Washington Post-ABC News poll
This Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone February 4-8, 2010, among a random national sample of 1,004 adults including users of both conventional and cellular phones. The results from the full survey have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points. Sampling, data collection and tabulation by TNS of Horsham, Pa.*= less than 0.5 percent
1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president? Do you approve/disapprove strongly or somewhat?
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 51 29 22 46 12 33 3
1/15/10 53 30 24 44 13 32 2
12/13/09 50 31 18 46 13 33 4
11/15/09 56 32 23 42 13 29 2
10/18/09 57 33 23 40 11 29 3
9/12/09 54 35 19 43 12 31 3
8/17/09 57 35 21 40 11 29 3
7/18/09 59 38 22 37 9 28 4
6/21/09 65 36 29 31 10 22 4
4/24/09 69 42 27 26 8 18 4
3/29/09 66 40 26 29 9 20 5
2/22/09 68 43 25 25 8 17 7
2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling [ITEM]? Do you approve/disapprove strongly or somewhat?
2/8/10 - Summary Table*
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
a. Health care 43 24 19 53 11 43 3
b. The economy 45 22 23 53 15 38 2
c. The federal
budget deficit 40 17 23 56 16 40 4
d. Creating jobs 47 25 22 51 15 35 3
e. The threat of
terrorism 56 28 28 39 14 25 5
Trend where available:
a. Health care
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 43 24 19 53 11 43 3
1/15/10 44 24 21 52 9 43 4
12/13/09 44 27 18 53 10 43 3
11/15/09 47 28 19 49 8 41 3
10/18/09 48 30 18 48 10 38 4
9/12/09 48 32 15 48 10 38 4
8/17/09 46 27 19 50 8 42 5
7/18/09 49 25 24 44 11 33 7
6/21/09 53 27 26 39 10 29 9
4/24/09 57 NA NA 29 NA NA 13
b. The economy
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 45 22 23 53 15 38 2
1/15/10 47 22 24 52 13 39 1
12/13/09 46 23 24 52 12 40 2
11/15/09 51 26 25 47 12 36 2
10/18/09 50 29 22 48 13 35 1
9/12/09 51 28 24 46 13 33 2
8/17/09 52 27 25 46 13 33 2
7/18/09 52 29 23 46 10 35 3
6/21/09 56 28 28 41 13 27 3
4/24/09 58 31 28 38 13 25 4
3/29/09 60 34 25 38 12 26 3
2/22/09 60 NA NA 34 NA NA 6
c. The federal budget deficit
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 40 17 23 56 16 40 4
1/15/10 38 18 20 56 15 41 6
12/13/09 37 16 21 56 12 44 6
11/15/09 42 19 23 53 10 43 5
10/18/09 45 20 25 51 14 37 4
9/12/09 39 17 22 55 13 42 6
8/17/09 41 19 22 53 12 41 5
7/18/09 43 19 24 49 11 38 8
6/21/09 48 22 26 48 13 35 5
4/24/09 51 NA NA 43 NA NA 7
3/29/09 52 NA NA 43 NA NA 5
d. No trend.
e. The threat of terrorism
-------- Approve -------- ------- Disapprove ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 56 28 28 39 14 25 5
1/15/10 55 31 23 42 14 28 4
11/15/09 53 31 22 41 14 27 6
9/12/09 55 31 24 34 12 23 11
6/21/09 57 NA NA 36 NA NA 7
4/21/09* 57 NA NA 26 NA NA 17
*Pew
3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the U.S. Congress is doing its job?
Approve Disapprove No opinion
2/8/10 26 71 3
7/13/08 23 71 6
2/1/08 33 59 8
12/9/07 32 60 8
11/1/07 28 65 7
9/30/07 29 65 6
7/21/07 37 60 4
6/1/07 39 53 8
4/15/07* 44 54 3
2/25/07 41 54 5
1/19/07 43 50 8
12/11/06 37 57 6
11/4/06 RV 36 60 4
10/22/06 31 65 4
10/8/06 32 66 2
9/7/06 40 55 5
8/6/06 36 60 4
5/15/06 33 63 4
4/9/06 35 62 3
3/5/06 36 62 3
1/26/06 43 53 4
1/8/06 41 55 5
12/18/05 43 53 4
11/2/05 37 59 4
8/28/05 37 59 4
6/5/05 41 54 4
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
10/25/98 45 44 11
10/18/98 46 45 8
9/28/98 52 44 4
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
* Strongly/somewhat follow asked 4/15/07 and others
**1/23/88 and previous: Gallup
4. Overall, which party, the (Democrats) or the (Republicans), do you trust to do a better job in coping with the main problems the nation faces over the next few years?
