Showing 1 – 50 of 559 results.
Curated
ABC News Between Debates Horserace Poll, October 1996 (ICPSR 2165)
Released/updated on: 2008-08-05
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted October 7-8, 1996, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of political and social issues. The focus of this data collection was on the first presidential debate held October 6, 1996. Registered voters were asked their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, and the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Respondents familiar with the debate were asked who they believed won, President Bill Clinton or Republican candidate Bob Dole. Several questions asked about campaign advertisements and whether they affected respondents' intentions to vote, and for whom respondents planned to vote in the upcoming presidential and congressional elections. Additional topics addressed the possible 2000 presidential election match-up of Vice President Al Gore and vice-presidential candidate Jack Kemp, which qualities were most important in a president, and whether respondents expected life to be better or worse for the next generation of Americans. Demographic information collected on all respondents include sex, race, age, education level, political party affiliation, political philosophy, and voter registration status.
Curated
ABC News Clinton Credibility Poll, August 1994 (ICPSR 3851)
Released/updated on: 2007-03-15
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted August 16, 1994, was undertaken to assess public opinion of President Bill Clinton, his presidency, and his administration. Respondents were queried on whether they approved of his performance as president, whether they felt that his administration had begun to alter the political atmosphere that hindered progress, whether they trusted Democrats or Republicans to better handle the problems the nation was facing, whether President Clinton's proposed changes were right for the country, whether they were satisfied with President Clinton's honesty and integrity, how much they felt President Clinton had accomplished during his presidency, and whether, based on his performance so far, he deserved a second term as president. Opinions were solicited on Bill Clinton's strength as a leader, his vision for the country, his effectiveness, and trustworthiness. Additional opinions were gathered on whether President Clinton or congressional Republicans were more responsible for the successes during his presidency, whether President Clinton made more or fewer mistakes than usual as president, whether he was able to deal with the nation's problems, and whether the media treated him fairly. Background information includes education, ethnicity, political orientation, sex, and year of birth.
Curated
ABC News Clinton/Jones Poll, April 1998 (ICPSR 2485)
Released/updated on: 2007-05-03
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll sought respondents' opinions of President Bill Clinton and the federal judge's decision to dismiss the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Clinton by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones. Respondents were asked whether they believed that Clinton violated Jones' civil rights, whether they believed Clinton engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct, and whether Clinton's alleged sexual misconduct was an important issue. Additional questions focused on charges that Clinton may have lied under oath about sexual misconduct and/or encouraged others to lie under oath, and whether independent counsel Kenneth Starr should drop his investigation. Demographic variables include sex and political party.
Curated
ABC News Clinton Terrorism Poll, August 1998 (ICPSR 2634)
Released/updated on: 1999-02-25
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded August 19, 1998, sought respondents' views on the presidency and on the United States' decision, earlier in the day, to launch missile attacks against sites in Afghanistan and Sudan that were suspected to have been used by terrorists who attacked two United States embassies in Africa earlier in the month. Respondents were asked whether they believed that the attacks would prove an effective deterrent against future acts of terrorism, whether they trusted President Bill Clinton to handle the United States' response to terrorism, and whether the attacks were for the purpose of combating terrorism or to shift public attention away from the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Those queried were also asked whether they believed that the situation involving Lewinsky had interfered with Clinton's ability to serve effectively as president. Background information on respondents includes sex and political party.
Curated
ABC News First Presidential Debate Poll and Call-Back Poll, September 1988 (ICPSR 9182)
Released/updated on: 2010-02-18
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted September 24-25, 1988, 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. The focus of this data collection was the opinions of registered voters prior to and immediately following the first presidential debate held September 25, 1988. Registered voters polled prior to the first presidential debate were asked about the likelihood that they would vote in the November 1988 general election, whether they planned to watch the first presidential debate, for whom they would vote if the presidential election were held that day, and the strength of their support for this candidate. Immediately following the debate, 710 respondents were recontacted about whether they had watched the debate, which candidate had won, and for whom they would vote for if the presidential election were held that day. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, household income, political party affiliation, and education level.
Curated
ABC News General Election Exit Poll, November 1988 (ICPSR 9118)
Released/updated on: 1992-02-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted with voters participating in the November 8, 1988 general election. Voters at polling sites in the 50 United States were asked to fill out questionnaires as they exited the polling places. All respondents were asked for whom they had voted for the offices of president, senator, governor, and United States representative as appropriate to their state. They were also asked to specify the one characteristic and issue that most influenced their vote for president. Age, education, sex, race, income, and political orientation of respondents were recorded. Voters given the long form of the questionnaire were queried on additional topics including the Reagan presidency, items important in making their presidential choice, vote choice in the 1984 presidential election, religious preference, and ancestry.
