Washington Post-ABC News Poll
This Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone July 10-13, 2008, among a random national sample of 1,119 adults, including additional interviews with randomly selected African Americans, for a total of 209 black respondents. The additional interviews (commonly referred to as an "oversample") were completed to ensure there were enough African American respondents for separate analysis; the group was not over-represented in the reported results from the full sample. 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. How closely are you following the presidential race: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not closely at all?
---- Closely ----- ---- Not closely ----- No
NET Very Smwt. NET Not too At all opinion
7/13/08 73 32 41 26 14 12 1
6/15/08 75 34 41 25 12 13 *
5/11/08 83 39 44 17 13 5 0
4/13/08 84 37 47 16 11 5 *
3/2/08 84 42 42 15 11 4 *
2/1/08 81 35 46 19 12 7 *
1/12/08 79 32 47 21 15 6 *
12/9/07 72 21 51 28 19 8 *
11/1/07 67 21 46 33 22 12 0
9/30/07 69 21 48 30 21 10 *
7/21/07 70 22 48 30 20 10 *
6/1/07 66 18 48 34 22 13 *
4/15/07 66 20 45 34 20 14 *
2/25/07 65 20 44 35 25 10 *
Early 2004:
7/25/04 73 34 39 27 15 12 *
6/20/04 78 33 45 22 15 7 *
5/23/04 74 33 41 26 17 9 *
4/18/04 75 30 45 25 16 9 0
3/7/04 75 33 42 25 18 7 *
2/11/04 75 30 45 25 15 10 *
1/18/04 66 22 44 35 22 13 *
10/29/03 54 15 39 45 30 15 0
9/13/03 56 16 40 44 27 17 *
Early 2000:
7/29/00 51 16 35 49 25 24 *
7/23/00 50 14 36 50 25 25 *
6/11/00 49 13 36 51 26 25 0
4/2/00 53 17 36 47 24 23 0
3/11/00 61 21 40 38 21 17 0
2/27/00 70 24 46 30 20 10 *
2/6/00 65 19 48 34 21 13 0
1/16/00 50 11 39 50 26 24 *
12/15/99 45 12 33 55 31 24 *
10/31/99 61 16 45 38 25 13 *
7/17/95 36 7 29 63 33 31 *
7/8/92 76 28 48 24 16 8 *
1/27/92 51 14 37 48 25 23 1
5/25/88 76 25 51 25 19 6 *
8/23/87 50 9 41 49 31 18 *
6/1/87 50 11 39 49 32 17 *
2. 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 that (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 All 69 11 8 7 5 *
7/13/08 RV 79 10 7 3 2 0
6/15/08 71 9 8 7 4 *
3/2/08 78 9 7 4 2 *
3. If the 2008 presidential election were being held today and the candidates were (Barack Obama, the Democrat) and (John McCain, the Republican), for whom would you vote?
Net Leaned Vote, Registered Voters
Other Neither Would not No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) vote (vol.) op.
7/13/08 50 42 1 3 1 2
6/15/08 49 45 1 3 1 3
5/11/08 51 44 * 2 1 1
4/13/08 49 44 * 3 3 2
3/2/08 53 40 * 2 1 3
2/1/08 47 48 1 1 1 2
1/19/07 47 45 * 3 1 4
Net Leaned Vote, General Population
Other Neither Would not No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) vote (vol.) op.
7/13/08 51 39 1 4 2 3
6/15/08 48 42 1 4 1 4
5/11/08 51 44 * 3 1 1
4/13/08 49 44 * 3 3 2
3/2/08 52 40 * 3 2 3
2/1/08 49 46 * 2 1 3
1/19/07 47 45 * 3 1 3
4. (IF NAMED CANDIDATE) Would 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?
Barack Obama:
Definitely -Chance change mind - No
vote for NET Good Unlikely opinion
7/13/08 All 75 21 9 12 4
7/13/08 RV 72 23 9 14 5
6/15/08 72 25 7 18 3
5/11/08 71 26 13 13 3
John McCain:
Definitely -Chance change mind - No
vote for NET Good Unlikely opinion
7/13/08 All 68 31 14 17 1
7/13/08 RV 71 28 12 17 1
6/15/08 69 31 17 13 1
5/11/08 66 32 17 15 2
5. (ASKED OF LEANED OBAMA SUPPORTERS) Is your vote more for Obama or more against McCain?