Both Neither
Democrats Republicans (vol.) (vol.) No opinion
2/8/10 43 37 2 17 2
11/15/09 47 31 2 17 3
9/12/09 48 28 3 19 2
2/22/09 56 30 3 9 3
12/14/08 56 23 3 15 3
5/11/08 53 32 2 10 2
10/8/06 54 35 2 7 2
9/7/06 47 38 1 10 4
6/25/06 48 38 1 10 3
5/15/06 50 36 1 11 3
4/9/06 51 37 1 9 2
3/5/06 42 40 2 14 2
1/26/06 51 37 1 8 3
12/18/05 47 42 1 8 2
11/2/05 49 37 3 9 3
6/5/05 46 41 1 9 2
8/11/03 39 40 3 10 7
12/15/02 41 44 2 11 2
10/27/02 LV 39 51 2 5 2
9/26/02 39 46 3 8 4
7/15/02 42 45 2 7 4
1/27/02 40 44 3 10 4
4/22/01 47 40 4 7 3
7/23/00 42 42 2 9 6
9/2/99 45 39 4 9 4
6/6/99 45 35 3 13 5
3/14/99 47 37 5 9 3
2/14/99 48 37 4 7 4
10/18/98 44 36 3 12 6
9/28/98 49 38 2 8 3
8/21/98 48 36 4 9 3
7/12/98 45 38 3 8 6
1/31/98 47 37 4 6 7
1/19/98 45 42 2 7 4
7/8/97 44 37 2 14 3
9/15/96 RV 45 38 3 11 3
8/5/96 43 38 3 11 3
6/30/96 46 37 3 12 3
5/22/96 47 38 3 10 3
11/6/94 RV 41 39 2 12 6
10/31/94 43 43 2 8 4
10/23/94 39 40 3 15 3
9/11/94 43 40 4 11 3
6/26/94 41 36 3 14 5
2/27/94 46 32 4 16 3
11/14/93 42 39 3 11 4
1/17/93 49 28 5 13 5
7/8/92 48 38 1 8 4
6/7/92 43 37 3 11 6
3/11/92 45 37 1 11 5
3/8/92 51 36 1 7 5
2/2/92 49 39 2 7 3
12/15/91 39 37 3 15 6
10/21/91 39 40 3 13 5
6/2/91 37 42 5 10 6
3/4/91 34 47 5 9 5
11/4/90 LV 42 40 3 11 4
10/14/90 46 41 1 8 4
5/21/90 41 45 3 8 2
1/16/90 38 50 3 6 3
8/21/89 42 43 4 9 2
10/10/88 RV 45 45 1 4 5
8/17/88 40 43 2 8 8
8/14/88 47 36 1 11 5
7/20/88 51 36 1 7 6
7/17/88 43 39 1 10 7
5/25/88 45 40 2 7 7
5/21/88 45 42 1 7 4
1/23/88 43 44 1 9 2
12/17/87 49 39 1 6 5
10/19/87 44 43 2 8 3
6/1/87 47 41 3 6 3
3/9/87 47 38 3 9 3
1/18/87 46 38 3 8 6
9/8/86 38 47 2 8 5
6/23/86 41 46 2 8 4
3/24/86 40 46 NA 8 7
2/12/86 40 46 2 8 5
10/28/85 37 45 NA 11 7
9/23/85 39 45 NA 10 6
7/29/85 41 43 NA 10 6
6/22/85 36 47 10 NA 6
2/26/85 40 52 5 NA 3
1/16/85 33 49 11 NA 7
7/8/84 44 43 9 NA 5
5/22/84 41 40 12 NA 7
2/15/84 41 45 8 NA 6
1/17/84 42 37 11 NA 10
12/13/83 38 38 14 NA 10
8/1/83 45 36 9 2 8
10/11/82 44 38 10 NA 9
9/13/82 45 37 10 NA 8
5. Who do you trust to do a better job handling [ITEM] - (Obama) or (the Republicans in Congress)?
2/8/10 - Summary Table*
Both Neither No
Obama Reps (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. The economy 47 42 1 7 2
b. Health care reform 46 41 1 9 2
c. The federal budget deficit 45 43 1 9 1
d. The threat of terrorism 47 42 2 6 2
e. Creating jobs 48 41 2 8 2
Trend where available:
a. The economy
Both Neither No
Obama Reps (vol.) (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 47 42 1 7 2
11/15/09 52 37 1 8 1
9/12/09 48 37 1 12 2
7/18/09 56 33 1 9 2
6/21/09 55 31 2 9 2
4/24/09 61 24 2 11 2
3/29/09 58 25 1 14 2
2/22/09 61 26 1 9 3
b. Health care reform
Both Neither No
Obama Reps (vol.) (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 46 41 1 9 2
11/15/09 50 37 1 10 2
9/12/09 48 36 1 12 3
7/18/09 54 34 1 10 1
6/21/09 55 27 2 11 4
c. The federal budget deficit
Both Neither No
Obama Reps (vol.) (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 45 43 1 9 1
9/12/09 50 36 1 12 1
7/18/09 54 35 * 9 2
6/21/09 56 30 2 9 2
d. The threat of terrorism
Both Neither No
Obama Reps (vol.) (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 47 42 2 6 2
9/12/09 49 39 2 7 3
6/21/09 55 34 2 6 3
e. No trend.
6. Republicans now hold enough seats in the U.S. Senate to block any legislation Obama and the Senate Democrats propose. Overall, do you think this is (a good thing because it will force Obama and the Democrats to cooperate more with the Republicans); OR (a bad thing because it will enable the Republicans to set terms before allowing anything to go forward)?
Good Bad Neither (vol.) No opinion
2/8/10 57 36 3 3
7. How often do you think Republicans in the Senate should use their power to block legislation proposed by Obama and the Senate Democrats - almost always, a great deal of the time, just some of the time or rarely?