Curated
ABC News Iran Poll, December 1986 (ICPSR 8853)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-14
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey was conducted following the request by the Justice Department that a special independent counsel be appointed to investigate the Iran-contra affair. Respondents were asked to rate Reagan's presidency, and to indicate whether they approved of having an independent counsel appointed and believed that its investigation would bring out all the facts. Respondents also were asked if they believed that Reagan only learned about the money for the contras the week before, whether he should resign if the investigation showed that he was lying about when he learned of the plan, if they felt that Reagan was in control of his presidency, and whether they thought George Bush was involved in the Iran affair. Demographic data on respondents are included.
Curated
ABC News Kathleen Willey Poll #1, March 1998 (ICPSR 2511)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-13
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded on March 16, 1998, sought respondents' views on the presidency and on former White House volunteer Kathleen Willey's charges that President Bill Clinton forced himself on her sexually at a private meeting in 1993. Respondents were asked to rate Clinton in the areas of honesty, personal moral and ethical standards, ability to understand the people, leadership, and ability to keep the economy strong. Those queried were also asked whether they believed Willey's accusations, and whether the public needed to know the truth about her accusations. A series of questions addressed the recent allegations of sexual misconduct facing Clinton. Topics covered the alleged affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, whether Clinton lied under oath when questioned about the scandals, whether he had demonstrated a pattern of sexual misconduct, and the possible punishments that might be imposed upon Clinton if he were found guilty of any wrongdoing. Background information on respondents includes sex and political party.
Curated
ABC News Kathleen Willey Poll #2, March 1998 (ICPSR 2512)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-13
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted on March 17, 1998, sought respondents' views on the presidency and on former White House volunteer Kathleen Willey's charges that President Bill Clinton forced himself on her sexually at a private meeting in 1993. Respondents were asked whether they believed that Clinton had forced himself sexually on Willey, and whether it was his private business or a public matter. A series of questions addressed the allegations of sexual misconduct facing Clinton in general. Topics covered the alleged affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, whether Clinton had lied under oath when questioned about the scandals, whether he had demonstrated a pattern of sexual misconduct, and the possible punishments that might be imposed upon Clinton if he were found guilty of any wrongdoing. Respondents were also queried as to which allegation was more serious, that Clinton forced himself sexually on Willey or that he had an affair with Lewinsky. Background information on respondents includes sex and political party.
Curated
ABC News Kosovo Peace Poll #2, June 1999 (ICPSR 2775)
Released/updated on: 1999-08-20
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded June 10, 1999, sought respondents' views on the peace agreement reached between the United States and its European allies and Serbia. Those queried were asked for their opinions on President Bill Clinton's handling of the presidency and the situation in Kosovo, the peace agreement, which included a provision for an international peace-keeping force of 50,000, and whether Serbia could be trusted to carry out the terms of the peace agreement. Respondents were asked which side they thought won, whether they believed the peace agreement would last, and whether the allies should resume air strikes if Serbia did not carry out the terms of the peace agreement. An additional question addressed whether the United States should contribute monetarily to rebuild Kosovo. Background information on respondents includes sex and political party.
Curated
ABC News Lewinsky/Starr Poll, September 1998 (ICPSR 2636)
Released/updated on: 2008-09-10
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted September 9, 1998, sought respondents' views on the presidency and the ongoing investigation by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr into President Bill Clinton's statements under oath regarding his relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Respondents were asked for their opinions on Clinton's trustworthiness, his ability to handle the nation's business, and his personal lifestyle, and whether they believed that Clinton did anything illegal in connection with the Lewinsky matter. Respondents were also asked about what they thought would be an appropriate resolution to the matter if it were determined that Clinton had had an affair and lied about it under oath, or if he had had an affair and encouraged Lewinsky to lie about it under oath. Possible resolutions to the matter included Clinton's resignation, impeachment by Congress, and a censure or official reprimand by Congress. Respondents were asked whether they believed that this scandal had damaged Clinton's ability to serve effectively as president. In addition, a series of questions addressed the motivation, handling, and future of the Starr investigation. A final question asked respondents whether they believed that Clinton's personal behavior was separate from his political behavior. Demographic information includes sex and political party affiliation.
Curated
ABC News "Nightline" GOP Strategy Poll, May 1998 (ICPSR 2490)
Released/updated on: 2009-10-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll sought respondents' views on the presidency and on the GOP (Republican Party), specifically in regard to the actions of Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton, Gingrich, and the United States Congress, and to compare Clinton and Gingrich in the areas of honesty, personal moral and ethical standards, and the ability to understand the problems of the American people. Respondents were asked whether they believed Gingrich's charge of a White House cover-up of Clinton wrongdoing, including possible lawbreaking, and what motivated Gingrich to make such allegations. The results of the poll were announced on the ABC television program "Nightline." Background information on respondents includes sex, political party, political orientation, and impression of the conservative Christian political movement.
