Washington Post-ABC News Poll
Sunday, November 2, 2003 | | | | The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll is based on telephone interviews with 1,003 randomly selected adults nationwide, and was conducted Oct. 26-29, 2003. The project included an additional oversample of 204 self-identified Democrats and Democratic-leaning political independents. Items noted as "asked of leaned Democrats" are thus based on a combined N of 642.
The margin of sampling error for overall results is plus or minus 3 percentage points, and plus or minus 4 percentage points for results based on the Democratic subsample. Sampling error is only one of many potential sources of error in this or any other public opinion poll. Interviewing was conducted by TNS Intersearch of Horsham, Pa. *= less than 0.5 percent 1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president? Do you approve/disapprove strongly or somewhat? ---------Approve--------- --------Disapprove------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Strongly Somewhat opin.
10/29/03 56 30 26 42 29 13 2
10/13/03 53 33 20 42 29 14 5
9/30/03 54 34 20 44 29 15 2
9/13/03 58 35 23 40 27 14 2
9/7/03 56 34 22 41 28 13 4
8/11/03 59 37 22 37 23 14 4
7/10/03 59 35 24 38 25 13 3
6/22/03 68 45 23 29 18 11 4
4/30/03 71 50 22 26 9 17 3
4/16/03 74 52 22 23 14 9 3
4/9/03 77 58 19 20 14 6 4
4/3/03 71 54 16 25 19 7 4
3/23/03 68 NA NA 27 NA NA 4
3/20/03 67 NA NA 28 NA NA 5
3/2/03 62 38 23 35 22 13 4
2/23/03 60 NA NA 34 NA NA 6
2/9/03 64 42 21 34 20 14 3
2/1/03 62 41 21 34 22 13 4
1/28/03 62 43 19 36 23 13 2
1/27/03 59 39 21 37 22 15 4
1/20/03 59 36 23 38 22 16 2
12/15/02 66 37 28 32 20 12 2
11/4/02 LV 67 45 23 31 20 12 1
11/3/02 LV 67 45 22 32 20 12 1
11/2/02 LV 67 47 20 32 23 9 1
10/27/02 All 67 39 28 29 16 13 4
10/27/02 LV 68 47 21 30 16 14 3
9/26/02 67 42 25 30 18 12 3
9/8/02 71 42 28 27 15 12 3
7/28/02 69 39 31 28 14 14 3
7/15/02 72 42 31 25 13 12 2
6/17/02 74 42 32 22 13 9 4
6/9/02 77 41 36 20 11 9 3
5/19/02 76 48 28 22 13 8 3
4/21/02 78 47 31 20 10 9 2
3/28/02 79 49 30 18 10 8 3
3/10/02 82 52 30 16 7 9 2
1/27/02 83 56 27 14 7 7 3
12/19/01 86 64 22 12 6 6 2
11/27/01 89 69 21 9 5 4 1
11/6/01 89 65 24 9 4 5 2
10/9/01 92 76 16 6 3 3 1
9/27/01 90 70 20 6 3 3 4
9/13/01 86 63 23 12 6 5 2
9/9/01 55 26 29 41 22 20 3
8/12/01 61 28 33 31 17 14 8
7/30/01 59 28 30 38 22 17 3
6/3/01 55 27 28 40 22 18 6
4/22/01 63 33 30 32 16 16 5
3/25/01 58 NA NA 33 NA NA 8
2/25/01 55 NA NA 23 NA NA 22 2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling (ITEM)? 10/29/03 - Summary Table* Approve Disapprove No op.
a. The economy 45 53 2
b. The situation in Iraq 47 51 2
c. Education 55 38 7
d. Social Security 40 46 14
e. Prescription drug benefits
for the elderly 36 46 18
f. Foreign affairs 49 47 4
g. The cost, availability and coverage
of health insurance 28 63 9
h. Taxes 41 53 6
i. The federal budget deficit 32 61 7
j. The US campaign against terrorism 63 35 2
k. International affairs 50 43 7 *Half sample asked items a-f, other half asked g-k. Trend where available: a. The economy Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 45 53 2
10/13/03 46 51 2
9/13/03 42 56 3
9/7/03 44 51 5
8/11/03 45 51 5
7/10/03 47 49 4
4/30/03 52 45 3
2/9/03 47 49 4
2/1/03 44 52 4
1/28/03 46 49 4
1/27/03 47 47 5
1/20/03 43 53 4
1/5/03 50 43 7
12/15/02 50 46 4
11/4/02 LV 53 45 2
11/3/02 LV 52 46 2
