Hot Topics
Survey Reports
December 14, 2005
Public Unmoved by Washington's Rhetoric on Iraq
Questionnaire
PEW RESEARCH CENTER FOR THE PEOPLE & THE PRESS
DECEMBER 2005 NEWS INTEREST INDEX
FINAL TOPLINE
December 7-11, 2005
N=1,502
Q.1 Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as
president? [IF DK ENTER AS DK. IF DEPENDS PROBE ONCE WITH: Overall do you approve
or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?
[IF STILL DEPENDS ENTER AS DK]
App- Dis- Don't
rove approve know
December, 2005 38 54 8=100
Early November, 2005 36 55 9=100
Late October, 2005 40 52 8=100
Early October, 2005 38 56 6=100
September 8-11, 2005 40 52 8=100
September 6-7, 2005 40 52 8=100
July, 2005 44 48 8=100
July 7-10, 2005 47 46 7=100
June, 2005 42 49 10=100
May, 2005 43 50 7=100
Late March, 2005 49 46 5=100
Mid-March, 2005 45 46 9=100
February, 2005 46 47 7=100
January, 2005 50 43 7=100
2004
December, 2004 48 44 8=100
Mid-October, 2004 44 48 8=100
August, 2004 46 45 9=100
July, 2004 46 46 8=100
June, 2004 48 43 9=100
May, 2004 44 48 8=100
Late April, 2004 48 43 9=100
Early April, 2004 43 47 10=100
Late March, 2004 47 44 9=100
Mid-March, 2004 46 47 7=100
February, 2004 48 44 8=100
Mid-January, 2004 56 34 10=100
Early January, 2004 58 35 7=100
2003
December, 2003 57 34 9=100
November, 2003 50 40 10=100
October, 2003 50 42 8=100
September, 2003 55 36 9=100
Mid-August, 2003 56 32 12=100
Early August, 2003 53 37 10=100
Mid-July, 2003 58 32 10=100
Early July, 2003 60 29 11=100
June, 2003 62 27 11=100
May, 2003 65 27 8=100
April 10-16, 2003 72 22 6=100
April 9, 2003 74 20 6=100
April 2-7, 2003 69 25 6=100
March 28-April 1, 2003 71 23 6=100
March 25-27, 2003 70 24 6=100
March 20-24, 2003 67 26 7=100
March 13-16, 2003 55 34 11=100
February, 2003 54 36 10=100
January, 2003 58 32 10=100
2002
December, 2002 61 28 11=100
Late October, 2002 59 29 12=100
Early October, 2002 61 30 9=100
Mid-September, 2002 67 22 11=100
Early September, 2002 63 26 11=100
Late August, 2002 60 27 13=100
August, 2002 67 21 12=100
Late July, 2002 65 25 10=100
July, 2002 67 21 12=100
June, 2002 70 20 10=100
April, 2002 69 18 13=100
Early April, 2002 74 16 10=100
February, 2002 78 13 9=100
January, 2002 80 11 9=100
2001
Mid-November, 2001 84 9 7=100
Early October, 2001 84 8 8=100
Late September, 2001 86 7 7=100
Mid-September, 2001 80 9 11=100
Early September, 2001 51 34 15=100
August, 2001 50 32 18=100
July, 2001 51 32 17=100
June, 2001 50 33 17=100
May, 2001 53 32 15=100
April, 2001 56 27 17=100
March, 2001 55 25 20=100
February, 2001 53 21 26=100
IF APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE (1,2 IN Q.1) ASK:
Q.1a Do you (approve/disapprove) very strongly, or not so strongly?
March Dec Nov Sept June April
2005 2004 2003 2003 2002 2001
38 Approve 49 48 50 55 70 56
26 Very strongly 32 34 34 35 46 34
11 Not so strongly 16 12 14 18 21 20
1 Don't know (VOL) 1 2 2 2 3 2
54 Disapprove 46 44 40 36 20 27
42 Very strongly 36 35 30 27 8 18
11 Not so strongly 10 8 9 9 12 9
1 Don't know (VOL) * 1 1 * 0 *
8 Don't know/Refused 5 8 10 9 10 17
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=761]:
More specifically
Q.2 Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling [INSERT
ITEM, RANDOMIZE]
Approve Disapprove DK/Ref.