Curated
ABC News "Nightline" Starr Report Poll #4, September 1998 (ICPSR 2641)
Released/updated on: 2008-09-26
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded on September 13, 1998,
sought respondents' views on Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr's
ongoing investigation of President Bill Clinton and the resulting
"Starr Report," submitted to the United States Congress on September
10, 1998. Respondents were asked whether they trusted Clinton on a
personal level, and their opinions were sought regarding Clinton's
honesty, trustworthiness, moral and ethical standards, and leadership
ability. They were also asked to comment on whether the president
should remain in office, resign, be impeached, or be censured, if it
were proven that he either lied under oath, encouraged former White
House intern Monica Lewinsky to lie under oath, or asked aides to
cover up his affair with Lewinsky. Those queried were asked for their
opinions of the Starr Report and the Clinton response to that report,
in which the White House argued against impeachment. Other items
probed for whether respondents believed Starr or Clinton, whether they
believed that the investigation had been fair or politically
motivated, and whether the investigation was about sex or serious
lawbreaking. In addition, respondents were asked whether they believed
that Congress should hold hearings, and whether the inclusion of the
sexual details of Clinton and Lewinsky's relationship were included in
the report as evidence or to embarrass the president. The results of
the poll were announced on the ABC television program "Nightline."
Background information on respondents includes sex, age, race, political
party affiliation, and education level.
Curated
ABC News Pennsylvania Poll, September 2004 (ICPSR 4131)
Released/updated on: 2005-07-14
Geographic coverage: United States, Pennsylvania
This special topic poll, conducted September 9-12, 2004, is part of a continuing series of surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Residents of Pennsylvania were queried on their opinions regarding the upcoming 2004 presidential election. Questions addressed for whom respondents were going to vote in the 2004 presidential election, whether they considered themselves Democrats or Republicans, what they thought of President George W. Bush's handling of the presidency so far, and for whom they voted in the 2000 presidential election. Respondents were also asked questions comparing Bush and Senator John Kerry, including who would better handle various issues as president in areas such as economy, education, and the campaign against terrorism. Respondents compared Bush and Kerry with respect to traits such as leadership and values. Background information includes age, education, religion, urbanicity, marital status, income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News Politics Poll #1, March 1992 (ICPSR 9883)
Released/updated on: 2007-07-03
Geographic coverage: United States
This survey assessed the political climate of the United States on March 11, 1992. Those surveyed were asked whether the country was going in the right direction, whether they placed more trust in President George Bush or the Democrats in Congress to do a better job with the economy, whether they placed more trust in the Democratic or Republican party to cope with national problems, and whether Congress should meet the March 20 deadline set by President Bush for acting on his economic proposals. Respondents were also asked whether they had favorable impressions of the presidential candidates, whether Bush, Bill Clinton, or Paul Tsongas could be trusted to do a better job on the economy, whether they were concerned about Tsongas's ability to serve effectively as president because he had had cancer, whether they were satisfied that Clinton had the honesty and integrity to serve effectively as president, and whether they were better off financially than when Bush became president in 1989. In addition, respondents were asked if the United States needed a president that could set the nation in a new direction after four years of George Bush, or whether the United States needed to continue moving in the direction in which Bush had been taking it. The survey also addressed issues related to Congress, including whether the respondent felt inclined to vote for the re-election of his/her United States Representative, whether term limits for representatives should be adopted, and how the respondent viewed the congressional check-writing scandal. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, voter registration status, education, age, race, income, and sex.
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, September 1993 (ICPSR 6285)
Released/updated on: 1997-05-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved of Bill Clinton's handling of his job as president, the nation's economy, foreign affairs, and the health care plan. Respondents were asked whether Clinton's health care plan was better or worse than the existing system and whether it was good for the long-term future of the nation. The quality of health care and health insurance coverage were also addressed. Respondents were asked whether the plan treated them fairly and whether Congress should pass Clinton's health care plan with or without changes. Other topics included the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), and whether the penny is a useful coin. Demographic background variables include political orientation, sex, age, race, income, and education.
Curated
ABC News Poll, September 1994 (ICPSR 3854)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: Cuba, Haiti, United States
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Questions included the respondent's opinion on what the most important problem facing the United States was and approval ratings for President Clinton's handling of the presidency, the economy, foreign affairs, crime, and health care. Approval ratings were also tallied for the United States Congress and the Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Respondents were asked how much Congress had accomplished in the past year compared to years before and who was responsible (i.e., President Clinton or the parties in Congress). Respondents were asked if they believed certain political figures, including President Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, and the respondent's representative in Congress, were doing what was best for the country, their district, or their own political lives. Those polled were asked what they believed their representative in Congress should or should not be doing, and which political party was better at handling issues such as the economy and helping the middle class. Queries included the general functioning of the federal government and what, if any, changes were needed. Respondent opinions on the crime bill were gathered, as well as approval ratings on Congress's handling of the health care system. Other questions concerning health care included whether the respondent supported proposed changes to the health care system and whether the respondent believed that significant improvements would be made to the health care system. Respondents were also queried on what changes they would like to see in Congress -- for example, whether they would vote for their incumbent representative or the challenger. Respondents were asked if they believed that America's vital interests were at stake in the situation in Cuba and/or in Haiti and whether the United States should end its economic embargo against Cuba if certain conditions were met. Questions also solicited respondent views on whether they would support a military invasion of Haiti and if they believed that the United States would go to war with Haiti. Respondents' knowledge of bills passed in Congress within the past year was also assessed. Demographic information gathered includes political affiliation, voter registration status, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, religious preference, urban or rural residence, marital status, labor union status, working status, ethnicity, age, sex, yearly income, and willingness for call-back.