11/2/02 LV 55 43 2
10/27/02 51 43 6
10/27/02 LV 53 44 3
9/26/02 51 47 3
9/8/02 57 40 4
7/28/02 57 39 4
7/15/02 58 38 3
4/21/02 64 33 3
1/27/02 62 34 4
12/19/01 67 27 6
11/6/01 72 23 5
9/9/01 48 48 4
7/30/01 52 45 3
6/3/01 53 41 6
4/22/01 55 38 7
3/25/01 50 42 8 b. The situation in Iraq Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 47 51 2
10/13/03 50 47 2
9/29/03 50 47 3
9/13/03 52 46 2
9/7/03 49 47 4
8/24/03 56 37 7
8/11/03 56 41 3
7/10/03 58 41 2
6/22/03 67 30 2
4/30/03 75 22 2 Compare to: The situation with Iraq and Saddam Hussein 3/27/03 69 26 5
3/23/03 71 26 3
3/20/03 65 29 5
3/17/03 64 29 7
3/9/03 55 38 8
2/23/03 55 39 6
2/9/03 61 37 2
2/5/03 61 32 7
2/1/03 61 35 3
1/28/03 58 38 4
1/27/03 57 40 3
1/20/03 50 46 4
12/15/02 58 37 5
11/4/02 LV 56 40 4
11/3/02 LV 57 40 4
11/2/02 LV 56 41 3
10/27/02 57 38 5
9/26/02 58 39 3
9/14/02 65 31 4
8/29/02 52 36 12 c. Education Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 55 38 7
9/13/03 56 39 6
4/30/03 59 34 7
12/15/02 62 30 8
9/26/02 61 32 7
7/15/02 62 31 6
1/27/02 71 21 8
9/9/01 61 32 7
7/30/01 63 31 5
6/3/01 57 35 8
4/22/01 60 28 12 d. Social Security Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 40 46 14
9/13/03 43 46 11
4/30/03 49 38 13
12/15/02 49 38 13
9/26/02 42 43 15
7/15/02 54 35 11
1/27/02 54 28 18
9/9/01 41 50 9
7/30/01 46 48 6
6/3/01 46 40 14 e. Prescription drug benefits for the elderly Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 36 46 18
10/13/03 35 42 24
9/13/03 35 54 11
4/30/03 44 40 17
2/1/03 46 35 19 f. No trend. g. The cost, availability and coverage of health insurance Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 28 63 9
10/13/03 31 60 9
9/13/03 32 61 7
4/30/03 34 57 9
1/28/03 40 47 13
1/20/03 36 51 13
12/15/02 33 58 9 h. Taxes Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 41 53 6
9/13/03 48 48 4
8/11/03 49 46 5
4/30/03 50 46 4
2/1/03 51 43 7
1/20/03 50 45 5
12/15/02 51 44 5 i. The federal budget deficit Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 32 61 7 Compare to: The federal budget 9/13/03 38 57 4
8/11/03 41 50 9
4/30/03 43 50 6
2/9/03 45 45 10
2/1/03 47 46 8
1/20/03 43 47 10
7/15/02 50 42 8
1/27/02 59 30 12
9/9/01 46 48 6
7/30/01 53 42 5 j. The US campaign against terrorism ---------Approve--------- --------Disapprove------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Strongly Somewhat op.
10/29/03 63 NA NA 35 NA NA 2
10/13/03 67 NA NA 29 NA NA 4
9/13/03 70 NA NA 27 NA NA 3
9/7/03 67 NA NA 28 NA NA 5
4/30/03 79 NA NA 19 NA NA 2
2/9/03 74 NA NA 23 NA NA 4
2/1/03 75 NA NA 21 NA NA 3
1/27/03 72 NA NA 26 NA NA 2
1/20/03 71 NA NA 25 NA NA 4
12/15/02 79 NA NA 20 NA NA 1
11/4/02 LV 76 NA NA 22 NA NA 1
11/3/02 LV 77 NA NA 22 NA NA 3
11/2/02 LV 78 NA NA 21 NA NA 2
10/27/02 All 74 NA NA 23 NA NA 4
10/27/02 LV 78 NA NA 20 NA NA 2
9/26/02 70 NA NA 28 NA NA 2
9/8/02 74 NA NA 24 NA NA 2
7/28/02 81 NA NA 17 NA NA 2
7/15/02 83 NA NA 15 NA NA 2
5/19/02 79 51 27 19 10 9 3
4/21/02 81 56 25 18 10 7 2
3/10/02 88 64 24 10 5 5 2
1/27/02 88 NA NA 10 NA NA 2
12/19/01 89 67 22 9 5 4 2
10/15/01 92 75 17 5 3 3 3 k. International affairs Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 50 43 7
9/13/03 53 43 4
7/15/02 67 28 5
4/21/02 71 25 4
6/3/01 58 33 9
4/22/01 62 31 7
3/25/01 56 31 13 3. What do you think is a bigger problem facing the nation right now: (terrorism) or (the economy)? Terrorism Economy No opin.