For Obama Against McCain No opinion
7/13/08 All 80 18 3
7/13/08 RV 81 16 3
Compare to:
For Kerry Against Bush No opinion
9/8/04 RV 41 55 4
7/25/04 RV 41 56 3
6/20/04 All 44 55 1
6/20/04 RV 43 55 1
5/23/04 38 61 1
3/7/04 38 61 1
6. (ASKED OF LEANED MCCAIN SUPPORTERS) Is your vote more for McCain or more against Obama?
For McCain Against Obama No opinion
7/13/08 All 69 30 1
7/13/08 RV 70 28 2
Compare to:
For Bush Against Kerry No opinion
9/8/04 RV 84 14 2
7/25/04 RV 81 17 2
6/20/04 All 83 16 1
6/20/04 RV 82 17 1
5/23/04 77 21 1
3/7/04 86 13 2
7. If the 2008 presidential election were being held today and the candidates were {(Barack Obama, the Democrat), (John McCain, the Republican)}, {(Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party candidate), and (Ralph Nader, as an independent candidate)}, for whom would you vote?
Net Leaned Vote, Registered Voters
Other None Would not No
Obama McCain Barr Nader (vol.) (vol.) vote (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 49 39 2 5 1 2 1 2
Net Leaned Vote, General Population
Other None Would not No
Obama McCain Barr Nader (vol.) (vol.) vote (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 49 36 2 5 * 3 2 2
8. 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 Somewhat Strongly opinion
7/13/08 28 12 16 69 13 56 3
6/15/08 29 10 19 68 14 54 3
5/11/08 31 15 16 66 14 52 2
4/13/08 33 16 17 64 15 49 2
3/2/08 32 15 17 66 16 50 2
2/1/08 33 17 16 65 14 51 2
1/12/08 32 16 16 66 15 51 2
12/9/07 33 17 16 64 14 50 3
11/1/07 33 17 16 64 13 50 3
9/30/07 33 15 18 64 14 49 3
9/7/07 33 16 17 64 15 49 3
7/21/07 33 16 17 65 13 52 2
6/1/07 35 17 18 62 16 46 3
4/15/07 35 17 18 62 14 49 2
2/25/07 36 19 17 62 12 49 2
1/19/07 33 17 16 65 14 51 2
12/11/06 36 18 18 62 13 49 2
11/4/06 40 24 16 57 12 46 2
10/22/06 37 21 16 60 15 45 3
10/8/06 39 23 16 60 12 48 1
9/7/06 42 24 18 55 12 43 3
8/6/06 40 23 17 58 12 46 2
6/25/06 38 20 18 60 12 48 2
5/15/06 33 17 16 65 18 47 2
4/9/06 38 20 18 60 13 47 1
3/5/06 41 24 17 58 14 44 1
1/26/06 42 25 18 56 14 42 2
1/8/06 46 29 17 52 13 39 2
12/18/05 47 29 17 52 12 40 1
11/2/05 39 20 18 60 13 47 1
10/29/05 39 22 17 58 13 45 3
9/11/05 42 27 15 57 12 45 1
8/28/05 45 27 18 53 12 41 2
6/26/05 48 27 21 51 11 40 1
6/5/05 48 27 21 52 14 38 1
4/24/05 47 25 22 50 13 38 3
3/13/05 50 31 19 48 11 37 3
1/31/05 50 34 15 45 11 34 5
1/16/05 52 33 19 46 11 35 2
12/19/04 48 27 21 49 12 38 2
10/20/04 50 30 20 46 11 35 4
10/17/04 LV 54 35 19 45 9 36 2
10/16/04 LV 54 35 19 44 10 34 2
10/15/04 LV 54 35 19 44 10 34 2
10/3/04 LV 53 36 17 46 11 34 1
9/26/04 50 33 18 45 13 32 5
9/8/04 52 35 17 43 11 32 5
8/29/04 50 31 19 47 13 34 3
8/1/04 47 28 18 49 13 36 5
7/25/04 50 32 19 47 13 34 3
7/11/04 48 31 17 50 11 39 2
6/20/04 47 30 17 51 13 39 1
5/23/04 47 31 17 50 14 36 3
4/18/04 51 33 18 47 13 34 1
3/7/04 50 32 18 48 12 36 2
2/11/04 50 30 21 47 14 34 2
1/18/04 58 35 24 40 9 30 2
12/21/03 59 39 21 38 15 23 3