a.F1 The economy 38 55 7=100
Late October, 2005 36 56 8=100
Early September, 2005 33 60 7=100
July, 2005 38 53 9=100
Mid-May, 2005 35 57 8=100
February, 2005 43 50 7=100
January, 2005 45 50 5=100
Mid-October, 2004 38 55 7=100
Early September, 2004 44 49 7=100
August, 2004 42 52 6=100
July, 2004 42 52 6=100
June, 2004 43 50 7=100
Early April, 2004 39 53 8=100
Mid-January, 2004 47 47 6=100
September, 2003 43 48 9=100
February, 2003 43 48 9=100
January, 2003 47 45 8=100
Early October, 2002 49 40 11=100
June, 2002 53 36 11=100
January, 2002 60 28 12=100
Early September, 2001 47 44 9=100
February, 2001 50 22 28=100
b.F1 The situation in Iraq 36 58 6=100
Late October, 2005 37 57 6=100
Early September, 2005 34 58 8=100
July, 2005 35 57 8=100
Mid-May, 2005 37 56 7=100
February, 2005 40 53 7=100
January, 2005 45 50 5=100
Mid-October, 2004 37 56 7=100
Early September, 2004 47 45 8=100
August, 2004 43 52 5=100
July, 2004 42 53 5=100
June, 2004 42 51 7=100
Late April, 2004 44 48 8=100
Early April, 2004 40 53 7=100
Mid-January, 2004 59 37 4=100
September, 2003 52 40 8=100
April 10-16, 2003 77 17 6=100
April 8-9, 2003 71 23 6=100
--April 9, 2003 76 18 6=100
--April 8, 2003 65 28 7=100
April 2-7, 2003 73 21 6=100
March 28-April 1, 2003 69 26 5=100
March 25-27, 2003 73 23 4=100
March 23-24, 2003 72 22 6=100
March 20-22, 2003 70 23 7=100
February, 2003 56 37 7=100
January, 2003 56 36 8=100
Early October, 2002 56 34 10=100
c.F1 Terrorist threats 49 44 7=100
Late October, 2005 52 40 8=100
Early September, 2005 49 41 10=100
July, 2005 49 40 11=100
Mid-May, 2005 57 35 8=100
February, 2005 59 34 7=100
January, 2005 62 33 5=100
Mid-October, 2004 49 40 11=100
Early September, 2004 62 32 6=100
August, 2004 58 37 5=100
July, 2004 54 40 6=100
June, 2004 56 35 9=100
Late April, 2004 55 36 9=100
Early April, 2004 53 38 9=100
Gallup: December, 2003 65 33 2=100
September, 2003 64 28 8=100
February, 2003 67 25 8=100
January, 2003 69 23 8=100
Early October, 2002 71 22 7=100
June, 2002 74 18 8=100
Mid-September, 2001 85 6 9=100
Clinton: Early Sept, 1998 72 20 8=100
d.F1 Tax policy 36 51 13=100
February, 2003 42 44 14=100
June, 2002 45 39 16=100
FOX News: Jan, 2002 (RVs) 58 28 14=100
FOX News: June, 2001 (RVs) 59 29 12=100
FOX News: March, 2001 (RVs) 54 31 15=100
NO QUESTIONS 3-6
ASK ALL:
Q.7 Now I will read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past
month. As I read each item, tell me if you happened to follow this news story very closely,
fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. [INSERT ITEM; RANDOMIZE; OBSERVE FORM SPLITS]
Very Fairly Not too Not at all DK/
Closely Closely Closely Closely Ref
a. News about the current situation in Iraq 45 38 11 5 1=100
Early November, 2005 41 40 13 6 *=100
Early October, 2005 43 36 15 6 *=100
Early September, 2005 32 40 20 7 1=100
July, 2005 43 37 13 6 1=100
June, 2005 41 39 12 7 1=100
Mid-May, 2005 42 42 11 5 *=100
Mid-March, 2005 40 39 14 5 2=100
February, 2005 38 45 13 4 *=100
January, 2005 48 37 11 4 *=100
December, 2004 34 44 15 6 1=100
Mid-October, 2004 42 38 11 8 1=100
Early September, 2004 47 37 9 6 1=100
August, 2004 39 42 12 6 1=100
July, 2004 43 40 11 6 *=100
June, 2004 39 42 12 6 1=100
April, 2004 54 33 8 5 *=100
Mid-March, 2004 47 36 12 4 1=100
Early February, 2004 47 38 10 4 1=100
Mid-January, 2004 48 39 9 4 *=100
December, 2003 44 38 11 6 1=100
November, 2003 52 33 9 5 1=100
October, 2003 38 40 14 7 1=100
September, 2003 50 33 10 6 1=100
Mid-August, 2003 45 39 10 5 1=100
Early July, 2003 37 41 13 8 1=100
June, 2003 46 35 13 6 *=100
May, 2003 63 29 6 2 *=100
April 11-16, 2003 47 40 10 2 1=100
April 2-7, 2003 54 34 9 2 1=100