10/29/03 35 62 3
9/13/03 37 61 2
9/7/03 34 63 3
9/26/02 47 51 3
9/8/02 46 51 3
1/27/02 43 54 3
12/16/01 49 47 4 4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the U.S. Congress is doing its job? Approve Disapprove No opinion
10/29/03 40 52 9
4/30/03 57 37 6
9/26/02 51 43 6
7/15/02 57 36 7
2/21/02 57 39 4
1/27/02 58 35 7
12/19/01 59 34 7
9/9/01 45 48 7
7/30/01 48 48 4
4/22/01 58 33 8
10/31/99 42 53 6
9/2/99 46 47 7
6/6/99 48 46 6
3/14/99 44 49 7
2/14/99 46 50 4
12/20/98 44 51 5
12/19/98 45 50 5
12/13/98 49 46 5
11/7/98 41 55 4
11/1/98 49 47 5
11/1/98 LV 47 51 2
10/25/98 45 44 11
10/25/98 LV 45 48 7
10/18/98 46 45 8
10/18/98 LV 45 49 5
9/28/98 52 44 4
9/28/98 LV 52 46 2
8/21/98 55 39 6
7/12/98 46 44 11
5/12/98 45 45 9
4/4/98 47 45 8
1/31/98 55 35 10
1/30/98 55 35 10
1/25/98 56 37 8
1/24/98 55 38 7
1/19/98 47 49 5
10/13/97 36 57 7
8/27/97 39 54 7
7/8/97 40 53 6
4/24/97 40 53 7
3/9/97 35 60 5
8/5/96 42 52 7
6/30/96 35 58 7
5/22/96 35 60 5
3/10/96 30 64 6
1/7/96 31 65 5
11/19/95 27 68 5
10/1/95 32 65 3
7/17/95 34 63 3
3/19/95 39 56 5
1/29/95 42 52 6
10/31/94 21 72 8
10/23/94 18 78 4
9/11/94 24 70 5
6/26/94 34 61 5
3/27/94 35 62 3
2/27/94 32 64 4
1/23/94 29 60 11
11/14/93 28 66 6
8/8/93 33 64 3
4/26/93 30 69 2
1/17/93 29 66 6
4/9/92 17 78 5
3/18/92 19 76 5
3/8/92 22 73 6
2/2/92 32 64 4
12/15/91 35 59 6
10/21/91 45 50 5
6/2/91 49 46 5
10/14/90 34 63 3
2/4/90 41 55 4
1/16/90 39 55 6
8/21/89 42 53 5
5/23/89 54 44 2
2/14/89 53 44 3
1/23/88* 43 53 4
6/1/87 56 40 4
6/22/85 54 37 9
5/83 33 43 24
6/81 38 40 22
6/79 19 61 20
9/78 29 49 22
6/77 34 42 24
6/75 29 54 17
8/74 48 35 17
*1/23/88 and previous: Gallup 5. Do you think the U.S. campaign against terrorism is going very well, fairly well, not too well or not well at all? ----------Well---------- --------Not well-------- No
NET Very Fairly NET Not too At all op.
10/29/03 62 8 54 38 23 14 1
9/7/03 69 12 57 29 19 10 2
4/30/03 83 26 57 16 10 6 1
9/26/02 73 15 58 26 17 9 1
9/8/02 70 10 60 29 21 8 1
7/15/02 75 15 60 24 16 8 1
4/21/02 73 11 63 26 17 9 1
3/10/02 84 21 63 15 10 6 1
1/27/02 88 32 56 11 8 4 1 6. How closely are you following the 2004 presidential race: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not closely at all? Very Somewhat Not too Not closely No
closely closely closely at all opin.
10/29/03 15 39 30 15 0
9/13/03 16 40 27 17 * Compare to: How closely are you following the 2000 presidential race: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not closely at all? Very Somewhat Not too Not closely No
closely closely closely at all opin.
Likely Voters:
11/6/00 54 38 6 2 *
11/5/00 53 38 6 2 *
11/4/00 52 39 7 2 *
11/3/00 51 40 6 3 *
11/2/00 48 42 7 3 *
11/1/00 48 43 7 2 *
10/31/00 46 44 7 2 *
10/30/00 47 44 7 2 *
10/29/00 47 43 7 3 *
10/28/00 47 42 7 3 *
10/27/00 48 41 7 4 *
10/26/00 47 42 8 3 *
10/25/00 47 42 8 3 0
10/24/00 44 43 10 3 0
10/23/00 44 45 8 3 0
10/22/00 44 44 9 3 0
10/21/00 46 41 9 4 *
10/20/00 46 40 11 4 *
10/19/00 44 41 10 4 *
10/18/00 42 45 10 3 *
10/17/00 40 46 10 3 *
Registered Voters:
10/15/00 33 44 15 8 *
10/9/00 30 45 16 9 *
10/1/00 27 48 17 8 *
9/6/00 26 48 17 9 *
8/20/00 28 46 16 10 1
8/10/00 29 43 18 11 *
General Population:
8/6/00 17 36 22 25 *
7/29/00 16 35 25 24 *
7/23/00 14 36 25 25 *
6/11/00 13 36 26 25 0
4/2/00 17 36 24 23 0
3/11/00 21 40 21 17 0
2/27/00 24 46 20 10 *
2/6/00 19 48 21 13 0
1/16/00 11 39 26 24 *
12/15/99 12 33 31 24 *
10/31/99 16 45 25 13 * 7. I'd like you to rate the chances that you will vote in the 2004 presidential election: Are you absolutely certain to vote, will you probably vote, are the chances 50-50, or less than that? Don't think
Certain Probably Chances Less than will vote No
to vote vote 50/50 50/50 (vol.) opin.
10/29/03 70 12 11 6 1 0 Compare to: I'd like you to rate the chances that you will vote in the presidential election in November: Are you absolutely certain to vote, will you probably vote, are the chances 50-50, or less than that? Don't think
Certain Probably Chances Less than will vote No
to vote vote 50/50 50/50 (vol.) opin.