------- Often ------ --------- Not often --------
Almost Great Just Never Depends No
NET always deal NET some Rarely (vol.) (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 25 10 15 68 49 16 2 6 2
8. Do you think Obama is doing too (much), too (little) or about the right amount to compromise with the Republican leaders in Congress on important issues?
About the No
Too much Too little right amount opinion
2/8/10 9 44 45 2
9. Do you think the Republican leaders in Congress are doing too (much), too (little) or about the right amount to compromise with Obama on important issues?
About the No
Too much Too little right amount opinion
2/8/10 8 58 30 4
10. Changing topics, many economists say that using the standards they apply, the recession probably is over. Thinking about your own experience of economic conditions, would you say that from your point of view the recession is over, or not over?
Over Not over No opinion
2/8/10 12 88 1
12/13/09 13 86 1
10/18/09 16 82 1
11. Regardless of whether or not the recession is over, in terms of your own personal experience, do you feel the economy has or has not begun to recover?
Has Has not No opinion
2/8/10 45 53 1
12/13/09* 50 49 1
11/15/09 44 54 1
*Add "Regardless of whether or not the recession is over..."
11a. (IF NOT BEGUN TO RECOVER) When do you think the economy will begin to recover - in the next few months, in six months to a year, or do you think it'll be longer than that?
Next Six months Longer No
few months to a year than that opinion
2/8/10 1 25 72 2
12/13/09 * 16 82 1
11/15/09 4 19 77 1
Combined results from questions 11 and 11a:
---- Economy has not begun recovery ---
Will in next In 6 mos.
Has NET few months to a year Longer No opinion
2/8/10 45 53 1 13 38 1
12/13/09 50 49 * 8 40 1
11/15/09 44 54 2 10 41 1
11b. (IF HAS BEGUN TO RECOVER) Do you think the economy's recovery so far has been a strong one or a weak one?
Strong Weak No opinion
2/8/10 25 75 1
12/13/09 24 73 3
Combined results from questions 11 and 11b:
- Recovery's begun-
NET Strong Weak Has not No opinion
2/8/10 45 11 34 53 1
12/13/09 50 12 36 49 1
Do you support or oppose stricter federal regulations on the way banks and other financial institutions conduct their business? (IF SUPPORT) Should these regulations be much stricter, or somewhat stricter?
----- Support ----
NET Much Smwht Oppose No opinion
2/8/10 62 36 26 34 3
2/22/09 76 49 27 22 2
13. (HALF SAMPLE) How confident are you that the federal government is putting measures into place that will make another financial crisis less likely in the future? Are you very confident of that, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?
----- Confident ----- ----- Not confident ----- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Not so Not at all opinion
2/8/10 48 4 43 52 28 24 *
9/12/09 49 10 39 50 23 27 1
14. (HALF SAMPLE) How confident are you that financial institutions will change their business practices in a way that makes another financial crisis less likely in the future? Are you very confident of that, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?
----- Confident ----- ----- Not confident ----- No
NET Very Somewhat NET Not so Not at all opinion
2/8/10 39 3 36 60 35 24 1
9/12/09 41 8 33 58 27 30 2
15. On another subject: overall, given what you know about them, would you say you support or oppose the proposed changes to the health care system being developed by (Congress) and (the Obama administration)? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
-------- Support -------- --------- Oppose -------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 46 22 25 49 11 38 5
1/15/10 44 22 22 51 12 39 5
12/13/09 44 25 19 51 11 40 5
11/15/09 48 30 18 49 10 39 3
10/18/09 45 26 19 48 12 36 7
9/12/09 46 30 16 48 12 36 6
8/17/09 45 27 18 50 10 40 5
16. Do you think the proposed changes to the health care system are too complicated, or do you think the changes have to be this complex to accomplish what they're trying to do?
Too Have to be No
complicated this complex opinion
2/8/10 60 35 5
17. Do you think the proposed changes to the health care system are too expensive, or do you think the cost is about right for what they're trying to do?
Too expensive Cost is about right No opinion
2/8/10 59 34 7
18. Do you think the government should or should not (ITEM)? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
2/8/10 - Summary Table
----- Should ---- -- Should not --- No
NET Strg. Smwt. NET Smwt. Strg. op.
a. Require businesses to offer private
health insurance for their full-time
employees 72 56 16 27 9 18 1
b. Require all Americans to have health
insurance, either from their employer
or from another source, with tax
credits or other aid to help
low-income people pay for it 56 41 15 43 10 33 2
c. Require insurance companies to sell
coverage to people regardless of
pre-existing conditions 80 67 13 19 7 12 2
Trend where available:
a. Require businesses to offer private health insurance for their full-time employees
--------- Should -------- ------- Should not ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Strongly Somewhat opinion
2/8/10 72 56 16 27 9 18 1
9/12/06 79 69 10 19 7 12 2
b. Require all Americans to have health insurance, either from their employer or from another source, with tax credits or other aid to help low-income people pay for it
--------- Should -------- ------- Should not ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Strongly Somewhat opinion
2/8/10 56 41 15 43 10 33 2
9/12/06 65 35 29 32 14 18 3
c. No trend.