Curated
ABC News Post-Debate #1 Poll, October 2000 (ICPSR 3129)
Released/updated on: 2004-09-02
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll sought respondents' views on the presidential debate held on October 6th, 2000. Questions included how closely respondents were following the 2000 race for the presidency and how sure they were that they would vote on election day. Those polled were asked whom they would vote for, whether they had a favorable opinion of the candidates, and which candidate they felt would do a better job on issues such as education and the economy. Respondents were also asked to state which characteristics they believed that Governor Bush and Vice President Gore had, such as leadership and experience, and to indicate which candidate they believed had "won" the debate televised earlier in that week. Questions on popular social issues included whether respondents preferred small or large government, whether they supported the school vouchers initiative, whether they still would support the initiative if it meant less money for public schools, and what course of action they would take if they could receive school vouchers. Background information includes number of children respondent had under the age of 18, political identification, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, age, ethnicity, annual household income, and sex.
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 Post-Republican Convention Poll, August 1992 (ICPSR 6018)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1992-08-20--1992-08-21
This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of political, social, and economic issues. Conducted by ABC News in August of 1992, the poll focused on topics such as the effect of Ross Perot's withdrawal from the presidential race on voting preferences, evaluations of the current presidential and vice-presidential candidates, perceived responsibility for current economic conditions, and the federal government's lack of action on major problems facing the nation, the economy, and the budget deficit. Respondents were asked to rate the likelihood of their voting in the upcoming presidential election in light of their personal daily schedules and to indicate their voting preferences and strength of support for Bush, Clinton, and Perot. The poll also assessed how favorably respondents viewed the current presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and whether the respondent was satisfied that each candidate had the honesty, integrity, and ability to understand the problems of the average American and to serve effectively as president. Respondents were also asked to indicate which candidate would do the best job of dealing with family values, foreign affairs, the economy, the budget deficit, bringing needed change to government, and taxes. Bush and Clinton were also evaluated with regard to whether they had a vision for the future of the country, would get things done, and could be trusted in a crisis. Respondents were asked whether Bush or the Democrats in Congress were most responsible for the current economic conditions and the federal government's failure to act on major problems. With respect to the economy, respondents were asked whether they would be willing to contribute a percentage of their tax returns if it lowered the deficit by the same percent, whether the economy was getting better or worse, and which was more important: cutting federal taxes or spending more on domestic problems. Other items included respondents' assessments of the economic level of people Bush cared most about, and whether the United States should bomb Iraq if it believed Iraq was not in compliance with the terms of the cease-fire agreement. Demographic information includes political affiliation, political conservatism/liberalism, education, age, race, and gender.
Curated
ABC News Post-State of the Union Address Poll, January 2003 (ICPSR 3773)
Released/updated on: 2003-08-07
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted January 28, 2003, was undertaken to assess public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues following the State of the Union Address earlier that evening. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, the situation with Iraq and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and the cost, availability, and coverage of health insurance. Those polled were asked whether they supported or opposed United States military action against Iraq to force Hussein from power, whether their support or opposition would change if the United Nations opposed such action, and whether they supported or opposed an invasion by United States ground troops with significant military casualties. Views were sought on whether Bush had presented enough evidence to justify the use of military force in Iraq, whether United Nations weapons inspectors should be given additional time to search for weapons of mass destruction, and whether Iraq provided direct support to the al Qaeda terrorist group. A series of questions focusing on the State of the Union Address covered whether respondents approved or disapproved of Bush's message, whether Bush made a good case for going to war with Iraq, and whether the speech made respondents more or less confident in Bush's ability to handle the economy, the situation with Iraq, and the cost, availability, and coverage of health insurance. Background information on respondents includes gender and political party.
Curated
ABC News Pre-Election Poll, November 1994 (ICPSR 3871)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-13
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted November 3-6, 1994, was undertaken to assess public opinion prior to election day. Respondents were polled on President Bill Clinton's handling of the presidency, their satisfaction with the way the federal government worked, whether the Democrats or the Republicans would do a better job dealing with the main problems facing the country, and the condition of the national economy. Questions regarding the upcoming United States House of Representatives election asked respondents how closely they were following it, the likelihood that they would vote, whether they would vote for the Democratic or Republican candidate, whether they planned to re-elect their own representative in Congress, and how often they voted in state elections when there was no presidential race. Background variables include sex, age, ethnicity, education, household income, political party affiliation, and voter participation and registration history.
