Showing 1 – 50 of 412 results.
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 Poll, January 1989 (ICPSR 9186)
Released/updated on: 2007-07-03
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1989-01-12--1989-01-16
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked about the nation's economy, the possibility of a recession, problems facing the country, impressions of George Bush, Dan Quayle, and Oliver North, concerns about Bush as president, and whether Oliver North should receive a presidential pardon for his role in the Iran-Contra affair. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, health insurance membership, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, sex, and telephone number.
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, June 2000 (ICPSR 3057)
Released/updated on: 2001-04-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-06-08--2000-06-11
This poll, fielded June 8-11, 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). Their views were sought on which candidate they trusted to do a better job protecting Social Security and handling the economy. Respondents were also asked which candidate was more likely to exaggerate his accomplishments, had a more appealing personality, was more intelligent, better understood the problems of the American people, was more honest/trustworthy, would be a stronger leader, and could get things done, and whether a real difference existed between the candidates on the issues about which the respondent cared. An additional question sought respondent views on the state of the nation's economy. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration, education, religion, labor union membership, Hispanic origin, and household income.
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 of Public Opinion on Crime, December 1982 (ICPSR 8100)
Released/updated on: 2005-11-04
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. In this poll, respondents were questioned regarding their perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system. Questions assessed the respondents' fear of crime, perceptions of the seriousness of crime in the United States, evaluation of the judicial and penal systems, assessment of police performance, and confidence in the ability of the police to prevent crime. The poll also asked for respondents' opinions about President Ronald Reagan's policies, the state of the economy, and government spending. Demographic information was collected, including the respondent's sex, age, education level, race, and income level.
Curated
ABC News Poll of Public Opinion on Current Social and Political Issues, December 1981 (ICPSR 8020)
Released/updated on: 1992-02-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This special-topic poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. This data colletion focuses on President Ronald Reagan, Libya, and the economy. Respondents were asked to evaluate Reagan's presidency and his handling of the nation's economy, to give their opinions of United States relations with Libya, and to assess the impact of Reagan's economic policies on their personal financial situations. Demographic information including respondent's race, age, household income, and educational level was collected.
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 Post-Election Poll #1, November 2000 (ICPSR 3116)
Released/updated on: 2001-05-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded November 12, 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. This data collection focused on the presidential election that took place on November 7, 2000. Respondents were asked about the extent of their personal interest in and concern about the situation in the country five days after the election. Questions examined opinions on the way various groups were handling the election, including Vice President Al Gore's and Texas governor George W. Bush's campaigns, local officials in Florida, and the news media. Respondents were also asked whom they wanted to see become the next president. Opinions were elicited on the need for a new presidential election in Palm Beach County, Florida, in the entire state of Florida, in other states where election results were very close, and across the entire country. Additional topics covered whether George W. Bush and Al Gore should accept the recount in Florida or should ask courts to look into whether the voting was unfair and if they should ask for a recount in other states where the results were very close. Those polled expressed their views about electing the president by direct popular vote versus by the Electoral College, their confidence about the accuracy of Florida's recount, and whether the ballot that was used in Palm Beach County was fair. The survey also investigated what impact the unclear post-election situation would have, especially on the country's system of presidential elections. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, race, party affiliation, political orientation, and voter registration.
Curated
ABC News Post-Election Poll #2, November 2000 (ICPSR 3117)
Released/updated on: 2001-05-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded November 16, 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. This data collection focused on the presidential election that took place on November 7, 2000. The poll queried respondents about the situation in the country nine days after the election. Respondents were asked for their opinions on how Vice President Al Gore, Texas governor George W. Bush, and Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris were handling the election situation, as well as whom they wanted to see become the next president. A major topic of the survey was the hand counting of ballots. Questions elicited respondents' views on whether the hand counts should be included in the Florida final vote total, how accurate hand and machine vote recounts were, and the extent to which the result with and without the hand recounts was acceptable to them. Respondents expressed their views about whether Al Gore should concede the election to George W. Bush in the event that Secretary of State Harris declared Bush the winner without including the hand recount, or if Gore should appeal to the courts. The survey also gathered respondents' opinions regarding whether they wanted to end the unclear situation quickly or give both campaigns a chance to make their full case in court, and how confident they were in the accuracy of Florida's recount. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, race, income range, party affiliation, political orientation, and voter registration.
Curated
ABC News Post-Election Poll #3, November 2000 (ICPSR 3118)
Released/updated on: 2001-05-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This election poll, fielded November 26, 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. This data collection focused on the presidential election that took place on November 7, 2000. The poll queried respondents about the situation in the country 19 days after the election. Respondents were asked about the extent of their personal interest in the post-election situation in the country, whom they wanted to see become the next president, the legitimacy of this election, and their confidence about the accuracy of Florida's recount. They also expressed their views about whether, after the Secretary of State in Florida had declared George W. Bush the winner, Al Gore should concede or if he should ask the courts to review the vote. Questions elicited respondents' opinions about whether the United States Supreme Court and the Florida state legislature should be involved in determining the winner of the election in Florida and whether ballots with dimpled or indented chads should be counted as votes. Respondents answered additional questions on whether the Secretary of State in Florida did the right thing in denying Palm Beach County officials' request to extend the deadline for a hand recount, and whether respondents wanted to end the unclear situation quickly or give both campaigns a chance to make their full case in court. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, race, party affiliation, political orientation, and voter registration.