12/14/03 57 37 20 39 10 29 5
12/7/03 53 32 21 40 13 27 7
11/16/03 57 34 23 39 11 28 4
10/29/03 56 30 26 42 13 29 2
10/13/03 53 33 20 43 13 29 4
9/30/03 54 34 20 44 15 29 2
9/13/03 58 35 23 40 14 27 2
9/7/03 56 34 22 41 13 28 4
8/11/03 59 37 22 37 14 23 4
7/10/03 59 35 24 38 13 25 3
6/22/03 68 45 23 29 11 18 4
4/30/03 71 50 22 26 17 9 3
4/16/03 74 52 22 23 9 14 3
4/9/03 77 58 19 20 6 14 4
4/3/03 71 54 16 25 7 19 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 13 22 4
2/23/03 60 NA NA 34 NA NA 6
2/9/03 64 42 21 34 14 20 3
2/1/03 62 41 21 34 13 22 4
1/28/03 62 43 19 36 13 23 2
1/27/03 59 39 21 37 15 22 4
1/20/03 59 36 23 38 16 22 2
12/15/02 66 37 28 32 12 20 2
11/4/02 LV 67 45 23 31 12 20 1
11/3/02 LV 67 45 22 32 12 20 1
11/2/02 LV 67 47 20 32 9 23 1
10/27/02 67 39 28 29 13 16 4
9/26/02 67 42 25 30 12 18 3
9/8/02 71 42 28 27 12 15 3
7/28/02 69 39 31 28 14 14 3
7/15/02 72 42 31 25 12 13 2
6/17/02 74 42 32 22 9 13 4
6/9/02 77 41 36 20 9 11 3
5/19/02 76 48 28 22 8 13 3
4/21/02 78 47 31 20 9 10 2
3/28/02 79 49 30 18 8 10 3
3/10/02 82 52 30 16 9 7 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 4 5 1
11/6/01 89 65 24 9 5 4 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 5 6 2
9/9/01 55 26 29 41 20 22 3
8/12/01 61 28 33 31 14 17 8
7/30/01 59 28 30 38 17 22 3
6/3/01 55 27 28 40 18 22 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
9. Under Bush, do you think America's image in the rest of the world has gotten better or gotten worse?
Better Worse Same (vol.) No opinion
7/13/08 10 82 6 2
12/21/03 32 59 6 3
10. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the U.S. Congress is doing its job?
Approve Disapprove No opinion
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
11. Do you approve or disapprove of the way (ITEM) are doing their job?
7/13/08 - Summary Table
Approve Disapprove No opinion
a. The Democrats in Congress 35 57 8
b. The Republicans in Congress 25 69 6
Trend:
a. The Democrats in Congress
Approve Disapprove No opinion
7/13/08 35 57 8
2/1/08 39 54 7
12/9/07 40 53 6
11/1/07 36 58 6
9/30/07 38 57 5
7/21/07 46 51 2
6/1/07 44 49 6
4/15/07 54 44 2
10/8/06 48 50 3
5/15/06 39 58 4
11/2/05 41 54 5
6/5/05 42 56 3
6/6/99 51 42 7
3/14/99 51 42 7
7/8/97 45 49 6
4/5/95 36 60 4
10/31/94 39 53 8
10/23/94 36 59 5
9/11/94 41 53 6
b. The Republicans in Congress
Approve Disapprove No opinion
7/13/08 25 69 6
2/1/08 30 63 7
12/9/07 32 63 5
11/1/07 32 63 6
9/30/07 29 67 4
7/21/07 34 64 2
6/1/07 36 58 6
4/15/07 39 59 2
10/8/06 35 63 2
5/15/06 33 64 3
11/2/05 35 61 4
6/5/05 42 56 2
6/6/99 41 52 7
3/14/99 40 56 4
7/8/97 40 54 6
9/15/96 RV 46 48 6
6/30/96 38 56 6
4/5/95 45 50 5
10/31/94 33 59 7
10/23/94 31 64 5
9/11/94 35 59 6
12. For each item I name, please tell me how important it will be in your vote for president this year. Will it be an extremely important issue, very important, somewhat important or less important than that?