Registered Voters:
10/15/00 82 10 6 2 1 *
10/9/00 81 10 6 2 * *
10/1/00 81 10 5 3 1 *
9/6/00 78 12 5 3 1 *
8/20/00 78 13 6 3 1 0
8/10/00 79 12 6 1 1 *
General Population:
8/6/00 64 12 11 8 5 *
7/29/00 61 15 9 11 3 *
7/23/00 59 17 10 11 4 *
6/11/00 60 13 11 10 4 *
5/10/00 63 15 10 8 4 1
4/2/00 62 14 9 9 5 *
3/11/00 63 14 9 9 4 *
2/27/00 69 12 10 4 5 *
2/6/00 67 12 10 8 3 *
1/16/00 65 14 10 6 4 *
12/15/99 64 13 8 9 6 1
10/31/99 72 11 10 5 3 * 8. If the 2004 presidential election were being held today, would you vote for (George W. Bush, the Republican) or for (the Democratic nominee for president)? Net Leaned Vote: Democratic Other Neither Would No
Bush nominee (vol.) (vol.) not vote opin.
10/29/03 All 48 47 1 1 1 2
RV 48 47 1 1 1 2
10/13/03 All 46 47 1 2 2 3
RV 44 49 1 2 1 3
9/13/03 49 44 1 2 2 2
8/11/03 48 40 2 1 1 7
4/30/03 53 40 * 2 1 3 9. How about if the candidates were (George W. Bush, the Republican), and (Wesley Clark, the Democrat), for whom would you vote? Net Leaned Vote: Other Neither Would No
Bush Clark (vol.) (vol.) not vote opin.
10/29/03 All 51 40 1 3 1 4
RV 52 40 * 4 1 3 10. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) How about if the candidates were (George W. Bush, the Republican), and (Joseph Lieberman, the Democrat), for whom would you vote? Net Leaned Vote: Other Neither Would No
Bush Lieberman (vol.) (vol.) not vote opin.
10/29/03 All 53 40 * 4 1 1
RV 56 38 * 3 1 1
9/13/03 54 40 * 3 2 2
4/30/03 61 34 * 2 1 2 11. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) How about if the candidates were (George W. Bush, the Republican), and (John Kerry, the Democrat), for whom would you vote? Net Leaned Vote: Other Neither Would No
Bush Kerry (vol.) (vol.) not vote opin.
10/29/03 All 50 44 * 2 1 3
RV 52 43 0 2 1 2
9/13/03 54 39 * 3 2 2
4/30/03 60 34 * 2 1 2 12. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) How about if the candidates were (George W. Bush, the Republican), and (Richard Gephardt, the Democrat), for whom would you vote? Net Leaned Vote: Other Neither Would No
Bush Gephardt (vol.) (vol.) not vote opin.
10/29/03 All 51 42 * 3 1 2
RV 51 42 * 4 1 1
9/13/03 54 39 * 3 2 2
4/30/03 60 35 * 2 1 2 13. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) How about if the candidates were (George W. Bush, the Republican), and (Howard Dean, the Democrat), for whom would you vote? Net Leaned Vote: Other Neither Would No
Bush Dean (vol.) (vol.) not vote opin.
10/29/03 All 54 39 1 3 1 2
RV 53 39 * 3 1 3
9/13/03 56 36 1 3 2 2 14. For each item I name, please tell me how important it will be in your vote for president next year. Will it be one of the single most important issues, very important, somewhat important or less important than that? 10/29/03 - Summary Table* ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
a. The economy 89 16 73 10 10 * *
b. The situation in Iraq 69 8 61 30 24 6 1
c. Education 73 11 62 26 24 2 1
d. Social Security 66 7 59 33 27 6 *
e. Prescription drug
benefits for the
elderly 62 7 54 38 28 10 1
f. Foreign affairs 62 5 56 38 33 4 1
g. The cost, availability
and coverage of
health insurance 68 14 54 32 25 6 *
h. Taxes 63 8 55 37 32 5 *
i. The federal budget
deficit 59 10 50 38 30 9 2
j. The US campaign
against terrorism 68 11 57 31 24 6 1
k. International affairs 53 7 47 45 37 8 1 *Half sample asked items a-f, other half asked g-k. Trend where available: a. The economy ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 89 16 73 10 10 * *
9/13/03 85 15 70 15 14 1 * b. The situation in Iraq ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 69 8 61 30 24 6 1
9/13/03 71 14 57 29 22 7 * c. Education ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 73 11 62 26 24 2 1
9/13/03 78 12 66 21 19 2 1 d. Social Security ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 66 7 59 33 27 6 *
9/13/03 67 9 58 33 29 4 * e. Prescription drug benefits for the elderly ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 62 7 54 38 28 10 1
9/13/03 63 12 51 36 29 7 1 f. No trend. g. The cost, availability and coverage of health insurance ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 68 14 54 32 25 6 *
9/13/03 74 11 63 25 23 2 1 h. Taxes ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 63 8 55 37 32 5 *
9/13/03 67 7 60 33 29 4 * i. The federal budget deficit ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 59 10 50 38 30 9 2 Compare to: The federal budget ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
9/13/03 77 12 65 23 19 4 1 j. The US campaign against terrorism ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 68 11 57 31 24 6 1
9/13/03 75 12 63 25 22 3 * k. International affairs ------Important----- -Not as important- No
NET 1 of most Very NET Somewhat Less op.