Curated
ABC News Pre-Election Spot Poll: New Hampshire, 1988 (ICPSR 8996)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-20
Geographic coverage: United States, New Hampshire
Time period: 1988-02-01--1988-02-07
This survey was conducted prior to the New Hampshire primary held on February 16, 1988. Respondents were asked if they were registered to vote, their party designation, if they intended to vote in the Democratic or Republican presidential primary, for whom they would vote if the primary were held that day, towards which candidate they were leaning, the strength of their support, and any candidates they definitely would not vote for. Additional questions sought the respondent's opinions on which party had a better chance of winning in November, the Reagan presidency, and the two most important issues in the presidential campaign. Background information on respondents includes education, age, religion, race, sex, income, voting history, and political orientation.
Curated
ABC News Pre-State of the Union Address Poll, January 2003 (ICPSR 3772)
Released/updated on: 2003-09-25
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted January 27, 2003, was undertaken to assess public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues on the eve of the State of the Union Address. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, the United States campaign against terrorism, and the situation with Iraq and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Those polled were asked whether they supported or opposed United States military action against Iraq to force Hussein from power, whether their support or opposition would change if the United Nations opposed such action, and whether they supported or opposed an invasion by United States ground troops with possible military casualties. Views were sought on whether Bush had presented enough evidence to justify the use of military force in Iraq, whether United Nations weapons inspectors should be given additional time to search for weapons of mass destruction, and whether the burden of proof regarding the existence of weapons of mass destruction lay with the United States or with Iraq. Respondents were asked whether they were concerned that the Bush administration would act too quickly and/or without international support, whether Iraq posed an immediate threat to United States interests, and whether Bush had overstated the level of threat facing the United States from Iraq. Background information on respondents includes gender and political party.
Curated
ABC News Primary Election Exit Polls, February-June, 1988 (ICPSR 8994)
Released/updated on: 2009-04-21
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-02-16--1988-06-07
This data collection consists of 16 surveys conducted in states that held primary elections between February and June, 1988. Voters were asked to fill out questionnaires as they exited the polling places. Respondents were asked if they voted in the Democratic or Republican primary (Parts 1-3, 6-7), for whom they voted, if there were any candidates they definitely would not vote for (Parts 1-4), their vote choice among the various Democratic candidates facing George Bush (Parts 6-16), and factors that influenced their vote. In Parts 10-16, voters also were queried regarding the vice-presidential nominee selection process, their choice of a running mate for Michael Dukakis, and their opinions on the views of Dukakis and Jackson. Additional information supplied for all respondents includes their views on the Reagan presidency, their 1984 presidential vote choice, age, education, race, sex, income, religious preference, ancestry, and political orientation.
Curated
ABC News Reagan Speech Poll, December 1987 (ICPSR 8924)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-12
Geographic coverage: United States
The summit meeting negotiations between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were the subject of this survey. Respondents' opinions were sought on the United States-Soviet Union arms agreement, Reagan's handling of the summit, the degree to which Gorbachev can be trusted, and the overall state of relations between the two countries. Those respondents who had seen or heard any of Reagan's broadcast speech of December 10, 1987 also were asked if the speech made them more confident of Reagan's ability to negotiate with the Soviets. Demographic characteristics of respondents are included.
Curated
ABC News Religion Poll, March 1997 (ICPSR 2179)
Released/updated on: 2006-12-01
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll sought respondents' views on the Bill Clinton presidency, while primarily focusing on the presence of religion in respondents' lives. Those queried were asked to explain their religious upbringing and to compare it to their current feelings toward religion. Respondents were asked for their opinions on anti-Semitism, interracial marriage, interfaith marriage, jokes about the Pope, and the Bible's message regarding the differences between Blacks and whites. A series of questions asked respondents whether they believed in the following Christian tenets: Jesus Christ died on the cross, Jesus Christ is the son of God, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and the existence of God. Additional topics covered whether God is a man or a woman, whether Jews were responsible for the death of Christ, and the meaning of the Bible's stories to the respondent. Demographic variables include age, education, race, sex, and religion.
Curated
ABC News Republican Convention Poll, August 1988 (ICPSR 9071)
Released/updated on: 2008-12-16
Geographic coverage: United States
This data collection focuses on the 1988 Republican National Convention. Questions put to respondents in Part 1 include which party the respondent trusted to do a better job over the next few years, if after eight years of Reagan the nation needed to go in a new direction or continue as it was, if the respondent had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Michael Dukakis, George Bush, and Ronald Reagan, whether the respondent would vote for Bush or Dukakis if the election were held that day, who the respondent would like to see as Bush's running mate, whether the respondent would be more or less likely to vote for Bush if his running mate were female or very conservative or one of various named Republican figures. In addition, respondents were asked if they planned to watch any of the live television coverage of the convention, and if so, on which television network. Part 2 replicated many of the questions in Part 1, with respondents also being asked if they had a favorable or unfavorable impression of Dan Quayle, which party had the best chance of winning in November, if they had been following the convention very closely, if they approved or disapproved of what had been said and done at the convention, if they now were more or less likely to vote for Bush, and if Bush's choice of Dan Quayle as his running mate affected their likely vote in November. Part 3 duplicated several questions from the prior two surveys, additionally soliciting respondents' opinions on the qualifications of Quayle and Bentsen to be president, Quayle's service in the National Guard during the Vietnam War that prevented his being drafted into the Army, and charges that political influence was used to get Quayle into the Guard ahead of others on the waiting list. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, age, race, sex, and state/region of residence.
