Hot Topics
Survey Reports
March 27, 1998
CONSERVATIVE OPINIONS NOT UNDERESTIMATED, BUT RACIAL HOSTILITY MISSED
Questionnaire
PEW RESEARCH CENTER FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE PRESS
RESPONSE RATE PROJECT
FINAL TOPLINE
Standard Survey N=1,000 (June 18-22, 1997)
Rigorous Survey N=1,201 (June 18 - August 12, 1997)
Hello, I am _____ calling for Princeton Survey Research Associates in Princeton, New Jersey.
We are conducting a telephone opinion survey for leading newspapers and TV stations around the country.
Q.1 Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton 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 Bill Clinton is handling his job as President? IF STILL DEPENDS ENTER AS DK]
Approve Disapprove Don't Know
June, 1997
Standard 54 34 12=100
Rigorous 57 32 11=100
May, 1997 57 34 9=100
April, 1997 55 34 11=100
February, 1997 60 32 8=100
Early February, 1997 57 30 13=100
January, 1997 59 31 10=100
November, 1996 57 34 9=100
July, 1996 54 38 8=100
June, 1996 54 38 8=100
April, 1996 53 39 8=100
March, 1996 55 38 7=100
February, 1996 51 39 10=100
January, 1996 50 43 7=100
October, 1995 48 42 10=100
September, 1995 45 42 13=100
August, 1995 44 44 12=100
June, 1995 50 40 10=100
April, 1995 47 43 10=100
March, 1995 44 44 12=100
February, 1995 44 44 12=100
December, 1994 41 47 12=100
November, 1994 48 40 12=100
October, 1994 41 47 12=100
Early October, 1994 38 47 15=100
September, 1994 41 52 7=100
July, 1994 45 46 9=100
June, 1994 42 44 14=100
May, 1994 46 42 12=100
March, 1994 45 42 13=100
January, 1994 51 35 14=100
Early January, 1994 48 35 17=100
December, 1993 48 36 16=100
October, 1993 44 42 14=100
September, 1993 49 35 16=100
Early September, 1993 43 43 14=100
August, 1993 39 46 15=100
May, 1993 39 43 18=100
Early May, 1993 45 37 18=100
April, 1993 49 29 22=100
February, 1993 56 25 19=100
Q.2 Do you approve or disapprove of the job the Republican leaders in Congress are doing?
[IF DK ENTER AS DK. IF DEPENDS PROBE ONCE WITH: Overall do you approve or disapprove of the
job the Republican leaders in Congress are doing? IF STILL DEPENDS ENTER AS DK]
Approve Disapprove Don't Know
June, 1997
Standard 34 49 17=100
Rigorous 40 45 15=100
May, 1997 40 44 16=100
April, 1997 40 44 16=100
February, 1997 44 42 14=100
January, 1997 38 47 15=100
November, 1996 40 43 17=100
July, 1996 38 48 14=100
June, 1996 36 50 14=100
April, 1996 39 46 15=100
March, 1996 35 51 14=100
February, 1996 33 53 14=100
January, 1996 36 54 10=100
October, 1995 36 51 13=100
September, 1995 36 50 14=100
August, 1995 38 45 17=100
June, 1995 41 45 14=100
April, 1995 44 43 13=100
March 1995 43 39 18=100
December, 1994 52 28 20=100
ON A DIFFERENT SUBJECT...
Q.4 I am going to read some pairs of statements that will help us understand how you feel
about a number of things. As I read each pair, tell me whether the FIRST statement or the
SECOND statement comes closer to your own views -- even if neither is exactly right.
The first pair is...(READ AND ROTATE) AFTER CHOICE IS MADE, PROBE: Do you feel STRONGLY
about that, or not?