7/13/08 - Summary Table*
----- Important ---- -Not as important-- No
NET Extremely Very NET Somewhat Less op.
a. The economy 92 50 41 8 7 1 0
b. Immigration issues 63 27 36 37 29 7 1
c. The US campaign
against terrorism 74 37 36 26 21 5 *
d. The federal budget
deficit 72 34 38 27 21 5 1
e. Education 81 37 44 19 15 4 0
f. Social Security 73 38 35 27 23 3 0
g. Ethics in government 72 37 34 26 20 6 2
h. The candidates' choice
for vice presidential
running mates 48 15 33 49 35 14 3
i. Global warming and
other environmental
issues 58 27 31 42 26 16 *
j. The war in Iraq 83 42 41 17 14 3 *
k. Health care 78 39 39 22 15 7 *
l. Taxes 70 30 40 30 23 6 1
m. Social issues such as
abortion and gay
civil unions 39 19 20 61 30 31 1
n. Gasoline prices and
energy policy 85 48 37 15 11 4 *
o. Gun control 50 23 27 49 29 20 *
p. Appointments to the
U.S. Supreme Court 60 26 35 36 25 11 3
q. Relations with other
countries 69 28 41 30 24 6 1
*Half sample asked items a-i, other half asked j-q.
13. 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? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
----- Worth fighting ---- --- Not worth fighting -- No
NET Strongly Somewhat NET Somewhat Strongly opinion
7/13/08 36 22 13 63 13 50 1
6/15/08 34 21 13 63 9 54 3
4/13/08 34 24 11 64 11 52 2
3/2/08 34 24 11 63 12 51 2
2/1/08 34 23 11 65 11 53 1
1/12/08 35 21 13 64 13 51 2
12/9/07 37 25 12 61 11 50 2
11/1/07 35 23 12 63 12 51 2
9/30/07 38 25 14 59 12 47 3
9/7/07 36 23 13 62 11 51 2
7/21/07 36 25 12 63 10 53 1
6/1/07 37 24 12 61 12 50 2
4/15/07 33 22 11 66 12 54 1
2/25/07 34 22 12 64 13 51 2
1/10/07 40 28 12 58 11 47 2
12/11/06 36 25 11 61 12 50 2
11/4/06 RV 44 33 12 53 10 44 2
10/22/06 40 28 12 57 11 47 2
10/8/06 35 25 10 63 13 50 2
9/7/06 42 29 13 56 11 45 2
8/6/06 39 29 10 59 12 47 1
6/25/06 40 25 15 58 13 45 2
5/15/06 37 24 14 62 12 50 1
4/9/06 41 30 11 58 10 48 1
3/5/06 42 29 14 57 11 46 1
1/26/06 44 32 12 55 13 42 1
1/8/06 43 30 13 55 12 43 2
12/18/05 46 33 14 52 11 42 1
11/2/05 39 25 13 60 12 48 1
8/28/05 46 33 12 53 9 44 1
6/26/05 46 33 13 53 10 43 1
6/5/05 41 29 12 58 12 46 1
4/24/05 44 31 13 54 12 42 2
3/13/05 45 34 11 53 11 42 2
1/16/05 44 32 12 55 10 45 1
12/19/04 42 31 11 56 10 47 2
10/3/04 LV 49 34 15 48 11 37 3
9/26/04 RV 46 35 12 51 8 42 3
9/8/04 RV 51 38 13 45 10 34 4
8/29/04 RV 48 34 14 50 11 39 2
7/25/04 49 36 13 48 11 37 3
7/11/04 45 34 10 53 12 42 2
6/20/04 47 32 14 52 13 39 2
5/23/04 48 35 13 50 13 37 1
5/6/04 49 NA NA 47 NA NA 5
4/18/04 51 " " 47 " " 2
3/7/04 52 44 3
2/11/04 48 50 2
1/18/04 56 41 3
12/21/03 59 39 2
12/14/03 53 42 5
11/16/03 52 44 4
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
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"
14. Do you think the United States is or is not making significant progress toward restoring civil order in Iraq?
Is making Is not making No
significant progress significant progress opinion
7/13/08 46 51 3
4/13/08 40 57 3
3/2/08 43 51 6
2/1/08 42 54 4
1/12/08 42 54 4
12/9/07 41 55 4
11/1/07 39 59 2
9/7/07 36 60 4
6/1/07 32 64 4
12/11/06 31 66 3
6/25/06 48 49 2
3/5/06 43 56 2
12/18/05 60 37 2
11/2/05 44 55 2
8/28/05 48 50 2
6/26/05 48 51 1
12/19/04 44 49 7
6/20/04 51 48 1
15. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) Do you think (the United States must win the war in Iraq in order for the broader war on terrorism to be a success), or do you think (the war on terrorism can be a success without the United States winning the war in Iraq)?
US must win war Can be a success without No
in Iraq for success US winning war in Iraq opinion
7/13/08 34 60 6
4/13/08 31 61 8
9/7/07 37 54 9
6/1/07 37 56 7
4/15/07 37 57 6
1/10/07 45 47 8
16. Thinking now about Afghanistan, all in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war in Afghanistan was worth fighting, or not?