March 20-24, 2003 57 33 7 2 1=100
March 13-16, 2003 62 27 6 4 1=100
February, 2003 62 25 8 4 1=100
January, 2003 55 29 10 4 2=100
December, 2002 51 32 10 6 1=100
Late October, 2002 53 33 8 5 1=100
Early October, 2002 60 28 6 5 1=100
Early September, 2002 48 29 15 6 2=100
ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=761]:
b.F1 The high price of gasoline these days 61 27 7 4 1=100
Early November, 2005 61 27 9 2 1=100
Late October, 2005 67 23 7 3 *=100
Early October, 2005 65 25 6 3 1=100
Early September, 2005 71 19 7 3 *=100
Mid-May, 2005 58 27 9 5 1=100
Mid-March, 2005 50 32 13 5 *=100
Mid-October, 2004 64 22 8 5 1=100
August, 2004 52 29 10 8 1=100
July, 2004 56 25 11 7 1=100
June, 2004 58 26 9 6 1=100
April, 2004 46 30 15 8 1=100
Early April, 2004 58 23 10 8 1=100
Mid-March, 2004 47 27 14 10 2=100
September, 2003 45 27 15 11 1=100
March, 2003 52 27 11 9 1=100
February, 2003 53 25 12 9 1=100
June, 2001 56 31 7 5 1=100
May, 2001 61 26 6 6 1=100
Early October, 2000 56 25 12 6 1=100
June, 2000 61 25 9 5 *=100
March, 2000 58 28 10 4 *=100
October, 1990 62 26 8 4 *=100
September, 1990 56 28 11 5 *=100
August, 1990 57 27 10 5 1=100
ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=741]:
c.F2 Reports about the condition of the
U.S. economy 35 35 18 11 1=100
Early November, 2005 35 39 17 9 *=100
Mid-May, 2005 30 39 19 11 1=100
January, 2005 35 41 17 7 *=100
Mid-October, 2004 30 43 16 10 1=100
Early September, 2004 39 34 15 11 1=100
Mid-January, 2004 37 41 15 7 *=100
December, 2003 35 38 14 11 2=100
November, 2003 40 34 15 10 1=100
October, 2003 32 39 16 12 1=100
September, 2003 39 30 18 12 1=100
March, 2003 40 35 16 8 1=100
February, 2003 42 33 15 10 *=100
January, 2003 40 35 13 11 1=100
December, 2002 38 34 17 10 1=100
February, 2002 35 40 15 9 1=100
January, 2002 30 44 16 9 1=100
December, 2001 37 40 13 8 2=100
Mid-November, 2001 41 36 15 7 1=100
June, 2001 24 41 18 16 1=100
May, 2001 34 36 15 15 0=100
April, 2001 36 34 16 13 1=100
February, 2001 30 39 18 12 1=100
January, 2001 32 38 17 11 2=100
June, 1995 26 41 22 11 *=100
March, 1995 27 45 19 9 *=100
February, 1995 23 41 22 13 1=100
December, 1994 28 43 20 9 *=100
October, 1994 27 40 20 12 1=100
June, 1994 25 42 23 10 *=100
May, 1994 33 40 16 10 1=100
January, 1994 34 39 16 10 1=100
Early January, 1994 36 44 13 7 *=100
December, 1993 35 41 15 8 1=100
October, 1993 33 38 20 9 *=100
September, 1993 37 40 14 8 1=100
Early September, 1993 39 39 14 9 *=100
August, 1993 41 36 14 9 *=100
May, 1993 37 38 18 6 1=100
February, 1993 49 36 10 5 *=100
January, 1993 42 39 12 7 *=100
September, 1992 43 37 13 6 1=100
May, 1992 39 39 15 6 1=100
March, 1992 47 38 11 4 *=100
February, 1992 47 37 10 6 *=100
January, 1992 44 40 11 5 *=100
October, 1991 36 38 16 9 1=100
d.F2 The nomination of Samuel Alito
to the Supreme Court 14 20 31 32 3=100
Early November, 2005 21 28 24 25 2=100
Early October, 2005 Harriet Miers 22 33 21 23 1=100
Early September, 2005 John Roberts 18 26 25 29 2=100
August, 1993 Ruth Bader Ginsburg 18 30 27 24 1=100
October, 1991 Clarence Thomas 28 35 18 18 1=100
July, 1991 Clarence Thomas 33 33 19 14 1=100
August, 1990 David Souter 16 27 27 29 1=100
September, 1987 Robert Bork 17 23 29 29 2=100
ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=761]:
e.F1 The major job cuts announced by
General Motors 22 30 26 21 1=100
January, 1992 35 38 18 9 *=100
ASK ALL:
f. Changes to the prescription drug coverage
provided by Medicare 25 24 29 20 2=100
Dec, 2003 Medicare reform legislation 25 28 22 23 2=100
g. Rebuilding efforts in areas affected
by Hurricane Katrina 39 40 15 5 1=100