Curated
ABC News State of the Union Poll, January 1995 (ICPSR 3835)
Released/updated on: 2007-09-20
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded January 24, 1995, was undertaken to assess respondents' views on the 1995 State of the Union Address delivered by President Bill Clinton. Respondents were polled immediately following the address on whether they had watched any of it, whether they approved or disapproved of most of what President Clinton said, and whether they supported or opposed specific proposals such as raising the minimum wage, giving tax breaks to middle class families with children, continuing funding for Americorps, and spending more money to enforce laws against illegal immigration. Opinions were solicited on whether President Clinton or the Republicans in Congress was taking a stronger leadership role in government and whether it was a good or bad thing, whether the country should go in the direction that President Clinton or the Republicans in Congress wanted it to go, and whether Clinton deserved a second term as president. Respondents were also asked whether they had watched any of the O.J. Simpson trial live on television that day. Background variables include sex and political party affiliation.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post 2004 Voters Poll, October 2003 (ICPSR 3943)
Released/updated on: 2004-04-07
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted October 26-29, 2003, was undertaken to gather voters' opinions regarding the upcoming 2004 presidential election. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way George W. Bush was handling the presidency, the economy, education, Social Security, taxes, health insurance, and international affairs, and how they rated the importance of these issues in deciding whom to vote for in the 2004 presidential election. Those polled were asked whether they believed President Bush understood people like themselves, whether he was a strong leader, and whether he was honest and trustworthy. A series of questions addressed the condition of the national economy, whether the respondent and most Americans were better or worse off financially than when George W. Bush first became president, and the degree to which President Bush was responsible for the federal budget deficit. Specific questions asked whether the war with Iraq was worth fighting, if it was separate from or part of the war on terrorism, whether the number of military casualties was acceptable or unacceptable, whether respondents would support or oppose Congress spending an additional 87 billion dollars for the war and rebuilding of Iraq, and whether it was more important to keep United States military forces in Iraq until civil order could be restored or to withdraw forces to avoid further military casualties. Questions were posed regarding how closely respondents followed the 2004 presidential election, whether they would vote for George W. Bush or a Democratic nominee for president, how likely they were to vote, whether the Republican and Democratic parties were being led in the right direction, how closely each party reflected the respondents' beliefs on important issues, whether the Democratic Party was too willing or not willing enough to compromise with President Bush, and whether there should be more than two major political parties. Democratic-leaning respondents were asked whom they would vote for in the Democratic presidential primary (Senator Joe Lieberman, United States Representative Dick Gephardt, Senator John Kerry, Senator John Edwards, civil rights activist Al Sharpton, former Vermont governor Howard Dean, United States Representative Dennis Kucinich, former Senator Carol Moseley Braun, or General Wesley Clark), how satisfied they were with the choice of Democratic nominees, which candidate had the best chance of defeating Bush, and whether respondents preferred a candidate who agreed with them on most issues or one who would have an easier time defeating Bush. Respondents were also polled on how much they felt they knew about the Democratic nominees and whether a candidate's personal qualities or positions on issues was most important. Additional questions asked respondents if they approved of the way the U.S. Congress was doing its job, how satisfied they were with the way the federal government and the political process worked, how well the United States campaign against terrorism was progressing, and whether they felt the federal government was threatening their own personal rights and freedoms. Background variables include age, sex, religion, education, ethnicity, subjective size of community, household income, political orientation, political party affiliation, if respondents were registered to vote, if they voted in the 2000 presidential election and if so, for whom (Republican George W. Bush, Democrat Al Gore, Green Party candidate Ralph Nader, or Reform Party candidate Pat Buchanan), and if a household member was in military service, a military veteran, a reservist, or belonged to a labor union.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Labor Day Poll, September 2000 (ICPSR 3072)
Released/updated on: 2001-05-29
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-09-04--2000-09-06
This poll, fielded September 4-6, 2000, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they intended to vote in the November 7, 2000, presidential election and for whom they would vote if the election were held that day, given a choice between Vice President Al Gore and Connecticut senator Joseph Lieberman (Democratic Party), Texas governor George W. Bush and former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney (Republican Party), conservative commentator Pat Buchanan and educator Ezola Foster (Reform Party), and consumer advocate Ralph Nader and activist Winona LaDuke (Green Party). Respondents were asked to assess the importance of the following issues in their electoral decision-making and to specify which candidate they most trusted to do a better job addressing them: holding taxes down, protecting the Social Security system, improving education, improving the health care system, handling the economy, handling gun control, handling foreign affairs, encouraging high moral standards and values, reforming election campaign finance laws, handling abortion, managing the federal budget, handling the issue of prescription drug benefits for the elderly, handling national defense and the military budget, helping the middle class, handling crime, protecting the environment, and reducing political partisanship in Washington. Views were sought on whether presidential debates should be held and which candidates should be invited to participate. Respondents were also asked which candidate understood the problems of the American people, was a strong leader, would bring needed change to Washington, had the knowledge of world affairs it takes to serve effectively as president, could keep the economy strong, would say or do anything to get elected, had new ideas, was honest and trustworthy, would be a good commander- in-chief, had high personal, moral, and ethical standards, would unite people, had taken a clear stand on the issues, cared about the less fortunate, had an appealing personality, and had the right kind of experience to be president. Respondents' opinions were sought on whether the top priority for the federal budget surplus should be cutting federal taxes, reducing the national debt, strengthening Social Security, or increasing spending on domestic programs. Support for the following proposals was assessed: a large tax cut across the board or smaller tax cuts for the lower and middle class, a plan that would allow people to invest some of their Social Security earnings in the stock market, and a federal plan that would give parents money to send their children to private or religious schools instead of local public schools that were not meeting state standards. Additional topics covered abortion, the status of United States military strength over the past eight years, whether presidential candidates should discuss their religious beliefs, voter intentions in terms of the 2000 Congressional elections, whether the candidates were conducting positive or negative campaigns, and whether the country needed a fresh start after the Clinton era. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, labor union membership, Hispanic origin, household income, marital status, children in household, neighborhood characteristics, number of hours per day spent watching television, and whether the respondent considered himself/herself a morning person.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Labor Day Poll, September 2001 (ICPSR 3288)