19. Do you think lawmakers in Washington should (keep trying to pass) a comprehensive health care reform plan, or should (give up on) comprehensive health care reform?
Keep trying Give No
to pass up on opinion
2/8/10 63 34 4
20. Regardless of your own preference, given what you've heard, do you think a comprehensive health care reform plan (has a chance of becoming law this year), or do you think health care reform (is dead)?
Has a chance of Is No
becoming law this year dead opinion
2/8/10 48 46 5
20a. (IF HEALTH CARE REFORM IS DEAD) Who do you think is mainly responsible for that - (Obama), (the Democrats in Congress), or (the Republicans in Congress)?
Dems in Reps in and Dems and Reps and Reps All No
Obama Congress Congress (vol.) (vol.) (vol.) (vol.) opin.
2/8/10 17 28 34 3 * 3 12 3
Combined results from questions 20 and 20a:
--------------- Is dead/Who blame? ----------------
Has chance of Dems in Reps in Comb. All No
becoming law NET Obama Congress Congress (vol.) (vol.) op.
2/8/10 48 46 8 13 16 3 5 5
21. Do you have some form of health insurance or health care coverage, or not?
Yes No No opinion
2/8/10 83 17 *
1/15/10 87 13 0
12/13/09 82 17 *
11/15/09 84 15 1
10/18/09 85 15 0
9/12/09 86 14 0
8/17/09 85 14 *
6/21/09 84 16 0
9/30/07 88 12 *
9/12/06 87 13 0
4/19/05 87 13 *
10/13/03 83 17 0
7/12/98 86 14 *
8/27/97 81 19 *
11/13/95 85 15 0
7/17/94 86 14 *
11/14/93 87 13 0
10/10/93 87 13 *
21a. (AMONG THOSE WITH HEALTH CARE COVERAGE) Are you mainly covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or do you have private medical insurance?
(IF NEEDED: Medicare is the government health insurance program for people 65 and over. Medicaid is the government health insurance program for low-income families.)
--------- Have health insurance --------- No No
NET M/care M/caid Private Oth.(v.) insurance opinion
2/8/10 Gen Pop 83 15 3 62 NA 17 *
All Cov 100 18 4 74 NA NA 0
9/12/06 Gen Pop 87 15 4 66 NA 13 2
All Cov 100 17 5 76 NA NA 2
10/13/03 Gen Pop 83 16 4 63 NA 17 0
All Cov 100 19 4 76 NA NA 1
7/12/98 Gen Pop 86 15 4 65 NA 14 *
All Cov 100 18 5 76 NA NA 1
8/27/97 Gen Pop 81 13 3 64 NA 19 1
All Cov 100 16 3 79 NA NA 1
11/13/95 Gen Pop 85 15 3 63 4 15 *
All Cov 100 18 3 74 5 NA *
Gen Pop = General population
All Cov = All with health insurance
22. (AMONG THOSE WITH PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE) How much do you trust your insurance company to handle your claims fairly - a great deal, a good amount, just some or hardly at all?
- Grt deal/Good amt- ----- Some/Hardly/None -----
Great Good Just Hardly None No
NET deal amount NET some at all (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 74 37 37 26 18 7 1 *
23. Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of [ITEM]? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
2/8/10 - Summary Table
------- Favorable ------- ------ Unfavorable ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly op.
a. The Democratic Party 50 24 26 46 17 28 4
b. The Republican Party 44 19 25 52 23 29 4
2/8/10 - Summary Table
------- Favorable ------- ------ Unfavorable ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly op.
c. Sarah Palin 37 18 20 55 16 38 8
Trend:
a. The Democratic Party
Favorable Unfavorable No opinion
2/8/10 50 46 4
6/21/09 53 40 6
8/22/08 RV 58 36 5
11/1/07 51 45 5
3/5/06 55 41 4
6/5/05 51 47 2
12/15/02 56 37 6
1/27/02 56 36 8
7/30/01 60 36 4
12/15/00 64 25 11
1/16/00 56 35 9
1/10/00* 61 33 6
1/10/00 LV 58 37 5
11/21/99 51 41 8
5/2/99 53 37 10
2/21/99 55 37 8
2/13/99 56 38 6
2/8/99 57 37 6
1/10/99 57 35 8
12/20/98 57 30 13
12/16/98 58 32 10
10/29/97 54 39 7
9/1/96 RV 60 36 4
8/18/96 RV 55 41 4
8/7/96 RV 57 38 5
4/10/96 55 38 7
4/19/95 51 43 6
7/8/92 RV 54 38 8
6/6/91** 52 34 14
4/2/90 54 35 11
1/15/90 58 32 10
11/16/88 54 36 10
11/4/84 47 42 11
10/4/84 RV 50 39 11
*1/10/00 to 7/8/92: Gallup
**6/6/91 and previous: CBS News/New York Times
b. The Republican Party
Favorable Unfavorable No opinion
2/8/10 44 52 4
6/21/09 36 56 8
8/22/08 RV 47 49 4
11/1/07 39 56 5
3/5/06 51 46 3
6/5/05 49 49 2
12/15/02 56 38 5
1/27/02 63 30 7
7/30/01 51 46 3
12/15/00 54 35 11
1/16/00 53 37 10
1/10/00* 53 41 6
1/10/00 LV 56 39 5
11/21/99 50 44 6
5/2/99 47 44 9
2/21/99 45 46 9
2/13/99 40 54 5
2/8/99 45 47 8
1/10/99 40 52 8
12/20/98 31 57 12
12/16/98 43 47 10
10/29/97 50 42 8
9/1/96 RV 50 45 5
8/18/96 RV 55 41 4
8/7/96 RV 51 44 5
4/10/96 52 41 7
4/19/95 52 42 6
7/8/92 RV 53 39 8
6/6/91** 62 28 10
4/2/90 58 34 8
1/15/90 63 28 9
11/16/88 57 34 9
11/4/84 58 33 9
10/4/84 53 36 11
*1/10/00 to 7/8/92: Gallup
**6/6/91 and previous: CBS News/New York Times
c. Sarah Palin
------- Favorable ------- ------ Unfavorable ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 37 18 20 55 16 38 8
11/15/09 43 20 23 52 18 34 5
7/18/09 40 20 20 53 19 34 7
10/23/08 LV 46 28 18 51 11 40 3
9/29/08 RV 51 29 23 40 11 29 9
9/22/08 RV 52 31 21 38 10 27 11
9/7/08 RV 58 35 23 28 11 17 15
9/4/08* RV 52 34 18 37 14 23 11
* "the Republican nominee for vice president"