Early Oct,2005 Impact of Katrina and Rita 73 21 4 2 *=100
Early September, 2005 Impact of Katrina 70 21 7 2 *=100
ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=761]:
ROTATE Q.8F1 AND Q.9F1
Q.8F1 In general, do you think news reports are making the situation in Iraq seem
WORSE than it really is or BETTER than it really is, or are reports showing the
situation about the way it really is?
Mid-
Sept Oct
2005 2003
39 Worse 35 38
19 Better 19 14
35 About the way it really is 38 36
7 Don't know/Refused 8 12
100 100 100
Q.9F1 In general, do you think news reports are making the U.S. economy seem WORSE
than it really is, or BETTER than it really is, or are reports showing the
situation about the way it really is?
39 Worse
18 Better
36 About the way it really is
7 Don't know/Refused
100
NO QUESTIONS 10-13
QUESTIONS 14-15 HELD FOR FUTURE RELEASE
NO QUESTIONS 16-19
On a different subject
ROTATE Q.20 AND Q.21
Q.20 Which comes closer to your view? Abortion should be generally available to those
who want it; Abortion should be available but under stricter limits than it is
now; Abortion should be against the law except in cases of rape, incest and to
save the woman's life; Abortion should not be permitted at all.
Late CBS/NYT
Nov* July June June Feb
2005 2005 1997 1996 1996
35 Generally available 30 35 30 32 36
20 Available, but under stricter limits 19 23 21 24 22
31 Against law except rape/incest/save life 31 31 36 33 34
11 Abortion should not be permitted at all 16 9 12 9 7
3 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) 4 2 1 2 1
100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.21 Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of murder?
Late Mid-
Nov* July**July March March Sept June
2005 2005 2003 2002 2001 1999 1996
62 Favor 61 68 64 67 66 74 78
30 Oppose 27 24 30 26 27 22 18
8 Don't know/Ref. (VOL.) 12 8 6 7 7 4 4
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
* In Late November 2005 these questions were asked in a unique context, following a long series of questions
about euthanasia and end-of-life decisions. This context may have affected responses to these questions.
** In July 2005 and earlier, the question was asked as part of a series of items. It was worded:
“I’d like to get your views on some issues that are being discussed in this country today.
All in all, do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose the death penalty for
persons convicted of murder?”
QUESTIONS 22-26 HELD FOR FUTURE RELEASE
On a different subject
Q.27F2 From what you've seen and heard so far, do you think the Senate should or should
not confirm Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court?
Early Harriet Miers John Roberts
Nov Early Oct Mid-Sept Early Sept
2005 2005 2005 2005
32 Should 40 33 46 35
19 Should not 23 27 21 19
49 Don't know/Refused 37 40 33 46
100 100 100 100 100
Q.28F2 Do you worry that Samuel Alito would make the Supreme Court too conservative,
not conservative enough, or don't you worry about this?
Harriet John Next Supreme
Early Miers Roberts Court Appt.
Nov Early Oct Early Oct July
2005 2005 2005 2005*
21 Too conservative 25 18 20 31
6 Not conservative enough 6 8 9 19
53 Don't worry about this 56 56 60 44
20 Don't know/Refused 13 18 11 6
100 100 100 100 100
* In July 2005 the question was worded “Do you worry that the president’s next Supreme Court
appointment will make the court ...”
Q.29F2 If Samuel Alito is confirmed to sit on the Supreme Court, do you think he would
vote to OVERTURN the Roe versus Wade decision that established a woman's right
to an abortion, or don't you think he would vote to overturn the Roe versus Wade decision?