Released/updated on: 2001-10-22
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted September 6-9, 2001, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, environmental issues, education, the energy situation, patients' rights in the healthcare system, Social Security, the federal budget, the cost of prescription drugs, and the defense/military budget. Their views were sought on the state of the nation's economy, including effects of the recently enacted $1.4 trillion tax cut and whether the economy was headed toward a recession. A series of questions addressed recent estimates that the federal budget surplus was much lower than earlier forecasts showed. Respondents were asked whether they were worried about such estimates, and who or what was most to blame for the lower surplus -- Bush, congressional Democrats, the tax cut passed by Congress and signed by Bush, or a slowing national economy. Those queried were asked whether they supported or opposed the following ways the government could handle the shrinking surplus: taking surplus money from the Social Security program and spending it on other programs, reducing the size of the tax cut, dropping plans to increase spending on education, dropping plans to improve prescription drug benefits for senior citizens, or dropping plans to increase military spending. An additional question solicited views on whether the country should follow the direction of the Bush administration or whether the country should follow the lead of congressional Democrats. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter participation history, education, Hispanic origin, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Monthly Poll, August 2010 (ICPSR 32544)
Released/updated on: 2012-02-15
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2010-08-01--2010-09-01
This poll, fielded August 30 - September 02, 2010, is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicits public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way Barack Obama was handling his job as president, the economy, the federal budget deficit, and the situation in Iraq. Respondents were also asked whether they approved of the way the United States Congress was doing its job, whether they trusted the Democrats or the Republicans to do a better job in coping with the nation's problems in future years, handling the economy, health care, immigration issues, the situation in Afghanistan, taxes, and the federal budget deficit. Multiple questions addressed the 2010 congressional elections including whether respondents would vote for the Democratic or the Republican House of Representatives candidate in their district if the election were held that day, whether they thought most Republicans and Democrats in Congress deserved to be re-elected, whether they planned to re-elect their representative in Congress, and what respondents considered the single most important issue pertaining to their congressional vote. Information was collected on respondents' opinions on Islam, whether respondents had a good understanding of the beliefs of Islam, whether respondents personally knew anyone who was Muslim, whether they had some feelings of prejudice against Muslims, and whether they supported the building of a Muslim community center near the former World Trade Center site. Additional opinions were solicited about President Obama, the Tea Party movement, the state of the nation's economy, the war in Iraq, respondents' feelings about the way the federal government works, and national security. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, household income, religious preference, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status, and whether respondents thought of themselves as born-again Christians.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #1, February 2000 (ICPSR 2966)
Released/updated on: 2000-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded February 1, 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 Democratic candidates Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, Republican candidates Texas governor George W. Bush and Arizona senator John McCain, and the Reform Party candidate, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan. Views were sought on which of the candidates could be described as understanding the problems of people such as the respondent, a strong leader, possessing the experience to be president, capable of bringing needed change to Washington, DC, inspiring, most knowledgeable on world affairs, making the best commander-in-chief, and which candidate worried them. Respondents were asked for whom they would vote in a Republican primary or caucus given a choice between Bush, McCain, radio talk show host Alan Keyes, and publisher Steve Forbes, and for whom they would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus given a choice between Gore and Bradley. A final question sought respondents' views on which of the following issues was most important in deciding for whom to vote in a presidential primary: world affairs, campaign finance reform, abortion, Social Security/Medicare, moral values, taxes, or education. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political orientation, voter registration status, education, Hispanic origin, labor union membership, military status, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #1, October 1991 (ICPSR 9755)
Released/updated on: 2007-05-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1991-10-15--1991-10-20
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the economy, foreign affairs, the most important problem facing this country, who was most responsible for doing something about this problem, and which political party better represented the interests of poor people, rich people, and the middle class. In addition, respondents were questioned on whether they thought people in government wasted a lot of money and whether most of them were dishonest. Respondents were also asked if they had a favorable impression of certain people who might run in the presidential election, whom they would vote for if the House of Representatives election were held that day, and toward which candidate they were leaning. Other subjects addressed included whether respondents supported a federal law requiring businesses with more than 50 employees to allow workers 12 weeks of unpaid leave and a federal law giving unemployed people as much as 20 weeks of extra unemployment benefits, whether the United States should cut military spending because of the changes in the Soviet Union, and whether the Senate should have confirmed Clarence Thomas's nomination to the Supreme Court. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, number of people in household, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, sex, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #1, September 1990 (ICPSR 9557)