24. Regardless of whether or not you'd vote for her, do you think Palin is or is not qualified to serve as president?
Is Is not No
qualified qualified opinion
2/8/10 26 71 4
11/15/09 38 60 3
25. Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the political movement known as the Tea Party? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
------- Favorable ------- ------ Unfavorable ------ No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 35 20 15 40 20 20 25
26. How much do you feel you know about what the Tea Party stands for - a great deal, a good amount, just some or very little?
-Grt deal/Good amt- ---- Some/Little/Nothing ----
Grt Good Just Very Nothing No
NET deal amount NET some little (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 35 13 22 64 21 37 6 1
27. Given what you know about the Tea Party's positions on the issues, would you say that overall you (agree with them strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat or disagree strongly)?
--------- Agree --------- ------- Disagree -------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 45 14 31 36 22 14 19
28. On another subject, out of every dollar the federal government collects in taxes, how many cents do you think are wasted?
Average
2/8/10 53 cents
4/9/06 51
4/14/02 47
4/16/00 46
1/7/98 56
1/29/95 51
8/8/93 47
2/28/93 46
10/21/91 49
9/30/90 44
5/21/90 46
7/29/85 43
29. Changing topics, do you think homosexuals who do NOT publicly disclose their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military or not?
Yes No No opinion
2/8/10 83 15 1
7/13/08 78 18 5
1/15/01 75 22 3
5/23/93 63 35 2
30. Do you think homosexuals who DO publicly disclose their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve in the military or not?
Yes No No opinion
2/8/10 75 24 1
7/13/08 75 22 3
1/15/01 62 35 3
5/23/93 44 55 2
31. Do you think it should be legal or illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
--------- Legal --------- -------- Illegal -------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 47 31 16 50 9 42 3
4/24/09* 49 31 18 46 7 39 5
6/4/06 36 24 13 58 7 51 5
8/28/05 39 NA NA 58 NA NA 3
8/29/04 RV 32 18 14 62 10 52 5
3/7/04 38 24 14 59 11 48 3
2/22/04 39 25 13 55 6 49 6
1/18/04 41 NA NA 55 NA NA 4
9/7/03 37 NA NA 55 NA NA 7
*2009 "gay and lesbian" and "homosexual" wordings half sampled. 2005 "gay and lesbian", others "homosexual".
32. Do you think gay and lesbian couples should or should not be allowed to form legally recognized civil unions, giving them the legal rights of married couples in areas such as health insurance, inheritance and pension coverage?
Should Should not No opinion
2/8/10 66 31 3
12/19/07* 54 43 4
11/1/07 55 42 3
6/4/06** 45 48 7
3/7/04 51 46 3
2/22/04 45 48 7
1/18/04 46 51 4
9/7/03 40 51 9
*2007 and previous "homosexual"
**Strongly/somewhat follow asked 6/4/06 and others
33. Do you yourself have a friend, family member, or acquaintance who is gay or lesbian, or not?
Yes No No opinion
2/8/10 63 36 1
8/27/98 59 40 1
34. On another subject, would you rather have suspects accused of involvement in the September 11 terrorist attacks put on trial in (the federal court system in the United States), or in (a military tribunal set up for that purpose)?
Federal Military Either No
court system tribunal (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 39 55 2 3
11/15/09 47 48 2 3
35. Changing topics, do you support or oppose the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that says corporations and unions can spend as much money as they want to help political candidates win elections? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
-------- Support -------- --------- Oppose -------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 18 6 11 80 15 65 2
36. Would you support or oppose an effort by Congress to reinstate limits on corporate and union spending on election campaigns? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
-------- Support -------- --------- Oppose -------- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
2/8/10 72 52 20 24 9 14 4
37. Thinking about politics: Right now, are you inclined to vote to re-elect your representative in Congress in the next election or are you inclined to look around for someone else to vote for?