27 Would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade
26 Would NOT vote to overturn Roe v. Wade
4 Not important / Doesn't matter (VOL.)
43 Don't know/Refused
100
ASK ALL:
Q.30 There is now a new Medicare law that includes some coverage of prescription drug
costs. Overall, would you say you strongly approve, approve, DISapprove, or
strongly disapprove of the way Medicare will now cover prescription drug costs?
Dec 2003*
13 Strongly approve 12
35 Approve 43
20 Disapprove 17
10 Strongly disapprove 10
22 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) 18
100 100
* In December 2003 the question was worded “As you may know, Congress passed a new Medicare
law that includes some coverage of prescription drug costs and changes the way Medicare
covers other medical expenses for senior citizens. Overall, would you say you strongly
approve, approve, DISapprove, or strongly disapprove of these recent changes?”
Q.31 Please tell me what first comes to mind when you think about the new Medicare
prescription drug program just the first word or thought that comes to mind.
(OPEN-END. PROBE ONCE IF RESPONDENT ANSWERS "DON'T KNOW". ACCEPT UP TO TWO
RESPONSES, BUT DO NOT PROBE FOR SECOND RESPONSE).
44 NEGATIVE EVALUATIONS (NET)
14 Complicated/confusing
9 Costly/Expensive (SUB-NET)
3 Costly to seniors/high deductible/loss of prior coverage/can't afford it
2 Cost to government/inefficient/deficits/higher taxes
4 Cost generally
3 Scam/boondoggle/drug company/corporate scheme
3 Unfair/inequitable
3 Doesn't go far enough
2 Big government/socialism/welfare/bureaucracy
2 Not enough drug choices/limited options
9 Other negatives
20 POSITIVE EVALUATIONS (NET)
6 Helpful/helps seniors
2 Timely/necessary
1 Affordability of drugs/cheaper drugs
1 Helps low income/poor
1 Saves money/efficient
10 Other positives
10 NEUTRAL EVALUATIONS (NET)
4 Mentions parents/grandparents/older people
2 Good step, but not enough
1 Not eligible/doesn't affect me/don't want it
1 Better than nothing/could be better
3 Other Neutral
7 All other mentions
19 Nothing/Don't know
ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=741]:
Q.32 On balance, do you think the new Medicare prescription drug plan will be very
good, good, bad, or very bad for [READ AND RANDOMIZE]?
(VOL)
Very Very Not much DK/
Good Good Bad bad affected ref.
a.F2 Seniors on Medicare 11 42 21 9 1 16=100
b.F2 Drug companies 22 36 17 3 3 19=100
c.F2 The financial stability of Medicare 5 36 28 7 2 22=100
d.F2 The federal budget deficit 4 23 30 12 6 25=100
ASK ALL:
Q.33 Are you yourself eligible for the new Medicare prescription drug program?
22 Yes, eligible for new Medicare program
71 No, not eligible
7 Don't know/Refused
100
IF 'NO' OR 'DK' (2,9 IN Q.33) [N=1,129] ASK:
Q.34 Do you have a close family member who is eligible?
45 Yes, close family member is eligible
27 No, not eligible
6 Don't know/Refused
78%
NO QUESTION 35
QUESTIONS 36-46 HELD FOR FUTURE RELEASE
NO QUESTIONS 47-49
Turning to the subject of Iraq
Q.50 Do you think the U.S. made the right decision or the wrong decision in using
military force against Iraq?
Right Wrong Don't know/
decision decision Refused
December, 2005 47 48 5=100
Late October, 2005 48 45 7=100
Early October, 2005 44 50 6=100
Mid-September, 2005 49 44 7=100
July, 2005 49 44 7=100
June, 2005 47 45 8=100
February, 2005 47 47 6=100
January, 2005 51 44 5=100
December, 2004 49 44 7=100
November, 2004 (RVs) 48 41 11=100
Mid-October, 2004 46 42 12=100
Early October, 2004 50 39 11=100
Early September, 2004 53 39 8=100
August, 2004 53 41 6=100
July, 2004 52 43 5=100
June, 2004 55 38 7=100
May, 2004 51 42 7=100
Late April, 2004 54 37 9=100
Early April, 2004 57 35 8=100
Mid-March, 2004 55 39 6=100
Late February, 2004 60 32 8=100
Early February, 2004 56 39 5=100
Mid-January, 2004 65 30 5=100
Early January, 2004 62 28 10=100
December, 2003 67 26 7=100
October, 2003 60 33 7=100
September, 2003 63 31 6=100
August, 2003 63 30 7=100
Early July, 2003 67 24 9=100
May, 2003 74 20 6=100
April 10-16, 2003 74 19 7=100
April 8-9, 2003 74 19 7=100
April 2-7, 2003 72 20 8=100
March 28-April 1, 2003 69 25 6=100
March 25-27, 2003 74 21 5=100
March 23-24, 2003 74 21 5=100
March 20-22, 2003 71 22 7=100
Late January, 1991 77 15 9=100
IF 'WRONG DECISION' (2 IN Q.50) [N=710]:
Q.51 When you say it was the wrong decision, is that [READ AND ROTATE]?