Oct Oct April Oct July
1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
Stand. Rigorous
a. Government is almost always
59 58 wasteful and inefficient 56 63 63 64 66
49 47 Strongly 48 53 51 54 54
10 11 Not Strongly 8 10 12 10 12
Government often does a better
job than people give
36 38 it credit for 39 34 34 32 31
23 23 Strongly 25 20 19 19 17
13 15 Not Strongly 14 14 15 13 14
5 4 Neither/Don't know 5 3 3 4 3
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
b. Poor people today have it easy
because they can get government
benefits without doing anything
45 49 in return 46 54 52 48 53
33 34 Strongly 35 36 37 35 37
12 15 Not Strongly 11 18 15 13 16
Poor people have hard lives
because government benefits
don't go far enough to help them
42 41 live decently 40 36 39 41 39
31 29 Strongly 28 25 28 31 27
11 12 Not Strongly 12 11 11 10 12
13 10 Neither/Don't know 14 10 9 11 8
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
c. The position of blacks in
American society has improved
73 74 in recent years 73 69 70 67 72
55 57 Strongly 57 52 52 50 52
18 17 Not Strongly 16 17 18 17 20
There hasn't been much real
progress for blacks in
22 22 recent years 21 27 26 27 25
16 15 Strongly 16 20 19 20 18
6 7 Not Strongly 5 7 7 7 7
5 4 Neither/Don't know 6 4 4 6 3
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
d. Racial discrimination is the
main reason why many black people
33 29 can't get ahead these days 28 37 34 34 32
22 18 Strongly 19 25 21 24 20
11 11 Not Strongly 9 12 13 10 12
Blacks who can't get ahead in
this country are mostly
responsible for their
54 61 own condition 58 53 56 54 59
41 45 Strongly 45 38 40 40 43
13 16 Not Strongly 13 15 16 14 16
13 10 Neither/Don't know 14 10 10 12 9
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Oct June Oct April Oct July
1996 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
e. Immigrants today strengthen
our country because of their
41 40 hard work and talents N/A 37 N/A N/A N/A 31
26 25 Strongly N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 17
15 15 Not Strongly N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14
Immigrants today are a burden
to our country becasuse they
take our jobs, housing
48 52 and health care N/A 54 N/A N/A N/A 63
37 39 Strongly N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 49
11 13 Not Strongly N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14
11 8 Neither/Don't know N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A 6
100 100 N/A 100 N/A N/A N/A 100
f. Business corporations make
51 53 too much profit 51 N/A 53 51 50 52
43 43 Strongly 43 N/A 44 42 40 43
8 10 Not Strongly 8 N/A 9 9 10 9
Most corporations make a fair
43 42 and reasonable amount of profit 42 N/A 43 44 44 43
28 26 Strongly 27 N/A 27 26 28 27
15 16 Not Strongly 15 N/A 16 18 16 16
6 5 Neither/Don't know 7 N/A 4 5 6 5
100 100 100 N/A 100 100 100 100
g. Most elected officials care
28 31 what people like me think 38 N/A 33 32 29 34
17 18 Strongly 23 N/A 18 18 17 18
11 13 Not Strongly 15 N/A 15 14 12 16
Most elected officials don't
67 66 care what people like me think 58 N/A 64 64 68 64
55 53 Strongly 48 N/A 53 53 56 51
12 13 Not Strongly 10 N/A 11 11 12 13
5 3 Neither/Don't know 4 N/A 3 4 3 2
100 100 100 N/A 100 100 100 100
Q.5 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.
June --- CBS/NYT ---
Stand. Rigorous 1996 Feb 1996
30 30 Generally available 32 36
Available, but under
21 24 stricter limits 24 22
Against law except rape/
36 32 incest/save life 33 34
Abortion should not be
12 13 permitted at all 9 7
1 1 Don't know/Refused 2 1
100 100 100 100
Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about taxes...
Q.6 Thinking ahead to the year 2000, as I read the following pair of statements, please
tell me which is more likely to happen. Do you think... (READ)?
Nov.
Stand. Rigorous 1996
90 93 The average American will pay MORE in taxes OR 82
7 6 The average American will pay LESS in taxes 14
1 * Neither/no change (VOL) 2
2 1 DK/Refused 2
100 100 100
Q.7 On the issue of cutting taxes for the middle class, who has the best ideas --
Republican Congressional leaders, Democratic Congressional leaders, or Bill Clinton?
Feb.
Stand. Rigorous 1995
30 30 Republican Congressional leaders 30
23 20 Democratic Congressional leaders 15
18 21 Clinton 30
10 9 None of the above (VOL) 8
19 20 DK/Refused 17
100 100 100
ASK Q.8 OF FORM 1 ONLY
Q.8F1 What should be given a higher priority, cutting taxes for the middle class or
taking steps to reduce the budget deficit?
Feb.
Stand. Rigorous 1995
37 38 Cutting taxes for the middle class 37
53 56 Taking steps to reduce the budget deficit 56
5 4 Both equally (VOL) 4
5 2 DK/Refused 3
100 100 100
n=500 n=584
ASK Q.8a OF FORM 2 ONLY:
Q.8aF2 Do you think the government can reduce the federal budget deficit and cut taxes
for the middle class at the same time, or not?