Curated
ABC News Saddam Hussein Capture Poll, December 2003 (ICPSR 3944)
Released/updated on: 2004-10-01
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. The focus of this data collection was on the situation in Iraq and the recent capture of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Those surveyed were asked to give their approval rating of President George W. Bush and his handling of the situation in Iraq. Respondents were asked to assess the costs/benefits of the Iraq War and to comment on whether they thought it was worth fighting or not, if they had heard of the capture of Saddam Hussein, and whether they thought that his capture meant "the big challenges facing the United States in Iraq are over." Those polled were asked for their opinion on whether the capture of Saddam Hussein would help to restore peace and stability in Iraq, would help to end attacks on United States and coalition forces in Iraq, would contribute to long-term peace and stability in the Mideast, and would also contribute to the long-term security of the United States. Respondents were asked if they believed that United States forces should leave Iraq now that Saddam Hussein had been captured, or if the forces should remain in Iraq until a stable government was in place. Additional questions included whether those surveyed felt that Saddam Hussein should be put on trial by an Iraqi tribunal or a United Nations tribunal, and what punishment they preferred for him. Respondents' perceptions of the progress in Iraq was also measured. Demographic information includes political affiliation and gender.
Curated
ABC News Second Presidential Debate Poll and Call-back Poll, October 1988 (ICPSR 9183)
Released/updated on: 2009-12-08
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted October 11-13, 1988, 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. The focus of this data collection was the opinions of registered voters prior to and immediately following the second presidential debate held October 13, 1988. Registered voters polled prior to the second presidential debate were asked about the likelihood that they would vote in the November 1988 general election, whether they planned to watch the second presidential debate, for whom they would vote if the presidential election were held that day, and the strength of their support for this candidate. Immediately following the second presidential debate, 716 respondents were recontacted about whether they had watched the debate, which candidate had won, and for whom they would vote for if the presidential election were held that day. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, household income, political party affiliation, and education level.
Curated
ABC News Starr Report Poll #1, September 1998 (ICPSR 2638)
Released/updated on: 2008-10-24
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded on September 11, 1998, sought respondents' views on Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr's ongoing investigation of President Bill Clinton and the resulting "Starr Report," submitted to the United States Congress on September 10, 1998. Respondents were asked whether they believed that Clinton had done anything illegal regarding the Lewinsky matter. Their opinions were sought on whether the president should resign, be impeached, or be censured if it were proven that he either lied under oath, encouraged former White House intern Monica Lewinsky to lie under oath, or asked aides to lie under oath. Those queried were also asked for their opinions of the Starr Report and the Clinton response to that report, in which the White House argued against impeachment. Respondents were asked whether they believed Starr or Clinton, whether they believed that the Starr Report was fair or politically motivated, and whether this was more a personal matter for Clinton or a public concern. Background information on respondents includes gender and political party affiliation.
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 Super Tuesday Pre-Election Tracking and Primary Election Exit Polls, 1988 (ICPSR 8995)
Released/updated on: 2006-01-18
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 1988-01-28--1988-03-08
This study consists of four surveys conducted in 16 of the 21 states that held primary elections on Super Tuesday, March 8, 1988. Parts 1-3 are telephone surveys conducted from late January through early March. In Parts 1 and 2, respondents were asked if they were registered to vote, their party designation, if they intended to vote in the Democratic or Republican presidential primary, for whom they would vote if the primary were held that day, toward which candidate they were leaning, the strength of their support, and any candidates they definitely would not vote for. Additional questions sought the respondent's opinions on which party had a better chance of winning in November, the Reagan presidency, and the two most important issues in the presidential campaign. In Part 3, a sample of respondents from Parts 1 and 2 were recontacted by phone and asked for whom they would vote if the primary were being held that day, toward whom they were leaning, and the strength of their support. In Part 4, voters were asked to fill out questionnaires as they exited the polling places. They were asked whether they voted in the Democratic or Republican primary, and for whom they voted. Voters given the long form of the questionnaire were queried on additional topics including the Reagan presidency and items important in making their choice that day. Background information on all respondents in this collection includes education, age, religion, race, sex, income, voting history, and political orientation.