Yes, worth No, not worth No
fighting fighting opinion
7/13/08 51 45 4
2/25/07 56 41 3
17. Overall, do you think the U.S. military action in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al Qaeda has been successful or not successful?
Successful Not successful No opinion
7/13/08 44 51 5
10/6/02 70 24 6
18. (ASKED OF HALF SAMPLE) Do you think (the United States must win the war in Afghanistan in order for the broader war on terrorism to be a success), or do you think (the war on terrorism can be a success without the United States winning the war in Afghanistan)?
US must win war in Can be a success without US No
Afghanistan for success winning war in Afghanistan opinion
7/13/08 51 42 7
19. Regardless of who you may support, who do you trust more to handle [ITEM] - (Obama) or (McCain)?
7/13/08 - Summary Table*
Both Neither No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. The economy 54 35 2 6 3
b. The war in Iraq 45 47 1 4 3
c. Immigration issues 48 38 4 7 3
d. The U.S. campaign
against terrorism 43 49 2 4 1
e. The federal budget
deficit 50 36 3 8 3
f. The situation
involving Israel and
the Palestinians 42 44 2 5 6
g. International affairs 45 45 2 3 4
h. Social issues, such as
abortion and gay civil
unions 56 32 2 5 6
i. An unexpected major
crisis 41 50 3 3 3
j. The situation
involving Iran 44 46 1 6 4
*Full sample asked items a-b, half sample asked items c-f, other half sample asked items g-j.
Trend where available:
a. The economy
Both Neither No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 54 35 2 6 3
6/15/08 52 36 2 5 5
5/11/08 48 38 2 8 4
3/2/08 49 37 2 6 6
b. The war in Iraq
7/13/08 45 47 1 4 3
6/15/08 46 47 * 3 4
5/11/08 46 45 1 5 3
3/2/08 43 48 1 4 5
c. Immigration issues
7/13/08 48 38 4 7 3
5/11/08 37 42 3 10 7
3/2/08 35 48 3 6 8
d. The U.S. campaign against terrorism
7/13/08 43 49 2 4 1
6/15/08 39 53 2 3 4
5/11/08 34 55 4 4 3
3/2/08 33 58 2 3 5
e. No trend.
f. No trend.
g. International affairs
7/13/08 45 45 2 3 4
6/15/08 43 49 2 2 3
h. No trend.
i. No trend.
j. No trend.
20. Please tell me whether the following statement applies to (Obama/McCain), or not?
7/13/08 - Summary Table*
----- Obama ------ ----- McCain -----
Yes No No opin. Yes No No opin.
a. He would be a good commander-
in-chief of the military 48 48 4 72 25 4
b. He's been flip-flopping on
the issues 49 44 7 47 45 8
c. He shares your values 56 39 5 47 49 4
d. Some things about him worry
you 66 33 1 74 23 3
e. He knows enough about world
affairs to serve effectively
as president 56 42 2 72 24 3
*Full sample asked item a; half sample asked items b-c, other half sample asked items d-e.
Trend where available:
a. He would be a good commander-in-chief of the military
---- Obama ----- ---- McCain ----
No No
Yes No op. Yes No op.
7/13/08 48 48 4 72 25 4
2/6/00 NA NA NA 56 32 12
Compare to:
----- Gore ----- ----- Bush -----
Yes No No op. Yes No No op.
Registered Voters:
9/6/00 54 40 6 65 27 8
2/6/00 45 48 8 58 35 7
General Population:
2/6/00 45 47 8 57 35 8
b. No trend.
c. He shares your values
---- Obama ----- ---- McCain ----
No No
Yes No op. Yes No op.
7/13/08 56 39 5 47 49 4
Compare to:
---- Kerry ---- ---- Bush -----
No No
Yes No op. Yes No op.
11/2/05 NA NA NA 40 58 2
4/24/05 NA NA NA 47 51 2
1/16/05 NA NA NA 54 45 1
5/23/04 48 46 6 49 50 1
d. Some things about him worry you
---- Obama ----- ---- McCain ----
No No
Yes No op. Yes No op.
7/13/08 66 33 1 74 23 3
2/6/00 NA NA NA 55 36 10
1/16/00 NA NA NA 50 37 13
Compare to:
------ Gore ----- ------ Bush ------
Yes No No opin. Yes No No opin.
2/6/00 62 35 3 59 38 3
1/16/00 65 31 4 59 36 5
e. He knows enough about world affairs to serve effectively as president
---- Obama ----- ---- McCain ----
No No
Yes No op. Yes No op.