Released/updated on: 1992-02-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-09-06--1990-09-09
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Major topics covered include Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the economy, the federal government, and the upcoming congressional election. Respondents were asked if they approved of the way Bush, King Hussein of Jordan, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Jesse Jackson were handling the situation caused by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, how important it was for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait, if they approved of Bush's decision to send American military forces to the Persian Gulf, if they thought Bush had been tough enough with Iraq, if the United States should strike first against Iraq, if the United States would have to get involved in a land war with Iraq, and if the economic boycott would make Iraq withdraw from Kuwait. Concerning economic issues, respondents were questioned about consumer prices and taxes. They were also asked for their opinions on which country was the strongest economic power, whether life was easier or harder for young people currently, and whether it would be easier or harder ten years from now. Other questions revolved around confidence in various American institutions, respondent's trust in the federal government, the level of ethics and honesty in politics, the degree to which public officials care about people like the respondent, and the importance of various political and social issues in deciding which candidate and political party to vote for on election day. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, registered voter status, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, number of people in the household, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, sex, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #2, February 2000 (ICPSR 2967)
Released/updated on: 2001-07-03
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded February 22, 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 upcoming November 7, 2000, presidential election and for whom they would vote if the election were held that day, given a choice between Democratic candidates Vice President Al Gore or former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, and Republican candidates Texas governor George W. Bush or Arizona senator John McCain. Views were sought on which of the candidates could be described as understanding the problems of people such as the respondent, a strong leader, saying what he thinks even if it is not popular, capable of bringing needed change to Washington, DC, innovative, most knowledgeable on world affairs, running a positive campaign, has a chance of winning the election, and is best able to maintain a strong economy. Respondents were asked for whom they would vote in a Republican primary or caucus given a choice between Bush, McCain, and radio talk show host Alan Keyes, and for whom they would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus given a choice between Gore and Bradley. Additional questions addressed whether personal character or position on the issues was more important when choosing a president, whether the candidates had explained what they would do if elected, whether Bush would be able to keep the federal budget balanced and cut income taxes at the same time, whether the fact that Gore had served with President Clinton for eight years made respondents more or less likely to vote for him, and whether respondents intended to vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate in the 2000 congressional election. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political orientation, political party, education, Hispanic origin, labor union membership, military status, voter registration history, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll #2, October 1991 (ICPSR 9754)
Released/updated on: 2008-02-04
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1991-10-24--1991-10-27
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 respondents' confidence in certain institutions, federal, state, and local taxes, government spending, Dan Quayle's work as vice president, and the things they liked and disliked about the Democratic and Republican parties. Respondents also were asked whether they ever voted for a Democratic or Republican presidential candidate in a general election, which problems were important in deciding how to vote for president, whom they would vote for as president if the 1992 election were held that day, and toward which candidate they were leaning. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, origin of ancestors, 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, April 1987 (ICPSR 8844)
Released/updated on: 2007-07-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the Iran arms sale, President Reagan and the Congress, the 65 miles per hour highway bill, air travel, commercial airlines and the effects of deregulation, federal income taxes and the new W-4 form, the Constitution, the best and worst presidents within the respondent's lifetime, and 1988 presidential candidates. Demographic characteristics of respondents also were recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, April 2000 (ICPSR 3053)
Released/updated on: 2001-03-26
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, fielded March 28, 2000, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they intended to vote in the November 7, 2000, presidential election and for whom they would vote if the election were held that day, given a choice between Vice President Al Gore (Democrat) and Texas governor George W. Bush (Republican). Views were sought on the importance of a list of issues to the respondent's electoral decision and which candidate could be trusted to address them. The list of issues included gun control, campaign finance reform, protecting patients' rights in the health care system, Social Security, taxes, the economy, crime, foreign affairs, education, encouraging high moral standards, the federal budget, protecting the environment, abortion, the death penalty, and women's issues. Respondents were asked whether federal spending on education should be increased, whether they supported or opposed a plan to reduce federal education spending in school districts whose students don't improve on standardized tests, and whether federal money should be used to send children to private schools in areas where the local public schools were not improving. A series of questions addressed crime control, including respondent support for gun control, whether stricter gun control laws would reduce the amount of violent crime, the best way to reduce violent crime, and the influence of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Attitudes were also elicited regarding whether campaign finance reform would reduce the influence of money in politics and the most effective ways to reduce improper campaign fundraising. Respondents were asked whether they favored a smaller government with fewer services or a larger government with more services and how often they trusted the government. An additional question sought respondents' opinions on whether Elian Gonzalez, the six-year-old Cuban boy whose mother drowned when they attempted to immigrate to Florida, should be returned to his father in Cuba or allowed to remain with his relatives in Miami. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, labor union membership, household gun ownership, Hispanic origin, household income, and children in household.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, April 2002 (ICPSR 3433)