10/29/03 53 7 47 45 37 8 1
9/13/03 60 8 52 40 35 5 * 16. All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war with Iraq was worth fighting, or not? Worth Not worth No
fighting fighting opinion
10/29/03 54 44 2
10/13/03 54 44 2
9/13/03 61 37 2
9/7/03 54 42 4
8/24/03 57 37 5
8/11/03 61 35 4
7/10/03 57 40 3
6/22/03 64 33 3
4/30/03 70 27 4
Gulf War:
2/2/92* 66 32 2
7/28/91 67 30 3
6/2/91 70 26 3
3/4/91 86 13 1
*2/2/92 and previous: "the Persian Gulf war"; 3/4/91: "this war" 17. Again thinking about the goals versus the costs of the war, so far in your opinion has there been an acceptable or unacceptable number of U.S. military casualties in Iraq? Acceptable Unacceptable No opinion
10/29/03 35 62 3
10/13/03 38 59 3
9/13/03 43 55 2
9/7/03 38 57 5
8/11/03 42 53 5
7/10/03 44 52 3
6/22/03 51 44 5
4/9/03 66 28 6
4/3/03 62 32 5
3/27/03 58 34 9 17a. Earlier this year, Congress approved spending 79 billion dollars to help pay for the war in Iraq and the rebuilding effort there. Bush has now called for spending 87 billion dollars more. Do you support or oppose this additional spending for the war and rebuilding in Iraq? Support Oppose No opinion
10/29/03 34 64 2
9/29/03 36 62 2
9/13/03 38 61 1 18. How do you feel about the possibility that the United States will get bogged down in a long and costly peacekeeping mission in Iraq - would you say you're very concerned about that, somewhat concerned, not too concerned or not concerned at all? ----Concerned----- -----Not concerned---- Already No
NET Very Smwt. NET Not too At all has (vol.) op.
10/29/03 87 53 34 13 9 4 * *
9/13/03 85 53 32 15 9 5 * *
8/24/03 76 41 35 23 13 9 1 1
7/10/03 80 43 37 19 11 8 1 1
6/22/03 72 32 41 26 16 10 * 1
4/30/03 72 34 39 27 19 9 NA *
4/16/03 73 31 42 26 19 7 NA 1
4/9/03 62 24 39 35 24 11 NA 3 19. Do you think (the United States should keep its military forces in Iraq until civil order is restored there, even if that means continued U.S. military casualties); or do you think (the United States should withdraw its military forces from Iraq in order to avoid further U.S. military casualties, even if that means civil order is not restored there)? Keep forces Withdraw forces No opinion
10/29/03 58 38 3
9/13/03 65 32 3
8/24/03 69 27 4
7/10/03 72 26 2 20. Do you think the U.S. military presence in Iraq is (part of the war on terrorism), or (separate from the war on terrorism)? Part Separate No opinion
10/29/03 61 37 2 Compare to: Do you think of the war with Iraq as (part of the war against terrorism), or as (separate from the war against terrorism)? Part Separate No opinion
9/13/03 66 32 2
9/7/03 65 31 4
4/16/03 77 22 1 21. (IF U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE IS PART OF WAR ON TERRORISM) Right now, do you think the U.S. military presence in Iraq is the most important part of the war on terrorism, an important part but not the most important, or less important than that? Most Important but Less No
important not most important opinion
10/29/03 23 67 8 2 15. Please tell me whether the following statement applies to Bush or not. 10/29/03 - Summary Table Yes No No opin.
a. He understands the problems of
people like you 40 58 2
b. He is a strong leader 62 37 1
c. He is honest and trustworthy 59 40 2 Trend: a. He understands the problems of people like you Yes No No opin.
10/29/03 40 58 2
9/13/03 48 51 1
4/30/03 51 48 1
12/15/02 51 47 2
7/15/02 57 41 2
1/27/02 61 37 2
7/30/01 45 54 2
4/22/01 47 51 2
11/4/00 LV 49 46 5
10/24/00 LV 50 46 3
10/15/00 RV 46 46 7
10/9/00 RV 50 44 6
9/6/00 RV 47 49 4
8/20/00 RV 50 46 5
7/23/00 RV 44 51 5
7/23/00 44 51 5
6/11/00 48 47 5
4/2/00 48 46 6
3/11/00 47 47 6
2/27/00 43 51 6
2/6/00 43 52 5
1/16/00 46 49 6
12/15/99 47 46 7
10/31/99 54 39 7
9/2/99 50 39 11
3/14/99 52 27 21 b. He is a strong leader Yes No No opin.
10/29/03 62 37 1
9/13/03 66 34 *
4/30/03 74 25 *
12/15/02 75 23 2
7/15/02 75 24 1
7/30/01 55 43 2
4/22/01 53 42 5
10/9/00 RV 62 33 5
9/6/00 RV 65 28 7
8/20/00 RV 65 29 5
8/10/00 RV 67 29 5
7/23/00 RV 61 33 6
7/23/00 62 32 5
6/11/00 65 30 6
4/2/00 68 27 5
3/11/00 63 31 6
2/27/00 62 32 6
2/6/00 65 30 7
1/16/00 65 28 7
12/15/99 67 26 7
10/31/99 77 18 5
9/2/99 70 18 12
3/14/99 68 13 20 c. He is honest and trustworthy Yes No No opin.