74 Mostly because you don't think we should have gone there in the first place
OR
19 Mostly because of the way things have turned out since we went there
4 Both (VOL.)[PROBE ONCE BEFORE ACCEPTING]
3 Neither (VOL.)
* Other (VOL.)
* Don't know/Refused (VOL.)
100
NO QUESTION 52 OR 53
ASK ALL:
Q.54 How well is the U.S. military effort in Iraq going? [READ IN ORDER]
Very Fairly Not too Not at all Don't know/
well well well well Refused
December, 2005 14 37 29 17 3=100
Early October, 2005 9 35 31 22 3=100
Mid-September, 2005 12 41 26 18 3=100
July, 2005 14 38 27 17 4=100
June, 2005 9 41 27 19 4=100
February, 2005 14 40 25 17 4=100
January, 2005 9 39 29 20 3=100
December, 2004 10 40 28 18 4=100
Mid-October, 2004 13 38 26 17 6=100
Early September, 2004 12 40 26 18 4=100
August, 2004 12 41 28 16 3=100
July, 2004 13 42 26 16 3=100
June, 2004 16 41 25 14 4=100
May, 2004 10 36 32 19 3=100
Late April, 2004 12 43 26 15 4=100
Early April, 2004 14 43 26 13 4=100
Mid-March, 2004 16 45 26 11 2=100
Early February, 2004 17 46 23 11 3=100
Mid-January, 2004 22 51 18 6 3=100
Early January, 2004 23 47 18 7 5=100
December, 2003 28 47 16 6 3=100
October, 2003 16 44 25 11 4=100
September, 2003 15 47 26 9 3=100
August, 2003 19 43 24 11 3=100
Early July, 2003 23 52 16 5 4=100
April 10-16, 2003 61 32 3 1 3=100
April 8-9, 2003 60 32 3 3 2=100
April 2-7, 2003 55 37 3 2 3=100
March 25-April 1, 2003 39 46 8 2 5=100
March 23-24, 2003 45 41 6 2 6=100
March 20-22, 2003 65 25 2 1 7=100
Q.55 Do you think the U.S. should keep military troops in Iraq until the situation
has stabilized, or do you think the U.S. should bring its troops home as soon as
possible?
Keep troops Bring troops Don't know/
in Iraq home Refused
December, 2005 49 46 5=100
Early October, 2005 47 48 5=100
Mid-September, 2005 51 45 4=100
July, 2005 52 43 5=100
June, 2005 50 46 4=100
February, 2005 55 42 3=100
January, 2005 54 41 5=100
December, 2004 56 40 4=100
Mid-October, 2004 57 36 7=100
Early September, 2004 54 40 6=100
August, 2004 54 42 4=100
July, 2004 53 43 4=100
June, 2004 51 44 5=100
May, 2004 53 42 5=100
Late April, 2004 53 40 7=100
Early April, 2004 50 44 6=100
Early January, 2004 63 32 5=100
October, 2003 58 39 3=100
September, 2003 64 32 4=100
IF "BRING TROOPS HOME" (2 IN Q.55) [N=635] ASK:
Q.56 Should the U.S. remove all troops from Iraq immediately, or should the
withdrawal of troops be gradual over the next year or two?
17 Remove all troops immediately
28 Gradual withdrawal over the next year or two
1 Don't know/Refused
46%
NO QUESTION 57 OR 58
ASK ALL:
Q.59 Do you think George W. Bush has a clear plan for bringing the situation in Iraq
to a successful conclusion, or don't you think so?