Released/updated on: 2002-06-27
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, and the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Respondents also expressed their views on the United States campaign against terrorism, the situation regarding Osama bin Laden, and the support given to the United States by Muslim people around the world. In addition, respondents voiced their concerns about more future terrorist attacks on the United States, their feelings toward Israel and the Palestinians, and their views on the role of the United States in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. The poll elicited respondents' views on the influence of Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to the Middle East on the prospects for peace, the negotiations and actions taken by Israel and the Palestinians, the responsibility of the leader of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat for terrorist attacks against Israel by Palestinians, the support of the United States for Israel, and the United States efforts in the war on terrorism. Respondents also answered a set of questions regarding the Catholic Church, its handling the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests, the level of trust respondents felt toward the Church in handling this issue in the future, their opinions of Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, who was accused of mishandling the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests, and the outcome of the American cardinals' meeting at the Vatican. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, education, religion and religious activities, Hispanic origin, race, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, August 1987 (ICPSR 8849)
Released/updated on: 2007-07-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include United States support of the Nicaraguan contras and the Iran arms sale, Reagan's involvement before and after the fact, the conduct and testimony of various people who appeared before the congressional committee, and the nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court. Demographic characteristics of respondents also were recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, August 1989 (ICPSR 9355)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1989-08-17--1989-08-21
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked what the most important problem facing the country was, how they felt about charges of alleged wrongdoing by former Reagan Housing Department officials, and who was taking the stronger leadership role in Washington--Bush or Congress. Respondents also were questioned regarding the destruction and burning of the American flag, the status of the nation's economy, the federal budget deficit, and spending on a series of federal government programs. Other topics covered include terrorism and the Middle East, the quality of education provided by public high schools, the new Medicare program covering catastrophic illness and long-term hospital stays, oil shipping companies and related environmental problems, and the upcoming House of Representatives election. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, sex, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, August 1993 (ICPSR 6283)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president and whether he was a strong and decisive leader. They were also asked to rate Clinton's handling of the nation's economy, foreign affairs, the federal budget deficit, and the federal response to the flooding in the Midwest. Those queried were also asked in detail about Clinton's economic plan -- specifically, whether they supported the increase in federal tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, the new federal tax rate on upper-income families, raising the tax on Social Security benefits, the increase in the federal business tax rate, and spending cuts in Medicare. Other topics included abortion, the situation in Serbia and Bosnia, and whether the respondent approved of United States airstrikes against Bosnian Serbs. The Roman Catholic Church was also a focus of this monthly survey, with specific questions on church policies and moral rules. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1987 (ICPSR 8925)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-12
Geographic coverage: United States
This study is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the fall in stock prices, the Democratic and Republican candidates for president, Gary Hart's decision to re-enter the race, the economy and its impact on major purchases and other spending by the respondent, and the respondent's optimism regarding the economy and quality of life as compared to one year ago. Demographic characteristics also were recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1991 (ICPSR 9890)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-22
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-12-11--1992-12-15
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved or disapproved of Bush's handling of the presidency and why, whether the nation's economy could be described as excellent, good, not so good, or poor, whether they were better off financially than in 1989 when Bush became president, and whether Bush cared equally about serving people of all income levels. Concerning political parties, respondents were asked whether the Democrats or Republicans could do a better job of coping with the main problems the nation would face in the coming years and which party could better handle issues such as the economy, crime, foreign affairs, education, defense, and health care. Concerning Congress, respondents were asked whether they approved of the way their own United States Representative was handling his or her job, whether they approved of the way Congress in general was doing its job and why, and whether they approved of the way the Democrats in Congress were handling the nation's economy. In addition, those surveyed were asked whether Bush or the Democrats in Congress could be trusted to do a better job on the economy, whether Bush and the Democrats in Congress were more interested in doing what's best for the economy or what's best for themselves politically, and whether the United States needed a new president that would set the nation in another direction. Respondents were also asked whether cutting taxes or increasing domestic spending was more important at the present time, whether their biggest problem was high taxes, slow income growth, or too much debt, whether it had become more difficult to get a promotion or a better job in the past year, whether their hours and overtime had been reduced in the past year, and if their latest pay raise had been higher or lower than usual. Concerning the 1992 presidential election, respondents were asked for whom they would vote if their state held a Democratic or Republican primary/caucus for president, toward whom they were leaning for the primary/caucus at the time of the interview, what the chances were that they would vote in the 1992 presidential election, whether they would vote for Bush or various other prospective candidates/nominees were the national election held at the time of the interview, and toward whom they were leaning for the national election at the time of the interview. Additionally, respondents were asked whether they would consider voting for David Duke, whether they would like to see the 1992 national elections result in a Republican president with a Democratic majority in Congress or various other combinations and how important that was, and how much a candidate's position on health care influenced the respondent's vote. Other topics included living wills, the cost and availability of health care, approaches to financing health care, and health benefits provided by employers. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, race, income, economic class, religion, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, urban/suburban/rural residence, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1992 (ICPSR 6026)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-19