7/13/08 56 42 2 72 24 3
2/6/00 NA NA NA 52 34 13
Compare to:
----- Gore ----- ----- Bush -----
Yes No No op. Yes No No op.
Registered Voters:
9/6/00 73 25 2 54 40 6
7/23/00 67 29 4 52 42 5
General Population:
7/23/00 66 29 5 52 42 6
4/2/00 71 23 6 57 36 7
2/27/00 70 25 5 55 39 6
2/6/00 69 26 5 52 42 6
1/16/00 65 28 8 49 40 10
12/15/99 68 27 6 54 38 8
11/14/99 NA NA NA 59 36 6
21. Regardless of who you may support, who do you think [ITEM] - (Obama) or (McCain)?
7/13/08 - Summary Table
Both Neither No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) opinion
a. is more honest and
trustworthy 45 38 6 7 4
b. is more consistent in his
positions 45 43 3 5 4
c. has better knowledge of
world affairs 26 63 4 3 4
d. would do more to improve
America's image abroad 62 30 2 3 2
Trend where available:
a. No trend.
b. No trend.
c. has better knowledge of world affairs
Both Neither No
Obama McCain (vol.) (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 26 63 4 3 4
5/11/08 24 65 4 2 5
3/2/08 24 64 4 3 5
d. No trend.
22. Which of these is more important to you in a candidate for president: (strength and experience) or (a new direction and new ideas)?
Strength and New direction Both Neither No
experience and new ideas (vol.) (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 46 47 5 * 1
6/15/08 43 50 6 1 1
5/11/08 47 43 9 1 1
4/13/08 49 43 6 1 1
3/2/08 45 46 7 1 1
2/1/08 51 39 7 1 1
1/12/08 47 43 9 * 1
12/9/07 54 38 6 * 1
11/1/07 49 41 8 1 1
9/30/07 52 40 7 1 1
7/21/07 50 41 6 * 2
23. On major issues, do you think it's better for a candidate to (hold positions without changing them), or to (adjust his positions to changing circumstances)?
Hold Adjust No
positions positions opinion
7/13/08 18 78 3
24. Overall, do you think (ITEM) would help or hurt his ability to serve effectively as president? Would it help/hurt a great deal or somewhat?
7/13/08 - Summary Table
-------- Help -------- -------- Hurt -------- No diff. No
NET Great deal Smwht NET Smwht Great deal (vol.) op.
a. Obama's level
of experience 40 17 23 49 28 22 6 4
b. McCain's age 33 12 22 43 26 17 21 2
Trend where available:
a. Obama's level of experience
-------- Help -------- -------- Hurt -------- No diff. No
NET Great deal Smwht NET Smwht Great deal (vol.) op.
7/13/08 40 17 23 49 28 22 6 4
4/13/08 38 16 22 51 26 25 6 6
b. No trend
25. Do you think (Obama/McCain) has been clear or unclear in his position on withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq?
7/13/08 - Summary Table
Clear Unclear No opinion
Barack Obama 56 38 7
John McCain 60 34 6
26. Obama has proposed a timetable to withdraw most U.S. forces from Iraq within 16 months of his taking office. McCain has opposed a specific timetable and said events should dictate when troops are withdrawn. Which approach do you prefer - a timetable or no timetable?
Timetable No timetable No opinion
7/13/08 50 49 1
27. Would you say (Obama/McCain) is more of an optimist, or more of a pessimist?
7/13/08 - Summary Table
Optimist Pessimist No opinion
Barack Obama 79 12 9
John McCain 54 33 12
28. Do you think (Obama/McCain) has or has not done enough to explain why he wants to be president?
7/13/08 - Summary Table
Has done Has not done No
enough enough opinion
Barack Obama 69 27 4
John McCain 60 36 4
29. Change has been a theme of Obama's campaign. Do you think he has or has not done enough to explain what he means by that?
Has done Has not done No
enough enough opinion
7/13/08 47 48 4
30. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) Who did you want to see win the Democratic nomination for president this year - (Hillary Clinton) or (Barack Obama)?
NET LEANED SUPPORT
Hillary Barack Other Neither No
Clinton Obama (vol.) (vol.) opinion
7/13/08 41 54 2 3 1
6/15/08 39 59 1 1 1
31. All in all, how financially secure do you feel - (very secure, somewhat secure, somewhat insecure, or very insecure)?