Has a clear Doesn't have Don't know/
plan a clear plan Refused
December, 2005 28 66 6=100
Mid-September, 2005 30 63 7=100
July, 2005 27 64 9=100
February, 2005 32 61 7=100
Early October, 2004 35 55 10=100
Early September, 2004 36 55 9=100
August, 2004 36 58 6=100
July, 2004 34 59 7=100
June, 2004 37 55 8=100
Late April, 2004 36 54 10=100
Early April, 2004 32 57 11=100
December, 2003 44 45 11=100
October, 2003 35 54 11=100
September, 2003 32 58 10=100
Q.60 Based on what you've seen and read, do most people IN IRAQ support or oppose
America's current policies in Iraq?
Early
July April Dec Sept
2005 2004 2003 2003
38 Support 38 37 47 39
48 Oppose 44 48 34 47
14 Don't know/Refused 18 15 19 14
100 100 100 100 100
Q.61 Do you think the U.S. should or should not set a timetable for when troops will
be withdrawn from Iraq?
Early Oct Mid-Sep July
2005 2005 2005
56 Should set a timetable 52 57 49
38 Should not set a timetable 43 37 45
1 Should get out now (VOL.) 1 1 *
5 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) 4 5 6
100 100 100 100
Q.62 Regardless of your feelings about the original decision to use military force,
do you now believe that the U.S. will definitely succeed, probably succeed,
probably fail, or definitely fail in establishing a stable democratic government
in Iraq?
Late Oct July
2005 2005
16 Definitely succeed 12 17
41 Probably succeed 44 43
28 Probably fail 29 25
9 Definitely fail 8 8
6 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) 7 7
100 100 100
Q.63 As I read a few specific things about Iraq, tell me if you think we are making
progress or losing ground in each area. First, [INSERT ITEM; RANDOMIZE]?
(VOL)
Making Losing No Don't know/
progress ground change Refused
a. Training Iraqi security forces so they
can replace U.S. troops 61 27 1 11=100
b. Reducing the number of civilian
casualties there 35 53 3 9=100
c. Preventing terrorists from using Iraq
as a base for attacks against the U.S.
and its allies 48 41 2 9=100
d. Defeating the insurgents militarily 44 41 3 12=100
e. Establishing democracy in Iraq 58 32 2 8=100
f. Preventing a civil war between various
religious and ethnic groups 36 49 3 12=100
ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=761]:
Q.64F1 If the U.S. were to withdraw its troops from Iraq soon, do you think terrorist
organizations there will become stronger, will become weaker, or would they not
be affected as a result of the withdrawal? [READ]
58 Stronger
13 Weaker
22 Would not be affected
7 Don't know/Refused
100
ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=741]:
Q.65F2 If the U.S. continues to keep troops in Iraq, do you think terrorist
organizations there will become stronger, will become weaker, or would they not
be affected as a result of America's continued presence there? [READ]
30 Stronger
36 Weaker
29 Would not be affected
5 Don't know/Refused
100
Q.66F2 On December 15th, Iraq is scheduled to have its first nationwide election to
choose officials in the new government. How much have you heard about this
A lot, a little, or nothing at all?
Nothing Don't know/
A lot A little at all Refused
December, 2005 22 57 20 1=100
Nationwide Oct 15th Vote on Constitution*
Early November, 2005 (After vote) 22 52 25 1=100
Early October, 2005 (Before vote) 21 50 28 1=100
Nationwide Jan 30th Elections
February, 2005 (After elections) 52 41 7 *=100
January, 2005 (Before elections) 46 40 13 1=100
Handover of Civilian Authority to Iraqi Leaders
June, 2004 (Before handover) 42 40 17 1=100
* In Early November 2005 the question was worded: “A few weeks ago, Iraq held a nationwide vote on the
country’s constitution…” In Early October 2005 the question was worded: “On October 15th, Iraq is
scheduled to have a nationwide vote on the country’s proposed constitution…” In February 2005 the
question was worded: “Iraq recently held its first nationwide elections…” In January 2005 question
was worded “On January 30th, Iraq is scheduled to have its first nationwide elections…” In June 2004
the question was worded: “On June 30th, the U.S. is planning to hand over civilian authority to Iraqi
leaders…”
Q.67F2 Do you think the upcoming election will lead to a MORE stable situation, a LESS
stable situation, or will the situation in Iraq not change much?
More Less Situation will DK/
Stable Stable not change much Ref.