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-12-11--1992-12-14
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to comment on whether they felt things in the United States were going in the right direction, and to give their approval rating of George Bush with respect to his handling of the presidency and the economy. In addition, respondents were asked to assess Bush's ultimate place in history and his handling of the presidential transition. Questions were also posed about Bill Clinton, including whether the respondent approved of Clinton's choice of cabinet members and the potential effects his administration would have on the economy. Respondents also gave their approval rating of Bush's decision to send troops into Somalia, assessed the length of United States involvement in that area, and offered opinions about whether homosexuals should be allowed to serve in the military. Much of the poll focused on issues of sexual harassment in the workplace and the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas, including Anita Hill's testimony alleging sexual harassment. Respondents were asked whether they believed these charges and whether Thomas was fit to serve on the bench. Those polled were asked to estimate the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace, to relate their personal experiences with sexual harassment, and to identify situations in the workplace that would be indicative of sexual harassment. Respondents were also asked for their opinions of recent allegations of sexual harassment involving Senator Robert Packwood and his response to those charges, how Congress should handle this particular case, and how frequently they thought sexual harassment by members of Congress occurred. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, area of residence, employment status, Hispanic origin, household income, and gender.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, December 1999 (ICPSR 2902)
Released/updated on: 2001-03-26
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1999-12-12--1999-12-15
This poll, fielded December 12-15, 1999, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked for their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, as well as their views on the upcoming November 7, 2000, presidential election and the current presidential primary/caucus season. Respondents were asked how much attention they had paid to the 2000 presidential race and whether they intended to vote in the election. Given a choice among Vice President Al Gore, former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, Texas governor George W. Bush, and Arizona senator John McCain, those queried were asked for whom they would vote. Their views were also sought on the most important issues of this presidential election and which candidate was best suited to handle issues such as education, the economy, taxes, Social Security/Medicare, campaign finance reform, international affairs, and health care. Respondents were asked if the following statements applied to Bradley, Bush, Gore, or McCain: typical politician, understands the average American, strong leader, experienced enough to be president, would bring needed change to Washington, DC, knowledgeable of world affairs, could be trusted in a crisis, has a clear idea of where to lead the nation, and says what he thinks regardless of what is popular. Respondents were asked for whom they would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus, given a choice between Gore and Bradley, and for whom they would vote in a Republican primary or caucus, given a choice among Bush, publisher Steve Forbes, McCain, radio talk show host Alan Keyes, Family Research Council president Gary Bauer, and Utah senator Orrin Hatch. Additional topics focused on whether the amount of money that people could contribute to political parties should be limited, whether the people of New Hampshire had too much influence in determining who wins the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations, whether Bradley's irregular heartbeat for which he took medication was considered serious by the American people, and which candidate would best handle campaign finance reform, taxes, and balancing the federal budget. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, political party, political orientation, Hispanic descent, voter registration and participation history, military service, and family income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, February 1990 (ICPSR 9438)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-28
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1990-02-01--1990-02-04
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked if they approved of the way George Bush was handling the nation's economy, the illegal drug problem, foreign affairs, and relations with China, and if they approved of the way George Bush, Congress, and Dan Quayle were handling their jobs. In addition, respondents were questioned regarding Bush's State of the Union address and the leadership roles of Bush and Congress. Other topics covered include the capital gains tax, abortion, the Social Security system, defense spending, the upcoming international drug summit, and drug trafficking in Colombia. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1988 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, sex, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1987 (ICPSR 8846)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-12
Geographic coverage: United States
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the leadership role of Reagan and the Congress, spending for specific government programs, government versus private initiatives, the budget deficit, the Iran-contra affair including questions concerning Reagan's and Bush's involvement, 1988 presidential candidates, and the new tax law. Demographic characteristics of respondents also were recorded.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1988 (ICPSR 9061)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-12
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-01-17--1988-01-23
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluates the Reagan presidency and solicits opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include trust in the government and the two major political parties, the environment, the nation's health, public education, crime, the quality of life, world peace, and the economy. In addition, opinions were solicited regarding the respondent's favorable or unfavorable impression of various public figures, the respondent's choice for presidential candidate, the debates that had taken place among the various presidential candidates, the most important issue in choosing a candidate, and which party's candidate would do a better job in dealing with problems such as reducing the trade deficit, unemployment, holding down taxes, and providing leadership. Respondents also were asked a detailed series of questions comparing the Republican candidates George Bush and Robert Dole. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, 1984 presidential vote choice, education, age, religion, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, race, income, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1992 (ICPSR 9887)