Curated
ABC News Vice-Presidential Debate Poll and Call-back Poll, October 1988 (ICPSR 9184)
Released/updated on: 2009-12-08
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted October 3-5, 1988, 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. The focus of this data collection was the opinions of registered voters prior to and immediately following the vice-presidential debate held October 5, 1988. Registered voters polled prior to the vice-presidential debate were asked about the likelihood that they would vote in the November 1988 general election, whether they planned to watch the vice-presidential debate, for whom they would vote if the presidential election were held that day, and the strength of their support for this candidate. Immediately following the vice-presidential debate, 739 respondents were recontacted about whether they had watched the debate, which candidate had won, for whom they would vote for if the presidential election were held that day, and whether vice-presidential candidates Quayle and Bentsen would be qualified to take over the presidency if needed. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, household income, political party affiliation, and education level.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post 100 Days Poll, April 1995 (ICPSR 3840)
Released/updated on: 2007-01-26
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded in April 1995, was undertaken to assess respondent approval ratings on job performance for President Clinton, Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, the Democrats and Republicans in Congress, the respondent's representative in Congress, and the United States Congress in general. Respondents were asked to evaluate the ability of Congress to deal with the big issues facing the country, how much Congress had accomplished within the past three months, and whether that represented a real change in the way Congress worked. Those polled were asked whether the Democrats and/or Republicans were doing what the respondent wanted done, and they were also asked to evaluate whether the Republicans in Congress or President Clinton was doing a better job with the main problems and needs of the country. On the subject of the Republicans in Congress, respondents were asked to evaluate how many of the items of the "Contract with America" they would support, and whether any of the items, in their view, had been accomplished. Respondents were also asked to evaluate President Clinton and Speaker Gingrich on traits such as strength in leadership, honesty, and trustworthiness. In addition, respondent views were solicited on issues such as privatization of welfare, line-item vetoes, and who they believed was responsible for failure of particular congressional initiatives, such as term limits. Demographic information gathered included political party identification, voter registration status, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, age, sex, religious preference, ethnicity, yearly household income, and willingness for call-back.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Check-In Poll, September 2000 (ICPSR 3073)
Released/updated on: 2001-04-17
Geographic coverage: United States
Time period: 2000-09-28--2000-10-01
This poll, fielded September 28-October 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 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 which candidate they trusted to do a better job holding taxes down, improving education and the schools, holding down the cost of gasoline and home heating oil, holding down health care costs, and helping the middle class. Views were sought on whether the United States emergency supply of oil should be used to contain costs this winter or saved for a larger emergency, and whether President Clinton released 5 percent of the nation's oil reserves because it was best for the country or to boost Gore's presidential campaign. Additional topics covered the respondents' impression of Clinton as a person and his policies and programs, whether a smaller government with fewer services was preferable to a larger government with many services, and whether respondents intended to watch the televised October 3 presidential debate and the televised October 5 vice-presidential debate. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, Hispanic origin, urban/rural residence, and household income.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Colin Powell Speech to the United Nations Poll, February 2003 (ICPSR 3775)
Released/updated on: 2003-07-30
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted February 5, 2003, was undertaken to assess public opinion on Secretary of State Colin Powell's address to the United Nations about Iraq earlier that day. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way President George W. Bush was handling the situation with Iraq and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, whether they supported or opposed United States military action against Iraq even without United Nations support, and whether the Bush administration had presented enough evidence to show why military action was necessary. Those polled were asked to assess their familiarity with Powell's address to the United Nations, whether Powell made a convincing case for going to war, and whether the evidence presented proved, or merely suggested, that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Views were sought on whether the United States had presented strong evidence showing that Iraq had chemical and biological weapons, was trying to develop nuclear weapons, had provided direct support to the al Qaeda terrorist group, and had not cooperated with United Nations weapons inspectors. Respondents were asked how much longer the Bush administration should give United Nations weapons inspectors to search for weapons of mass destruction, and whether it was more important for the United States to move quickly against Iraq or wait to gain international support. Background information on respondents includes gender and political party.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Contract with America Poll, January 1995 (ICPSR 3833)
Released/updated on: 2006-11-30
Geographic coverage: United States
For this poll, fielded on January 3-4, 1995, respondents were asked to rate President Clinton's handling of the country in general, the economy, and foreign affairs. It was also intended to gauge the public's knowledge of the "Contract with America," a nationwide Republican initiative to gain a majority in Congress in which they laid out a specific action plan in the Senatorial and Representative campaigns of Republicans throughout the United States. Other approval rating questions sought opinions on Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Respondents were queried on whether they trusted President Clinton or the Republicans in Congress to provide strong leadership and handle issues such as Social Security and reduce the federal budget deficit. Those surveyed were asked if the switch from Democratic control of the Congress to Republican control was a good thing, and if the respondents had any idea how Clinton or the Republicans planned to lead the nation in the next two years. Questions included who the respondents would vote for if the 1996 election were to occur that day. Items regarding the budget included whether respondents would support an amendment to the Constitution requiring the federal budget to be balanced and under what circumstances they would support such an amendment, such as cutting spending on certain programs or raising taxes. Opinions were gathered on a range of social issues including prayer in schools, the death penalty, and welfare. Respondents were asked how often they watched daytime talk shows and whether they were more interested in the new session of Congress or the O.J. Simpson trial. Respondents were also asked to gauge if the economy or the standard of living was improving and to speculate how economically hard-off their parents were or their children would be. Demographic information includes party identification, voter registration status, voting record, political philosophy, level of education, birth date, ethnicity, total yearly income, and sex.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Education Poll, September 1981 (ICPSR 8018)