December, 2005 37 9 47 7=100
Nationwide Oct 15th Vote on Constitution*
Early November, 2005 (After Vote) 30 6 56 8=100
Early October, 2005 (Before Vote) 29 10 51 10=100
Nationwide Jan 30th Elections
February, 2005 (After elections) 47 7 40 6=100
January, 2005 (Before elections) 29 14 49 8=100
* In Early November 2005 the question was worded: “In this election, the Iraqi people voted “yes” on the
new constitution. Do you think this will lead to...” In Early October 2005 the question was worded:
“If the proposed constitution is approved...” In January and February 2005 the question was worded
“All in all, do you think the January elections in Iraq will lead to a MORE stable situation, a LESS
stable situation, or will the situation in Iraq not change much?”
ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=761]:
Q.68F1 From what you've read and heard, how would you describe the current violence in
Iraq, is it [READ AND ROTATE]
30 Mostly a civil war between competing factions in Iraq
OR
58 Mostly an insurgency aimed against the U.S. and its allies
12 Don't know/Refused
100
NO QUESTION 69
ASK ALL:
PARTY In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or
Independent?
(VOL) (VOL)
No Other Don't
Trend Republican Democrat Independent Preference Party know
December, 2005 29 34 31 4 * 2=100
Late November, 2005 27 34 29 5 1 4=100
Late October, 2005 29 33 31 5 * 2=100
Early October, 2005 26 34 34 4 * 2=100
September 8-11, 2005 31 32 33 3 * 1=100
September 6-7, 2005 27 33 33 4 * 3=100
July, 2005 31 34 29 4 * 2=100
June, 2005 30 32 32 4 * 2=100
May, 2005 30 34 29 4 * 3=100
March, 2005 30 34 29 4 * 3=100
February, 2005 31 32 30 4 1 2=100
January, 2005 32 33 30 4 * 1=100
December, 2004 31 34 30 3 * 2=100
Mid-October, 2004 30 33 30 4 * 3=100
Late September, 2004 29 30 31 6 * 4=100
Mid-September, 2004 29 31 30 5 * 5=100
Early September, 2004 30 33 31 3 * 3=100
Yearly Totals
2004 30 33 30 4 * 3=100
2003 30 31 31 5 * 3=100
2002 30 31 30 5 1 3=100
2001 29 34 29 5 * 3=100
2001 Post-Sept 11 31 32 28 5 1 3=100
2001 Pre-Sept 11 28 35 30 5 * 2=100
2000 28 33 29 6 * 4=100
1999 27 33 34 4 * 2=100
1998 28 33 32 5 * 2=100
1997 28 33 32 4 1 2=100
No Preference/
Other/DK
1996 29 33 33 5=100
1995 32 30 34 4=100
1994 30 32 34 4=100
1993 27 34 34 5=100
1992 28 33 35 4=100
1991 31 32 33 4=100
1990 31 33 30 6=100
Independent/
No Pref/Oth/DK
1989 33 33 34=100
1987 26 35 39=100
IF ANSWERED 3, 4, 5 OR 9 IN PARTY,[N=527] ASK:
PARTYLN As of today do you lean more to the Republican Party or more to the
Democratic Party?
Refused
Republican Democrat to lean
December, 2005 10 16 11=37%
Late November, 2005 9 13 17=39%
Late October, 2005 11 15 12=38%
Early October, 2005 11 18 11=40%
September 8-11, 2005 10 18 9=37%
September 6-7, 2005 10 15 15=40%
July, 2005 9 15 11=35%
June, 2005 10 16 12=38%
Mid-May, 2005 9 13 14=36%
Late March, 2005 13 17 9=39%
December, 2004 14 12 9=35%
August, 2003 12 16 14=42%
August, 2002 12 13 13=38%
September, 2000 11 13 15=39%
Late September, 1999 14 15 16=45%
August, 1999 15 15 12=42%
ASK IF REPUBLICAN OR LEAN REPUBLICAN (1 IN PARTY OR 1 IN PARTYLN) [N=639]:
Q.70 Thinking about next year's congressional elections, do you think the Republican
Party will do better, worse, or about the same as it has in recent elections?
17 Better
20 Worse
55 About the same
8 Don't know/Refused
100
ASK IF DEMOCRAT OR LEAN DEMOCRAT (2 IN PARTY OR 2 IN PARTYLN)[N=704]:
Q.71 Thinking about next year's congressional elections, do you think the Democratic
Party will do better, worse, or about the same as it has in recent elections?
62 Better
1 Worse
31 About the same
6 Don't know/Refused
100
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