the Soviet Union. Respondents were asked if they trusted the Democrats or the Republicans to do a better job in coping with the main problems facing this country, if they thought that Bush should drop his "no new taxes" policy and consider raising taxes in order to reduce the federal budget deficit, and if they felt federal civil rights laws needed to be strengthened. Respondents also were asked a detailed series of questions regarding the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc countries. They were asked about American and Soviet influences in world affairs, impressions of Mikhail Gorbachev and George Bush, whether they thought changes that had occurred recently in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries would result in a peaceful world, and whether these changes would provide the United States with major economic opportunities. In addition, respondents were asked to identify the greatest threat to the United States from among the following: the military power of the Soviet Union, Middle Eastern terrorism, the economic strength of Japan, and South American drug traffickers. Respondents were also queried about how important it was to the United States that Gorbachev remain in power and whether they thought the United States should officially recognize Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as independent counties. Other topics covered include cuts in military spending, cuts in nuclear arms, sending food, clothing, and consumer goods to the Soviet Union, Soviet emigration to the United States, the upcoming summit meeting between Bush and Gorbachev, voting preference if the House of Representatives election were held that day, and whether a candidate's stand on taxes would influence the respondent's vote. 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, May 1993 (ICPSR 6280)
Released/updated on: 2008-10-31
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 or disapproved of President Bill Clinton's handling of his job, the nation's economy, foreign affairs, the health care system, and the federal budget deficit. Those queried were also asked whether they approved or disapproved of Clinton's economic proposals to Congress and his handling of the situation in the former Yugoslavia -- specifically, whether the United States should take military action with or without European allies. Respondents were also asked to compare George Bush and Clinton and to comment on homosexuals in the military and Ross Perot's qualities and qualifications for the presidency. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, November 1993 (ICPSR 6292)
Released/updated on: 2008-08-22
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 most important problem facing the United States and to comment on whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president, the nation's economy, foreign affairs, crime, the situation in Somalia, and the situation in Haiti. Other questions addressed issues such as health insurance and Clinton's health care plan. They were also asked whether the Democrats or the Republicans were doing a better job coping with the main problems the nation faces and whether First Lady Hillary Clinton had too much influence over Bill Clinton. Other topics covered in the poll include the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), whether Puerto Rico should be admitted as the 51st state, and the role of the United States in United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, October 1994 (ICPSR 3869)
Released/updated on: 2008-07-31
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded October 20-23, 1994, 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, the economy, and foreign affairs. Respondents were asked their opinion on the condition of the nation's economy and how much credit they gave to Clinton for being responsible for it. Respondents were asked to provide approval ratings for the United States Congress, for the Republicans and Democrats in Congress, and their own representative in Congress. Additional questions asked respondents how much they believed that Congress had accomplished in the past year and which party they believed could better handle the problems that currently faced the country. Questions regarding the United States House of Representatives included whether the respondent was inclined to re-elect their current representative, and whether they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supported President Clinton. Those surveyed were asked whether a switch of control in Congress from Democrats to Republicans in the upcoming November election would be a good thing and if they thought it would make a difference. Questions also included whether the respondents trusted the government in Washington and whether they were enthusiastic about how the federal government worked. Respondents were asked to rate which president did the best job, choosing from among Bill Clinton, George Bush, or Ronald Reagan. Respondents were also asked how closely they had been following the upcoming election (which in some states included gubernatorial and senatorial races) and how likely they were to vote in that election. Background information on respondents includes political affiliation, voter registration status, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, age, sex, religious preference, class, area of residence, marital status, labor union membership, employment status, ethnicity, and total household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, September 1989 (ICPSR 9356)
Released/updated on: 2008-04-07
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1989-09-28--1989-10-03
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, the environment, foreign affairs, the illegal drug problem, and whether the Bush administration was doing all it could to deal with major problems facing the nation. In addition, respondents were questioned in depth about race relations. They were asked about the proportion of Blacks and whites living in their neighborhoods, whether common sense or prejudice led whites to avoid driving through largely Black neighborhoods, why Blacks generally have worse jobs, income, and housing than whites, and if the quality of life for Blacks in the United States was better, worse, or about the same compared to ten years ago. Respondents also were questioned regarding homelessness, abortion, and the new Medicare program covering catastrophic illness and long-term hospital stays. 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, September 1999 (ICPSR 2807)
Released/updated on: 1999-12-14
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1999-08-30--1999-09-02
This poll, fielded August 30-September 2, 1999, 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 for their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency. Their opinions were also sought on Vice President Al Gore, the United States Congress, former Red Cross president and Republican presidential hopeful Elizabeth Dole, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Texas Governor George W. Bush, former New Jersey governor and Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Bradley, former Vice President Dan Quayle, Arizona Senator John McCain, multimillionaire publisher Steve Forbes, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, conservative talk show host Alan Keyes, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, and Family Research Council President Gary Bauer. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding the upcoming 2000 elections, including for whom the respondent intended to vote for president, and the importance of the following issues: gun control, campaign finance reform, tax reduction, Social Security/Medicare, crime, the economy, foreign affairs, education, helping the middle class, environmental protection, budget management, and upholding the dignity of the office of the president. Additional questions addressed which political party would best represent the American people on those issues. Respondents were asked to compare Gore and Bradley in the following areas: honesty and ethics, leadership, innovation, experience, personality, and capability of bringing change to Washington. A series of questions focused on gun control, including Congress's handling of the issue, proposed stricter gun laws, and the influence of the National Rifle Association (NRA) over gun control. Additional topics covered how Clinton will be remembered in history, who was to blame for his impeachment, how the Clinton scandal would affect Gore's presidential campaign, the Republican call for an $800 billion tax cut over the next ten years, how the federal budget surplus should be used, abortion, and whether Bush should answer questions regarding prior cocaine use. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, political party, political orientation, education, religion, voter registration and participation history, gun ownership, size of city of residence, labor union membership, Hispanic descent, and family income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post President Bush 100 Days Poll, April 2001 (ICPSR 3189)
Released/updated on: 2001-07-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted April 19-22, 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, international affairs, environmental issues, and education. They also expressed their views on the way Vice President Dick Cheney and the United States Congress were handling their jobs. The poll queried respondents about Bush's experience and ability to be a president, and whether President Bush cared more about ordinary people or large corporations, as well as their views on the most important task for President Bush and Congress. Respondents were also asked about the economic situation in the country, whether the United States was heading into an energy crisis, whether federal funding should be given to religious groups, what the priorities for surplus money in the federal budget should be, and President Bush's budget plan. Respondents expressed their views on the way President Bush was handling relations with China, whether the United States should have free trade with China, China's bid to host the Olympic Games, and the sale of advanced weapons to Taiwan. Respondents' opinions were also elicited about a plan in which people could invest some of their Social Security contributions in the stock market. Respondents were also asked about their participation in the last presidential election on November 7, 2000, and whom they voted for. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, race, religion, party affiliation, political orientation, household income, voter registration, and type of residential area.