------ Secure ------- ----- Insecure ------ No
NET Very Somewhat NET Somewhat Very opinion
7/13/08 63 21 42 36 21 15 1
32. Is your financial situation a major cause of stress in your life, a minor cause, or not a cause of stress in your life?
Major Minor Not a cause No opinion
7/13/08 23 42 34 1
10/29/97 23 41 35 *
7/21/96 23 49 28 *
33. On another subject, 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
7/13/08 78 18 5
1/15/01 75 22 3
5/23/93 63 35 2
34. 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
7/13/08 75 22 3
1/15/01 62 35 3
5/23/93 44 55 2
901. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as:
Democrat Republican Independent Other No op.
7/13/08 37 24 33 6 1
6/15/08 38 24 34 4 1
5/11/08 34 28 34 4 1
4/13/08 35 29 30 5 1
3/2/08 40 28 28 3 1
2/1/08 37 26 32 4 1
1/12/08 39 27 29 5 1
12/9/07 37 24 33 5 1
11/1/07 35 29 31 4 1
9/30/07 33 24 36 6 1
9/7/07 31 24 38 6 1
7/21/07 35 23 35 6 *
6/1/07 32 25 38 5 1
4/15/07 36 25 33 6 *
2/25/07 35 26 35 3 1
1/19/07 36 24 35 5 1
12/11/06 34 24 36 5 1
11/4/06 33 30 32 3 2
10/22/06 30 28 36 4 2
10/8/06 38 27 31 3 1
9/7/06 33 32 30 3 2
8/6/06 34 27 34 4 1
6/25/06 33 28 35 3 *
5/15/06 34 28 33 4 1
5/11/06 33 30 33 3 1
4/9/06 34 29 34 3 0
3/5/06 32 28 36 3 1
1/26/06 32 27 34 6 *
1/8/06 31 30 34 5 1
12/18/05 33 32 33 2 *
11/2/05 31 27 38 3 1
9/11/05 31 27 34 8 1
9/2/05 32 31 31 5 2
8/28/05 32 29 33 5 1
6/26/05 34 28 32 5 1
6/5/05 30 31 34 4 *
4/24/05 35 28 32 5 *
904. Do you lean more towards the:
Democratic Party Republican Party (VOL) Neither No op.
7/13/08 39 34 25 1
6/15/08 43 37 19 2
5/11/08 50 29 19 2
4/13/08 42 37 19 2
3/2/08 46 26 22 5
2/1/08 43 30 23 4
1/12/08 38 26 32 4
12/9/07 39 32 24 4
11/1/07 42 34 22 2
9/30/07 38 34 27 1
9/7/07 40 27 28 5
7/21/07 42 34 22 1
6/1/07 45 27 26 2
4/15/07 39 30 29 2
2/25/07 42 33 24 1
1/19/07 50 27 20 3
12/11/06 44 32 23 1
NET LEANED PARTY:
Democrat Republican Independent Other No op.
7/13/08 52 38 8 2 *
6/15/08 54 38 7 1 *
5/11/08 53 39 6 2 *
4/13/08 50 42 6 2 *
3/2/08 55 36 7 1 1
2/1/08 53 37 8 2 1
1/12/08 52 36 9 3 *
12/9/07 53 36 8 3 *
11/1/07 50 41 6 2 1
9/30/07 50 38 9 2 *
9/7/07 49 36 11 3 1
7/21/07 53 38 7 3 0
6/1/07 52 36 10 2 1
4/15/07 51 37 10 2 *
2/25/07 52 39 8 1 *
1/19/07 56 34 7 2 *
12/11/06 52 38 7 3 *
905. Are you registered to vote at your present address, or not?
Yes No No opinion
7/13/08 81 19 1
6/15/08 81 18 1
5/11/08 82 18 *
4/13/08 83 17 *
3/2/08 84 15 1
2/1/08 80 19 1
1/12/08 82 17 1
12/9/07 82 18 1
11/1/07 81 19 1
9/30/07 81 18 1
9/7/07 80 19 1
7/21/07 84 16 *
6/1/07 82 18 *
4/15/07 85 15 *
2/25/07 84 16 *
1/19/07 80 20 *
12/11/06 84 16 *
11/4/06 80 19 *
10/22/06 78 22 3
10/8/06 85 15 *
9/7/06 81 19 *
8/6/06 85 15 0
6/25/06 83 17 1
5/15/06 83 17 *
5/11/06 84 16 *
4/9/06 83 17 0
1/26/06 81 19 *
12/18/05 86 14 *
11/2/05 86 14 *
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.