Released/updated on: 1993-10-11
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-01-30--1992-02-02
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were asked to identify the most important problem facing the country, to indicate whether they approved or disapproved of Bush's handling of the presidency in general and of his handling of foreign affairs and the economy in particular, and to offer opinions on whether Bush was able to deal with the big issues that faced the country. Those surveyed were also asked if they approved of the way their own United States Representative was handling his or her job, and whether they approved of the way Congress was doing its job. Concerning economic matters, respondents were asked how the money from potential cuts in military spending should be used, whether they were better off financially than in 1989 when Bush became president, and whether Bush or the Democrats in Congress could be trusted to do a better job on the economy. Concerning political parties, respondents were asked whether the Democrats or Republicans better represented the interests of various groups of people, and whether the Democrats or Republicans could do a better job of coping with the main problems the nation would face in the coming years. Focusing on health care, respondents were asked whether they trusted Bush or the Democrats in Congress to do a better job of improving the health care system in this country, whether they could vote for a candidate whose position on health care was different from theirs, and if a candidate's position on health care was the most important issue to consider in deciding whether to support that candidate. With respect to Bush's 1992 State of the Union address, those surveyed were asked if they approved of most of the proposals made in the speech, how much Bush's economic proposals would help the economy and the respondent's own financial situation, and whether Bush would be able to accomplish most of the goals he outlined in his speech. Concerning the Persian Gulf War, the survey asked respondents whether the war had been worth fighting considering its cost to the United States versus its benefit, and whether the respondent was more likely to support Bush for a second term as a result of the Gulf War. Regarding the issue of extramarital affairs involving a presidential candidate, respondents were asked if they could vote for a candidate who had had an affair, whether the allegation that Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton had had an affair would have an effect on their vote, and if that should be an issue in the presidential election. Respondents were also asked whether Clinton should withdraw from the race if it turned out that he did have an affair with Gennifer Flowers, whether his withdrawal should be based on having had an affair or having denied it, and whether Clinton or Flowers had told the truth. Concerning the 1992 presidential election, respondents were asked for whom they would vote if their state held a Democratic or Republican primary/caucus for president, toward whom they were leaning at the time of the interview, whether they would vote for Bush or various other prospective candidates/nominees if the national election were held at the time of the interview, and toward whom they were leaning at the time of the interview. Those surveyed were also asked their views concerning presidential primaries and caucuses, and about their expectations for the 1992 presidential campaign. Additional campaign questions asked respondents if who is elected in 1992 really made any difference, and whether they thought that they were being referred to when Republican and Democratic candidates for political office talked about the middle class. Other questions dealt with the respondent's impression of various candidates involved in the 1992 presidential election, the reelection of the respondent's representative in Congress, and the chances of the respondent's voting in the 1992 presidential election. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, most recent presidential vote choice, education, age, race, income, economic class, religion, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, urban/suburban/rural residence, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1993 (ICPSR 6175)
Released/updated on: 2009-08-14
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1993-01-14--1993-01-17
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked their opinions on the direction in which the United States was heading, the major problem facing the country, expectations regarding the incoming Clinton presidency, the economy, President George Bush, health care, Congress, Bush's pardon of former Reagan Administration officials charged in the Iran/Contra affair, the situation with Iraq, the conflict between the former Yugoslavian republics of Serbia and Bosnia, and abortion. Other items concerned the Clinton family's decision to have Chelsea Clinton attend a private school, and Hillary Clinton's influence over Bill Clinton. Background information on respondents includes political party, voter registration status, vote choice in the 1992 presidential election, political orientation, education, religion, social class, marital status, household composition, labor union membership, employment status, Hispanic origin, race, age, household income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1994 (ICPSR 6617)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to identify the biggest problems facing the country and to comment on whether they thought the United States was generally going in the right direction or was on the wrong track. They were asked whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president, the nation's economy, the federal budget deficit, foreign affairs, and crime, and were asked for their impressions of Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Bob Dole, and Ross Perot. Questions covered whether Clinton was keeping most of his major campaign promises and whether the changes Clinton was seeking were mainly right or wrong. Clinton's progress as president in specific areas, such as reducing unemployment, improving the nation's economy, dealing with the federal budget deficit, improving the level of ethics in government, dealing with problems of the middle class, and improving health care, was probed in detail. Additional topics included the Whitewater real estate venture, Tonya Harding, the law limiting welfare benefits, Clinton's health care plan, and the government's involvement in the nation's health care system. Demographic background variables include political orientation, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Poll, January 1995 (ICPSR 3836)