10/29/03 59 40 2
9/13/03 60 39 2
12/15/02 70 26 4
7/15/02 71 26 3
7/30/01 63 34 3
4/22/01 62 32 6
11/5/00 LV 60 33 7
11/4/00 LV 61 33 7
10/24/00 LV 65 30 5
10/15/00 LV 57 34 9
10/15/00 RV 53 35 12
9/6/00 RV 62 30 7
7/23/00 RV 61 30 8
7/23/00 59 31 10
12/15/99 63 28 9
10/31/99 68 22 10
9/2/99 63 23 14
3/14/99 67 12 22 22. On another subject, would you describe the state of the nation's economy these days as excellent, good, not so good or poor? ----Excellent/Good----- -----Not so good/Poor----- No
NET Excellent Good NET Not so good Poor op.
10/29/03 33 1 32 67 45 23 *
9/13/03 30 2 27 70 45 25 *
8/11/03 32 2 30 68 43 25 *
4/30/03 35 1 34 64 46 19 *
2/9/03 28 1 27 72 49 23 *
1/20/03 25 1 25 74 48 26 1
12/15/02 35 1 33 65 44 21 1
11/4/02 LV 28 1 27 72 55 17 1
11/3/02 LV 27 1 26 72 56 17 1
11/2/02 LV 29 1 28 71 54 17 *
9/26/02 31 2 28 69 50 19 *
7/15/02 39 3 36 61 44 17 1
2/21/02 30 1 29 69 51 18 *
1/27/02 31 1 29 69 50 19 *
9/20/01 38 3 35 60 47 14 2
9/9/01 33 1 32 66 47 19 *
7/30/01 50 3 46 50 39 12 *
4/22/01 50 3 47 50 40 9 *
1/15/01 70 10 59 29 24 6 1
Call for full trend. 23. Do you think the nation's economy is getting better, getting worse or staying the same? Better Worse Same No opin.
10/29/03 32 31 37 1
9/13/03 28 31 40 *
8/11/03 32 29 38 1
1/20/03 18 38 43 1
7/28/02 17 44 39 1
7/15/02 20 36 43 2
7/7/02 22 37 41 0
6/9/02 27 29 43 1
5/12/02 35 27 38 0
4/14/02 34 26 40 0
3/17/02 47 20 32 1
2/17/02 29 27 42 2
1/20/02 25 36 39 1
12/9/01 24 37 38 1
11/11/01 16 48 36 1
10/14/01 15 46 39 0
9/16/01 9 44 46 1
8/12/01 16 46 38 0
7/15/01 13 40 46 0
6/17/01 17 45 38 1
5/20/01 13 47 39 0
Call for full trend. 24. Would you say most Americans are better off financially than they were in 2001 when Bush became president, not as well off, or in about the same shape as then financially? Better Not as The No
off well off same opinion
10/29/03 9 49 41 1
9/13/03 9 52 38 1
4/30/03 10 48 42 1
George H. W. Bush
8/9/92 6 61 31 1
10/21/91 7 48 41 4
3/4/91 7 35 56 2
1/16/89 33 26 38 3 25. Would you say you, yourself are better off financially than you were when Bush became president, not as well off, or in about the same shape as then financially? Better off Not as well off About the same No opin.
10/29/03 22 27 50 1
9/13/03 21 30 49 *
8/11/03 17 25 58 1
CLINTON
6/11/00 34 14 50 2
7/19/98 30 15 52 3
3/1/98 32 9 57 1
6/23/96 29 22 49 0
2/27/94 12 17 71 *
BUSH*
8/9/92 22 32 45 1
6/7/92 19 32 49 *
3/11/92 20 33 46 1
2/2/92 19 31 49 *
10/21/91 20 27 53 1
3/4/91 19 18 63 1
REAGAN**
1/16/89 42 18 39 1
1/18/87 37 23 40 1
9/8/86 41 20 39 1
*"...in 1989 when Bush became..."
** "...in 1981 when Reagan became..." 26. As you may know, officials now say the federal budget is in deficit. How much responsibility do you think Bush bears for the budget deficit - a great deal, a good amount, just some or hardly any? -Great/Good Amount- --Some/Hardly Any--
Great Good Just Hardly None No
NET deal amount NET some any (vol.) op.
10/29/03 56 29 28 42 31 11 1 1
8/11/03 52 28 24 45 30 15 1 1
1/27/02 41 18 23 55 32 23 2 2
9/9/01* 48 28 20 48 25 23 NA 3 *"For each item I name, please tell me how much responsibility [George W. Bush] bears for the lower surplus - a great deal, a good amount, just some or hardly any." 30. Which political party today best represents your ideas about how the United States should be governed - (The Democratic Party) or (The Republican Party), or neither of them? Democratic Republican Neither No opin.
10/29/03 31 36 32 1
8/5/96 35 29 35 2
10/23/86* 32 36 27 5
*Roper 31. Do you think this country should have one or more major political parties in addition to the (Democrats) and the (Republicans), or do you think those two are enough? Should have more Two parties No
political parties are enough opin.
10/29/03 47 51 2
10/30/00 LV 53 42 4 32. (ASKED OF LEANED REPUBLICANS) In your view, is the leadership of the Republican Party currently taking the party in the (right direction) or in the (wrong direction)? Right Wrong Mixed/depends No
direction direction (vol.) opinion
10/29/03 74 17 5 4
3/30/94* 58 24 7 11
*Gallup 33. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) In your view, is the leadership of the Democratic Party currently taking the party in the (right direction) or in the (wrong direction)? Right Wrong Mixed/depends No
direction direction (vol.) opinion
10/29/03 57 25 9 9 34. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) How closely does the leadership of the Democratic Party reflect your thinking on the important issues: Very closely, fairly closely, not too closely or not closely at all? --------Closely--------- -------Not closely------ No
NET Very Fairly NET Not too At all op.