7/15/08 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
909. What was the last grade of school you completed?
Less than high school 15 Graduated high school 31 Some college 23 Graduated College 19 Post-graduate 11
910. What is your age?
18-29 21 30-39 17 40-49 20 50-64 24 65+ 17
911. What, if anything, is your religion?
Christian Other Non- No
Protestant Catholic (Non-Protestant) Christian None op.
7/13/08 44 21 12 4 16 *
6/15/08 42 24 12 5 15 *
5/11/08 42 22 15 4 15 *
4/13/08 45 22 14 4 13 1
3/2/08 42 21 12 5 17 *
2/1/08 42 21 13 5 17 *
1/12/08 44 21 14 4 15 *
12/9/07 43 21 13 4 16 1
11/1/07 46 21 15 6 13 1
9/30/07 44 21 14 6 15 *
9/7/07 46 21 14 4 13 *
7/21/07 46 20 14 5 12 *
6/1/07 44 22 14 4 15 1
4/15/07 42 21 17 5 13 1
2/25/07 44 21 14 6 14 *
1/19/07 44 23 10 5 14 1
12/11/06 42 21 12 2 16 1
11/4/06 48 23 12 2 12 1
10/22/06 44 21 14 3 15 1
10/8/06 44 19 13 5 15 *
9/7/06 46 19 12 6 14 1
8/6/06 45 23 12 3 16 1
6/25/06 45 23 12 4 14 *
5/15/06 46 22 14 4 12 *
5/11/06 46 24 10 4 13 1
4/9/06 42 24 14 5 14 *
3/5/06 44 21 14 4 14 *
1/26/06 46 24 11 4 14 1
1/8/06 45 20 12 4 15 1
12/18/05 44 21 13 3 15 1
11/2/05 46 21 11 6 15 *
9/11/05 44 23 12 3 15 *
8/28/05 44 23 14 3 13 1
6/26/05 46 22 10 4 16 *
6/5/05 47 23 11 4 14 *
4/24/05 47 21 12 4 14 1
911b. (IF CHRISTIAN) Would you consider yourself a born-again or evangelical Christian, or not?
Yes No No opin.
7/13/08 45 51 4
6/15/08 40 57 3
5/11/08 40 56 4
4/13/08 43 54 3
3/2/08 42 56 2
2/1/08 43 56 2
1/12/08 40 57 3
12/9/07 44 54 2
11/1/07 41 56 3
9/30/07 42 55 3
9/7/07 44 54 3
7/21/07 45 54 1
6/1/07 42 56 3
4/15/07 40 58 2
2/25/07 42 55 3
1/19/07 43 55 2
12/11/06 44 53 3
11/4/06 43 55 2
10/22/06 43 53 4
10/8/06 44 55 1
9/7/06 45 53 2
8/6/06 46 51 3
6/25/06 42 55 3
5/15/06 42 56 1
5/11/06 38 60 2
4/9/06 40 59 1
3/5/06 46 53 1
1/26/06 44 54 2
1/8/06 45 51 3
12/18/05 43 54 2
11/2/05 41 57 2
9/11/05 40 58 2
8/28/05 43 54 3
6/26/05 42 55 3
6/5/05 44 54 2
4/24/05 42 56 2
912b. Are you, or is anyone in your household, a military veteran?
------------------ Yes ------------------
Resp Other HH Both resp and
NET is member is other HH member are No No op.
7/13/08 30 12 17 2 70 *
3/2/08 28 12 14 1 72 *
2/1/08 25 10 13 1 75 0
9/30/07 30 13 16 1 70 0
9/7/07 28 13 14 1 72 *
4/15/07 31 14 16 1 69 *
2/25/07 26 13 12 1 74 0
1/19/07 31 14 16 1 69 *
12/11/06 28 13 14 1 72 *
914. Are you:
Never
Married Separated Divorced Widowed Married
7/13/08 55 3 10 8 25
6/15/08 53 2 10 9 26
5/11/08 55 2 9 8 25
4/13/08 53 1 12 8 26
3/2/08 54 3 10 7 27
2/1/08 56 3 10 8 24
916. Do you or does anyone in your household belong to a labor union, or not?
------------------ Yes ------------------
Resp Other HH Both resp and
NET is member is other HH member are No No op.
7/13/08 14 8 5 1 85 *
9/30/07 16 9 6 1 83 1
6/1/07 14 7 6 1 85 *
4/15/07 15 8 5 1 85 0
2/25/07 17 10 6 2 83 *
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+
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
Q921. Sex
Male 48 Female 52
***END***