Released/updated on: 2007-01-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll, conducted January 26-29, 1995, 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 of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency and the economy. A series of questions addressed whether President Clinton and the Republicans in Congress were trying to work with or against each other and whether this was a good or bad thing, whether Clinton or the Republicans would do a better job dealing with the country's problems, whether the changes they were seeking were right or wrong for the country, and which cared more about serving lower income, middle income, and upper income people. Questions were posed regarding how well the United States Congress was doing its job, whether Congress was able to deal with the main issues facing the country, and whether the federal government should be allowed to impose regulations on state and local governments without providing the necessary funding. Respondents were polled on whether they supported or opposed issues such as banning assault weapons, raising the minimum wage, imposing term limits for United States Representatives, and giving loan guarantees to Mexico. Those surveyed were asked whether balancing the federal budget would make the country's problems better or worse, whether it could be done without cutting useful government programs, which programs should be cut, the percentage of federal tax dollars that they felt were wasted, and whether they supported or opposed a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. Questions regarding the professional major league baseball strike polled respondents on whether they sided with the players or the owners, whether there should be a limit on players' earnings, whether they believed the owners' claims that some teams could be forced to move if players' salaries were not limited, and whether replacement players should be used. Several questions asked whether respondents considered themselves baseball fans, how closely they would follow the season if replacement players were used, whether the league playoffs and World Series should be cancelled if the strike was not settled by the end of the season, whether the strike would hurt baseball's popularity, and whether or not President Clinton and Congress should force a settlement of the strike. A series of questions addressed how often respondents flew on commercial airlines, what factors were important in choosing an airline, and the overall safety of commercial air travel. Opinions were solicited on Newt Gingrich's handling of his job as Speaker of the House of Representatives, whether respondents had heard or read anything about his book publishing contract, and if he did anything illegal or wrong in the book deal. Respondents were also polled on whether their family's financial situation was better, worse, or about the same compared to two years ago and the degree to which President Clinton was responsible, whether they considered themselves religious or spiritual, and how often they prayed or attended religious services. Additional questions asked respondents how closely they followed the O.J. Simpson case, whether he was guilty or not guilty, and whether the news coverage of the trial was good or bad. Background variables include sex, age, ethnicity, household income, marital status, employment status, religion, education, subjective size of community, political orientation, political party, labor union membership, social class, whether the respondent was registered to vote, whether they 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, January 1996 (ICPSR 6830)
Released/updated on: 2007-01-09
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 opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign policy, and the situation in Bosnia, as well as their views on First Lady Hillary Clinton and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Those queried were also asked for their opinions on the 1996 presidential and congressional elections, the Republican primaries, the dispute over the federal budget, and the tax system. An additional series of questions addressed the United States' space exploration programs. Topics covered an assessment of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), whether their budget should be increased, whether the space shuttle program should be expanded, whether the United States should join efforts to build an international space station, and whether the costs of space exploration programs were justified by the results. Respondents were also asked to assess their knowledge of current events, and their involvement in community and civic organizations. Background variables include age, race, sex, education, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, family income, demographics of the respondent's community, and subscription to newspapers and weekly news magazines.
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 1987 (ICPSR 8847)
Released/updated on: 2008-01-09
Geographic coverage: United States
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Reagan presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include the federal budget deficit and possible ways to reduce it, the Iran-contra affair, the congressional hearings investigating the affair and questions relating to the involvement of Reagan and Bush, issues important to the 1988 presidential election, characteristics of candidates that might influence the respondent's vote, and United States involvement in the Persian Gulf. Demographic characteristics of respondents also were recorded.
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 1991 (ICPSR 9611)
Released/updated on: 2008-01-08
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1991-05-30--1991-06-02
This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluate the Bush presidency and solicit opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Respondents were questioned regarding the condition of the national, state, and local economies, financial conditions of the federal and state governments, the most important thing they thought should be done to improve these conditions, and which political party they trusted to do a better job of coping with the main problems facing the nation over the next few years. Respondents also were questioned in depth about civil rights, including whether they thought Blacks and other minorities were discriminated against in hiring, whether Blacks had a better chance of advancing to management or supervisory positions than whites, and whether they thought the Democrats or the Republicans generally came closest to reflecting their views on civil rights. Other topics covered include abortion, financial aid to and free trade with the Soviet Union, and the Persian Gulf War. 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, 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 2001 (ICPSR 3286)
Released/updated on: 2002-04-19
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 opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, and other issues. Respondents were queried regarding whether the country should follow the lead of President Bush or the Democrats in Congress, how the positions of the Democratic Party compared with those of the Republican Party with respect to political moderates, and whether the federal government or individual state governments provided better regulation of health plans. Respondents also answered a series of questions about the impact on the country of the Democrats' taking control of the Senate, whether Bush's views on most issues were too conservative, too liberal, or just right, and what the federal government's role in, and responses to, the problem of regional energy shortages should be. In addition, respondents were queried regarding the consequences of the $1.4 trillion tax cut, whether they preferred the tax cut to more federal spending on domestic programs, and what they planned to do with their tax refund checks when they received them. Those queried were also asked to assess their level of concern regarding Congress's role in making it easier for managed care patients to sue their health plans. Opinions were also solicited as to whether the federal judges nominated by Bush were too conservative, too liberal, or just right. Background information includes the respondent's political affiliation, education level, religious tendencies, race, income level, and gender.
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.