10/29/03 80 17 63 19 14 4 2 35. (ASKED OF LEANED REPUBLICANS) How closely does the leadership of the Republican Party reflect your thinking on the important issues: Very closely, fairly closely, not too closely or not closely at all? --------Closely--------- -------Not closely------ No
NET Very Fairly NET Not too At all op.
10/29/03 84 20 64 15 12 3 1 36. Has the leadership of the Democratic Party been too willing or not willing enough to compromise with Bush on the issue of (ITEM)? 10/29/03 - Summary Table Too Not willing About right No
willing enough (vol.) opinion
a. Tax cuts 30 58 4 7
b. The war in Iraq 34 54 7 5
c. The budget deficit 30 56 4 10 37. Has Bush been too willing or not willing enough to compromise with the leadership of the Democratic Party on the issue of (ITEM)? 10/29/03 - Summary Table Too Not willing About right No
willing enough (vol.) opinion
a. Tax cuts 23 62 8 7
b. The war in Iraq 26 60 9 5
c. The budget deficit 22 64 6 8 27. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) I am going to mention four phrases and ask you which one best describes how you feel about the way the federal government works. Do you feel enthusiastic, satisfied but not enthusiastic, dissatisfied but not angry, or angry? ------Positive-------- ------Negative------
Enthusi- Satis- Dissat- None/ No
NET astic fied NET isfied Angry Other opin.
10/29/03 42 2 41 57 42 15 NA *
11/4/02 LV 49 4 45 50 41 9 NA 1
11/3/02 LV 50 5 45 49 40 9 NA 1
11/2/02 LV 51 6 45 49 40 9 NA 1
10/27/02 All 50 4 47 49 42 7 NA 1
10/27/02 LV 53 3 50 47 41 6 NA 1
2/21/02 56 7 49 43 36 7 NA 1
12/15/00 59 4 55 39 34 6 NA 1
2/14/99 52 3 48 47 35 12 NA 1
9/28/98 50 4 46 49 36 12 NA 1
9/28/98 LV 48 4 44 50 37 14 NA 1
1/19/98 46 2 43 53 45 8 1 *
8/27/97 34 2 33 64 52 11 2 1
3/17/96 29 2 27 70 54 16 NA *
1/4/95 29 2 27 69 53 16 * 1
11/6/94 RV 28 2 26 70 49 21 1 1
10/31/94 26 1 25 73 55 18 1 1
10/23/94 28 1 26 71 52 20 * *
10/9/94 25 2 24 72 53 19 2 *
9/11/94 26 2 25 73 53 20 NA *
3/27/94 30 1 29 68 48 20 1 1
2/28/93 33 4 29 66 50 16 * *
7/8/92 23 1 22 76 53 23 * 1
6/7/92 21 1 20 79 58 21 * 1
4/9/92 21 1 20 79 55 24 1 *
3/18/92 22 1 21 77 54 23 1 *
3/11/92 18 1 17 80 60 20 1 1 28. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) I am going to mention four phrases and ask you which one best describes how you feel about politics and the way the political process works. Do you feel enthusiastic, satisfied but not enthusiastic, dissatisfied but not angry, or angry? ------Positive-------- ------Negative------
Enthusi- Satis- Dissat- No
NET astic fied NET isfied Angry opin.
10/29/03 36 3 34 63 49 14 1 29. Do you think the federal government threatens your own personal rights and freedoms, or not? (IF YES) Is that a major threat or a minor threat to your personal rights and freedoms? ---------Yes---------
NET Major Minor No No opinion
10/29/03 44 18 27 54 1
5/14/95 36 12 24 62 1 38. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) How closely are you following the race for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not closely at all? ------Closely------- ------Not closely------- No
NET Very Smwt. NET Not too At all opin.
10/29/03 53 13 40 47 29 18 0
9/13/03 63 19 44 37 24 13 0
4/30/03 37 8 29 63 33 30 0 39. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) I'd like you to rate the chances that you will vote in the 2004 presidential primary or caucus in your state. Are you absolutely certain to vote, will you probably vote, are the chances 50-50, or less than that? Abs. Prob. Chances Less than Will not No primary/ No
certain vote 50-50 50-50 vote (vol.) caucus (vol.) op.
10/29/03 55 19 15 8 4 * 0
9/13/03 64 15 14 5 NA 1 1 998 (and 999). (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) If the 2004 Democratic presidential primary or caucus in your state were being held today, and the candidates were: (Joseph Lieberman, Richard Gephardt, John Kerry, John Edwards, Al Sharpton, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich, Carol Moseley Braun, or Wesley Clark), for whom would you vote? Net Leaned Vote: Wldn't No
Lieb. Gep. Ker. Ed. Dean Clark Shar. Braun Kuc. Oth. None vote op.