Re-elect Look around Depends (vol.) No opinion
2/8/10 36 56 4 4
11/15/09 38 50 6 5
5/15/06 35 55 6 4
6/5/05 40 50 8 3
2/21/02 40 48 7 6
10/31/99 41 47 8 3
9/28/98 44 46 NA 10
9/28/98 LV 52 42 NA 6
7/12/98 42 44 5 10
1/19/98 47 41 7 4
8/27/97 34 52 9 5
11/6/94 RV 37 47 7 8
10/31/94 35 56 2 7
10/23/94 32 58 4 6
9/11/94 36 53 4 7
6/26/94 35 54 6 5
3/27/94 32 56 6 7
1/23/94 32 46 10 12
11/14/93 38 52 5 5
8/21/92 35 48 5 12
7/8/92 34 54 3 9
6/7/92 36 53 4 7
4/9/92 33 56 3 8
3/18/92 35 56 3 5
3/11/92 36 54 3 7
2/2/92 38 51 4 7
10/21/91 31 55 7 6
6/2/91 37 49 5 9
11/4/90 LV 41 50 NA 8
10/14/90 36 57 NA 7
5/21/90 43 50 3 3
5/23/89 45 44 4 6
38. If the election for the U.S. House of Representatives in November were being held today, would you vote for (the Democratic candidate) or (the Republican candidate) in your congressional district? (IF OTHER, NEITHER, DK, REF) Would you lean toward the (Democratic candidate) or toward the (Republican candidate)?
NET LEANED VOTE
Dem Rep Other Neither Will not No
cand. cand. (vol.) (vol.) vote (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 All 46 46 * 3 1 4
RV 45 48 * 3 * 4
10/18/09 All 51 39 1 3 2 5
6/15/08 All 52 37 * 2 1 8
11/4/06 LV 51 45 1 1 * 2
RV 53 43 1 1 * 3
10/22/06 RV 54 41 * 1 * 3
10/8/06 RV 54 41 * 1 1 3
9/7/06 RV 50 42 * 3 2 4
8/6/06 RV 52 39 * 2 1 5
6/25/06 All 52 38 1 2 2 5
RV 52 39 1 3 1 4
5/15/06 All 53 38 1 3 1 4
RV 52 40 1 3 1 4
4/9/06 All 54 40 * 2 1 4
RV 55 40 * 2 * 3
1/26/06 All 55 36 1 3 1 4
RV 54 38 1 3 1 5
12/18/05 All 50 41 1 3 1 4
RV 51 41 1 3 1 4
11/2/05 All 53 36 1 3 2 5
RV 52 37 1 4 2 6
11/4/02 LV 48 48 1 1 0 2
11/3/02 LV 48 48 * 1 0 2
11/2/02 LV 50 49 * 1 0 2
10/27/02 LV 47 49 1 1 0 3
9/26/02 All 46 42 2 2 5 3
LV 49 47 1 2 0 2
RV 47 44 2 3 2 3
7/15/02 All 47 45 1 1 1 4
RV 47 46 1 1 1 4
1/27/02* RV 43 50 NA 2 1 5
9/6/00 RV 49 42 2 1 6
7/23/00 RV 46 45 3 1 5
2/27/00 RV 45 46 2 1 5
10/31/99 RV 50 43 3 1 3
9/2/99 RV 48 44 3 * 5
3/14/99 RV 50 41 2 1 6
2/14/99 RV 48 41 3 1 7
1/30/99 RV 49 39 8 1 3
11/1/98 RV 51 43 4 * 2
10/25/98 RV 48 43 3 1 4
10/18/98 RV 49 44 3 1 4
9/28/98 RV 49 44 2 * 4
9/13/98 RV 49 43 3 1 4
8/21/98 RV 48 45 3 1 3
7/12/98 RV 47 45 2 * 6
1/31/98 RV 49 40 2 1 8
1/19/98 RV 47 44 3 1 5
10/8/96 RV 51 41 2 1 5
9/29/96 RV 48 41 3 1 7
9/22/96 RV 50 43 2 1 4
9/15/96 RV 49 45 1 1 4
9/4/96 RV 48 44 3 * 5
8/29/96 RV 53 39 3 1 5
8/28/96 RV 51 40 3 1 5
8/27/96 RV 51 41 3 0 5
8/26/96 RV 51 41 3 0 5
8/25/96 RV 48 43 3 1 6
8/24/96 RV 47 43 2 1 6
8/19/96 RV 49 42 3 0 6
8/18/96 RV 45 46 3 0 6
8/15/96 RV 46 43 4 1 5
8/14/96 RV 48 42 3 1 6
8/13/96 RV 49 43 3 0 5
8/12/96 RV 49 42 3 1 5
8/11/96 RV 49 40 4 1 6
8/10/96 RV 49 41 4 1 5
8/4/96 RV 48 45 2 1 4
6/30/96 RV 49 44 3 * 3
5/22/96 RV 52 41 3 1 3
3/10/96 RV 51 43 2 * 4
1/21/96 RV 52 43 3 1 1
10/1/95 RV 49 44 3 * 3
11/6/94 RV 47 42 5 2 5
10/31/94 RV 48 44 4 1 3
10/23/94 RV 50 45 2 1 2
10/9/94 RV 46 47 3 2 2
9/11/94 RV 50 45 1 1 4
8/7/94 RV 49 42 4 1 4
2/27/94 RV 50 40 8 1 2
10/21/91 RV 51 41 4 * 4
7/28/91 RV 49 41 6 * 3
6/2/91 RV 48 42 4 1 5
11/4/90 RV 51 41 5 * 3
10/14/90 RV 50 41 5 * 3
9/9/90 RV 47 46 3 * 3
7/24/90 RV 51 41 4 1 4
5/21/90 RV 47 45 5 1 2
10/10/88 RV 52 41 2 1 4
9/19/88 RV 51 39 3 1 6
6/22/85 RV 48 44 5 * 3
10/16/84 RV 52 44 2 NA 5
9/11/84 RV 53 45 2 NA 1
7/8/84 RV 58 40 2 NA 1
10/27/82 RV 58 39 NA NA 3
10/11/82 RV 55 36 NA NA 9
9/13/82 RV 58 36 NA NA 6
11/22/81 RV 53 41 " NA NA 7
*1/27/02 and previous: No "other candidate" option recorded
39. Generally would you say your mood is anti-incumbent, meaning you're inclined to vote for challengers who are running for public office, or would you say your mood is pro-incumbent, meaning you're inclined to vote to re-elect people already in public office?