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 collection focuses on perceptions of education in the United States. The poll consisted of interviews with school principals and the general population. The data are contained in two datasets. Part 1, Principals Survey, contains data on the number and racial mix of students in the respondents' schools. Respondents were also questioned about discipline problems, competency tests, busing to achieve integration, television and homework, parental involvement in school decision-making, budget cutbacks, school performance, and their personal occupational history. Part 2, General Public Survey, contains information on the respondents' confidence levels in public institutions, perceived problems in their local high school, the value of school programs, functions of schools, educational discipline, the education of their children, and their opinions of President Ronald Reagan. Demographic information was collected, including respondents' sex, age, race, occupation, education and income levels, marital status, number of children, political party identification, and voting behavior.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Foreign Policy Poll, October 1981 (ICPSR 8017)
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 collection assesses respondents' attitudes toward foreign policy under the Reagan administration. Included were questions measuring attitudes toward the Soviet Union, the relative military strength of the United States, and American relations with Arab nations, Israel, and western Europe. Respondents were asked questions on human rights, nuclear war, the spread of Communism, oil supply, and United States allies. Demographic information was collected, including respondent's race, age, sex, employment, number of children, and religion.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post House Vote Poll, December 1998 (ICPSR 2713)
Released/updated on: 1999-06-23
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded December 19, 1998, sought respondents' views regarding the United States House of Representatives vote to impeach President Bill Clinton, announced earlier in the day. Those queried were asked for their opinions on whether the vote was based on fact or on partisan politics, who was to blame for the situation, whether Clinton should fight the charges in the Senate or resign, and whether the Senate should vote to remove Clinton from office, censure him, or drop the charges. A series of questions addressed the same-day resignation of Republican Louisiana Congressman and House of Representatives Speaker-elect Bob Livingston after the disclosure of his extramarital affairs. Respondents were asked whether they agreed with Livingston's decision to resign, whether his resignation would convince Clinton to resign, and whether the increased attention being paid to the extramarital affairs of elected officials was appropriate. Additional topics covered Clinton's ability to serve effectively, the ability of Congress to work effectively, the ongoing United States air strikes against Iraq, Clinton's moral standards, the purpose of the impeachment process, and the role of the president in setting an example with his/her personal life. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, education, political party, political orientation, and voter participation history.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Impeachment Poll, December 1998 (ICPSR 2709)
Released/updated on: 1999-06-23
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, fielded December 15, 1998, sought respondents' views on the upcoming vote by the United States House of Representatives to impeach President Bill Clinton. Those queried were asked whether they believed that the House should impeach or censure Clinton and, if Clinton were impeached, whether the Senate should vote to remove him from office. Respondents were asked for their impression of Clinton as a person, how they would feel if Clinton were removed from office, whether Clinton's actions were serious enough to warrant his removal from office, and whether this situation was Clinton's fault or merely a case of his critics taking advantage of his slip. Additional topics covered the correlation between a representative's vote on the impeachment of Clinton and his/her constituents' choice in the next Congressional election, and whether Clinton should resign or fight the charges if he were impeached. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, education, and political party.
Curated
ABC News/Washington Post Inaugural Poll, January 1997 (ICPSR 2173)
Released/updated on: 2008-01-14
Geographic coverage: United States
This special topic poll, conducted January 13-15, 1997, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. This data collection was undertaken to assess public opinion prior to President Bill Clinton's second-term inauguration as president of the United States. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Clinton and his handling of the first term of his presidency, whether he would do a better or worse job in his second term in office, whether they approved of his choices for Cabinet and other top positions in his administration, and what the nature of his relationship with Congress should be in his second term. Views were sought on whether President Clinton had made progress toward reducing unemployment and improving education during his first term, and whether he would make substantial progress in these areas during his second term. Respondents rated the most important issue facing the country, whether they were better or worse off financially compared to four years ago, whether they approved of the way Congress was handling its job, whether they expected Congress to do a better job in the next two years, and whether they trusted the Clinton administration or the Republicans in Congress to handle the main problems the nation would face over the next few years. Other questions asked whether respondents approved of the way Hillary Clinton was handling her job as first lady and the amount of influence she held over her husband, and whether she should play a greater role in her husband's second administration. A series of questions asked about recent allegations involving President Clinton, including Whitewater, the Democratic National Campaign Committee's acceptance of foreign contributions, and former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones's sexual harassment charges, and whether they would interfere with his ability to serve as president. Additional topics addressed what actions the government should take to protect the long-term financial stability of Social Security and the Medicare health system and the overall level of ethics and honesty in politics and the federal government. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, and voter participation history.