10/29/03 All 13 13 8 5 16 12 7 5 2 1 7 2 11
RV 13 14 8 5 17 14 7 3 2 * 5 1 10
10/13/03 All 9 13 10 3 17 12 4 6 2 * 9 1 14
RV 10 14 11 3 16 13 4 6 2 * 9 1 12
9/13/03 All 22 14 14 3 14 6 5 4 2 5* 3 2 7
RV 21 14 14 3 15 6 5 4 2 3* 3 2 8
7/10/03 All 13 10 12 6 8 NA 6 4 2 5* 13 7 16
6/1/03 All 14 10 7 6 3 NA 2 1 1 41** 3 2 11
4/30/03 All 29 19 14 4 3 NA 3 6 2 4* 1 0 14
RV 30 20 14 3 3 NA 4 7 1 4* 2 0 13
1/20/03 All 27 14 10 11 3 NA 7 NA NA 1 4 0 24
7/15/02 All 10 5 6 3 1 NA NA NA NA 57*** * 0 18
*Other: Graham/Other
**Other: H.R. Clinton, 37; Graham, 4; Other, *
***Other: Gore, 46; Daschle, 8; Other, 3 999a. (IF NAMED CANDIDATE) Will you definitely vote for (CANDIDATE), or is there a chance you could change your mind and vote for someone else? IF CHANCE CHANGE MIND: Is there a good chance you'll change your mind, or would you say it's pretty unlikely? 10/29/03 - Summary Table Definitely ---Chance change mind---- No
vote NET Good Unlikely opin.
All Dem Cand 23 76 53 23 2 40. (ASKED IF NAMED A CANDIDATE) Who would your second choice be? Wldn't No
Lieb. Gep. Ker. Ed. Dean Clark Shar. Braun Kuc. Oth. None vote op.
10/29/03 All 18 12 14 5 12 14 3 8 2 * 5 0 8
RV 18 12 14 5 12 14 2 9 2 * 5 0 6
9/13/03 All 18 17 17 4 15 4 5 5 1 4* 5 0 6
RV 17 18 17 4 15 4 5 4 1 3** 6 0 6
*Other: Graham, 3; Other, 1
**Other: Graham 41. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the choice of candidates in the Democratic primary this year - are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied? -----Satisfied-------- ----Dissatisfied----- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Somewhat Very opin.
10/29/03 68 9 58 28 21 8 4
9/13/03 64 8 56 34 27 7 2
1/16/00 69 14 56 28 21 7 2 42. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) For each candidate I name, please tell me how much you feel you know about his personal qualities, such as experience and leadership ability. 10/29/03 - Summary Table Great deal/ ---Some/Hardly anything/Nothing--
----Good amount---- Nothing No
NET Great Good NET Some Hardly any. (vol.) op.
Joseph Lieberman 36 11 25 62 32 25 5 2
Richard Gephardt 32 10 23 66 29 31 7 1
John Kerry 23 6 16 76 28 39 10 1
Howard Dean 20 5 15 79 27 41 11 1
Wesley Clark 17 5 12 82 31 40 11 1 43. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) Now for each candidate, please tell me how much you feel you know about his positions on specific issues. 10/29/03 - Summary Table Great deal/ ---Some/Hardly anything/Nothing--
----Good amount---- Nothing No
NET Great Good NET Some Hardly any. (vol.) op.
Joseph Lieberman 33 9 24 65 31 27 7 2
Richard Gephardt 26 7 18 73 30 35 7 2
John Kerry 19 5 14 79 27 42 10 2
Howard Dean 19 4 15 79 25 43 11 2
Wesley Clark 16 5 11 83 30 42 11 2 44. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) Which is more important to you in choosing a candidate for president: (their personal qualities such as experience and leadership ability)-- or (their positions on specific issues)? Personal Positions Both No
qualities on issues (vol.) opin.
10/29/03 40 52 7 1
9/6/00 RV 45 41 14 1
8/20/00 RV 39 47 13 1
10/31/99 43 43 14 1
10/31/99 RV 42 42 16 * 45. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) What's the most important issue to you in deciding your vote for the Democratic candidate for president? Is it: (the war on terrorism, the war in Iraq, the economy and jobs, the health care system, education, the environment), or something else? War on War in Economy/ Health Educ- Envir- Smthg. No
terrorism Iraq jobs care ation onment. else opin.
10/29/03 5 6 54 12 11 3 7 2 46. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) Which of these is the most important personal quality in deciding your vote for the Democratic candidate for president? I'll read the list twice. Is it: (someone who has the right experience, someone who understands your problems, someone who has new ideas, the candidate who has the best chance to win in November, a strong leader, someone who's not a typical politician, or someone who's a loyal Democrat)? Right Understands New Best Strong Not typ. Loyal Smtg. No
exper. problems ideas chance leader polit. Dem. else op.
10/29/03 14 20 15 6 27 11 4 1 1 47. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) Which would you prefer: a candidate you agree with on most issues but who may have a difficult time beating Bush, or a candidate you may not agree with on as many issues, but who may have an easier time beating Bush? Agree on Easier time No
issues beating Bush opin.
10/29/03 53 42 5 48. (Regardless of who you support), Which Democratic candidate do you think has the best chance of defeating George W. Bush in November -(Joseph Lieberman, Richard Gephardt, John Kerry, John Edwards, Al Sharpton, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich, Carol Moseley Braun, or Wesley Clark) All No
Lieb. Gep. Ker. Ed. Dean Clark Shar. Braun Kuc. None equal op.
10/29/03 17 15 8 2 14 15 3 1 1 9 1 13
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