Anti- Pro- Neither No
incumbent incumbent (vol.) opinion
2/8/10 48 35 12 5
8/6/06 53 29 13 4
6/25/94 54 29 13 4
40. 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 opinion
2/8/10 32 3 29 67 48 19 NA *
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 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
8/16/98 41 2 39 57 46 11 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 *
5/14/95 48 3 45 50 41 9 NA 1
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 * *
10/4/92 LV 17 1 16 81 56 25 1 1
10/4/92 RV 17 1 16 81 56 25 1 1
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
41. As you may know some people referred to the 20th Century as the American Century because of the dominant role the United States played in world affairs and the world economy. In the 21st Century do you think the U.S. role in (ITEM) will be about the same as was in the 20th Century, larger or smaller?
2/8/10 - Summary Table*
Same Larger Smaller No opinion
a. World affairs 19 32 46 2
b. The world economy 18 26 53 2
*Half sample asked item a; other half sample asked item b.
42. Just your best guess, in terms of the dominant role in (ITEM), do you think the 21st Century will be more of an American Century, more of a Chinese Century or what?
2/8/10 - Summary Table*
American Chinese Other A mix No
Century Century (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. World affairs 38 43 12 3 4
b. The world economy 40 41 7 5 6
*Half sample asked item a; other half sample asked item b.
43. If the United States does have less of a role in (ITEM) in the 21st Century than it had in the 20th Century, do you think that would be a good thing for the United States, a bad thing, or neither good nor bad?
2/8/10 - Summary Table*
Good Bad Neither No opinion
a. World affairs 19 39 40 2
b. The world economy 15 43 40 2
*Half sample asked item a; other half sample asked item b.
901. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as (a Democrat), (a Republican), an independent or what? IF NOT DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN: Do you lean more towards the (Democratic Party) or (Republican Party)?
--Non-Partisans-
Lean Lean No
Democrat Republican Independent Other No op. Dem. Rep. Lean
2/8/10 32 26 39 3 * 17 19 6
1/15/10 32 23 38 7 * 17 20 9
12/13/09 32 26 37 5 1 13 18 11
11/15/09 35 21 39 4 1 19 17 8
10/18/09 33 20 42 4 1 20 19 8
9/12/09 32 21 43 4 * 19 20 9
8/17/09 35 25 34 6 1 15 14 11
7/18/09 33 22 41 4 * 20 16 9
6/21/09 35 22 37 7 * 17 16 10
4/24/09 35 21 38 5 * 18 16 10
3/29/09 36 25 33 5 1 15 16 8
2/22/09 36 24 34 5 1 18 13 9
1/16/09 35 23 36 5 1 20 12 11
12/14/08 37 24 35 4 1 16 13 10
11/3/08 35 26 30 6 2 13 10 15
10/11/08 36 26 31 4 2 15 12 10
9/29/08 34 26 31 8 2 17 12 12
9/22/08 36 26 31 5 2 18 9 11
9/7/08 35 26 33 5 2 15 14 11
8/22/08 36 23 34 6 1 16 14 10
7/13/08 37 24 33 6 1 16 14 10
6/15/08 38 24 34 4 1 16 14 8
5/11/08 34 28 34 4 1 19 11 8
4/13/08 35 29 30 5 1 15 13 8
3/2/08 40 28 28 3 1 15 8 9
2/1/08 37 26 32 4 1 16 11 10
1/12/08 39 27 29 5 1 13 9 12
908a. Would you say your views on most political matters are liberal, moderate, or conservative?
Don't think in No
Liberal Moderate Conservative those terms (vol.) op.
2/8/10 24 36 37 2 1
1/15/10 25 34 38 1 1
12/13/09 23 35 41 1 1
11/15/09 19 41 38 1 1
10/18/09 23 36 38 2 1
9/12/09 24 39 36 * 1
8/17/09 20 40 37 2 1
7/18/09 20 39 38 2 1
6/21/09 22 40 36 1 *
4/24/09 23 39 35 2 2
3/29/09 20 38 38 2 2
2/22/09 23 38 37 1 1
1/16/09 24 42 32 * 1
12/14/08 22 37 37 1 2
10/11/08 RV 22 44 34 * 1
9/29/08 RV 19 44 34 1 1
9/22/08 RV 23 41 32 2 1
9/7/08 RV 22 39 36 1 2
8/22/08 22 41 33 2 2
7/13/08 19 43 35 2 1
6/15/08 21 43 33 1 2
5/11/08 24 39 34 2 1
4/13/08 24 38 35 1 2
3/2/08 19 48 30 2 2
2/1/08 25 38 34 2 1
1/12/08 24 36 36 2 1
12/9/07 24 38 36 1 1
11/1/07 24 41 32 1 1
9/30/07 24 45 30 1 1
9/7/07 20 39 39 1 2
7/21/07 25 39 32 3 1
6/1/07 24 36 37 2 1
4/15/07 24 42 32 1 1
2/25/07 23 40 35 1 1
1/19/07 23 41 33 1 1
12/11/06 23 42 33 2 1
11/4/06 19 42 36 2 1
10/22/06 22 42 32 2 2
10/8/06 21 43 33 1 1
9/7/06 24 39 33 2 2
8/6/06 18 42 38 1 1
6/25/06 21 41 35 1 1
5/15/06 19 48 31 1 1
5/11/06 18 49 33 * *
4/9/06 21 41 35 2 1
3/5/06 22 42 33 2 1
1/26/06 21 40 37 1 1
1/8/06 20 40 37 2 1
12/18/05 22 42 34 1 1
11/2/05 23 44 32 1 *
9/11/05 22 44 31 2 2
8/28/05 20 44 34 2 1
6/26/05 21 44 33 1 1
6/5/05 23 40 35 1 *
4/24/05 20 47 30 1 1
INCOME. Which of the following CATEGORIES best describes your total annual household income before taxes, from all sources?
-------Less than $50k------- --------More than $50k--------
NET <20k 20-35k 35-50k NET 50-75k 75-100k 100k+
2/8/10 49 20 16 14 49 18 13 18
1/15/10 49 17 14 18 48 17 13 18
12/13/09 54 19 18 17 42 15 12 15
11/15/09 53 20 18 15 45 16 13 16
10/18/09 53 17 19 17 44 18 12 15
9/12/09 50 17 17 15 48 17 13 18
8/17/09 46 15 16 14 52 19 15 18
7/18/09 49 18 17 14 48 19 12 19
6/21/09 51 18 16 17 47 17 12 18
4/24/09 50 16 16 18 48 17 12 19
3/29/09 49 15 16 17 48 18 13 17
2/22/09 48 16 16 17 50 19 13 19
1/16/09 52 17 18 17 48 16 13 19
12/14/08 44 14 15 15 54 18 15 21
10/11/08 RV 41 12 14 16 56 20 15 22
9/29/08 RV 42 10 14 17 56 18 16 22
9/22/08 RV 40 12 14 14 57 21 14 22
9/22/08 46 16 16 14 50 18 12 20
9/7/08 RV 44 13 14 17 56 17 15 24
8/22/08 RV 39 10 11 18 59 19 16 24
8/22/08 43 15 12 17 53 18 15 21
7/13/08 RV 43 14 14 15 54 16 14 24
7/13/08 48 18 15 15 50 16 12 21
6/15/08 47 18 15 15 51 18 15 18
5/11/08 47 15 16 17 50 18 13 19
4/13/08 47 17 13 17 51 18 14 18
3/2/08 44 14 13 17 52 17 13 22
2/1/08 48 17 16 15 48 18 12 18
1/12/08 46 12 18 16 51 19 13 19
12/9/07 49 14 17 18 48 15 15 18
11/1/07 48 14 16 17 49 16 13 21
9/30/07 53 17 16 20 44 18 12 14
9/7/07 43 10 17 16 54 19 15 20
7/21/07 46 16 14 16 51 18 13 19
6/1/07 49 15 18 16 49 18 13 18
4/15/07 46 15 16 15 51 20 13 18
2/25/07 46 10 16 20 51 20 14 17
1/19/07 49 16 17 15 49 16 13 20
12/11/06 46 11 16 19 51 18 16 17
10/22/06 52 16 20 17 45 16 11 17
10/8/06 46 13 16 17 51 22 13 16
9/7/06 51 16 18 17 47 17 15 15
8/6/06 49 14 16 18 48 20 12 16
6/25/06 50 16 16 19 47 19 11 17
5/15/06 52 14 18 21 46 16 13 17
5/11/06 46 9 18 18 53 18 15 20
4/9/06 53 16 20 17 47 19 12 16
3/5/06 50 16 18 16 48 20 12 16
1/26/06 52 20 15 17 46 18 12 16
12/18/05 54 17 19 18 44 18 12 15
11/2/05 52 14 18 20 46 19 13 14
9/11/05 55 18 20 17 42 18 11 14
8/28/05 52 18 15 19 46 18 11 16
6/26/05 49 14 17 18 49 19 14 16
6/5/05 55 15 20 20 43 17 13 14
4/24/05 55 15 21 19 45 18 12 15
***END***