--- CBS ---
Stand. Rigorous Aug. 1996
47 47 Yes 42
48 48 No 51
5 5 DK/Ref 7
100 100 100
n=500 n=617
M.1 ONLY ASKED OF RESPONDENTS THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: [Standard N=769; Rigorous
N=990]
ON A DIFFERENT TOPIC . . .
M.1 There has been discussion in Washington about how to keep the Medicare program
financially sound for future generations. Congress is now considering several proposals
to reduce the costs of the program. As I read each, tell me whether you strongly favor,
favor, oppose, or strongly oppose it. First, (READ AND ROTATE).
Strongly Strongly DK
Favor Favor Oppose Oppose Ref.
a. Gradually raise the age at which
one is eligible for Medicare from
65 to 67
June, 1997
Standard 13 20 34 31 2=100
Rigorous 9 19 40 30 2=100
b. Require individual seniors who make
more than $50,000 a year and couples
who make more than $75,000 a year to
pay a larger share of their doctors'
bills.
June, 1997
Standard 26 34 25 12 3=100
Rigorous 22 37 25 12 4=100
INTERVIEWER NOTE: FOR QUESTIONS Q.9, Q.10 and Q.11, PLEASE DETERMINE WHAT DAY OF
THE WEEK IT IS. IF THE DAY OF THE WEEK IS SUNDAY, PLEASE READ "FRIDAY". IF THE
DAY OF THE WEEK IS NOT SUNDAY, READ "YESTERDAY".
ASK ALL:
NOW, ON ANOTHER SUBJECT...
Q.9 Did you get a chance to read a daily newspaper yesterday, or not?
April June March Feb Jan March Gallup
Stand. Rigorous 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994 1991 1965
47 45 Yes 50 52 45 58 49 56 71
53 55 No 50 48 55 42 50 44 29
* * DK * * * 0 1 * 0
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.10 Did you watch the news or a news program on television yesterday, or not?
April June March Feb Jan March Gallup
Stand. Rigorous 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994 1991 1965
65 64 Yes 59 64 61 74 72 68 55
35 35 No 40 35 38 26 27 32 45
* 1 DK 1 1 1 0 1 * 0
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.11 Did you listen to any news on the radio yesterday, or not?*
April June March Feb Jan March Gallup
Stand. Rigorous 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994 1991 1965
49 46 Yes 44 42 47 47 47 44 58
50 53 No 55 56 52 52 52 56 42
1 1 DK 1 2 1 1 1 * 0
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
(*NOTE: From March 1991 to October 1996 respondents were asked,
"How much time, if any, did you spend listening to any
news on the radio yesterday, or didn't you happen to
listen to the radio yesterday?")
Q.12 I'd like to know how often you watch or listen to certain TV and radio programs.
For each that I read, tell me if you watch or listen to it regularly, sometimes, hardly
ever, or never. (First) how often do you ... (READ AND ROTATE)
Some- Hardly
Regularly times Ever Never DK
a. Listen to Rush Limbaugh's radio show
June, 1997
Standard 5 11 12 71 1=100
Rigorous 4 11 14 71 *=100
April, 1996 7 11 11 70 1=100
July, 1994 6 20 13 61 *=100
b. Listen to religious radio shows
such as "Focus on the Family"
June, 1997
Standard 11 17 15 57 *=100
Rigorous 11 18 17 54 *=100
April, 1996 11 14 13 62 *=100
c. Watch the daytime talk shows
Ricki Lake, Jerry Springer, or
Jenny Jones
June, 1997
Standard 8 13 20 59 *=100
Rigorous 7 15 20 58 *=100
April, 1996 10 14 17 59 *=100
Q.13 Do you use a computer at your workplace, at school or at home on at least
an occasional basis?
Late Early July April March Feb Jan
Stand. Rigorous Sept 96* Sept 96 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996
60 62 Yes 59 56 56 58 61 60 59
40 38 No 41 44 44 42 39 40 41
0 0 DK/Ref * * * * * 0 0
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
(*NOTE: Based on registered voters only.)
IF YES:
Q.13a Do you ever use a computer at work, school or home to connect with
computer bulletin boards, information services such as America Online or Prodigy,
or other computers over the Internet?
BASED ON TOTAL RESPONDENTS:
Late Early July April March Feb Jan
Stand. Rigorous Sept 96* Sept 96 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996
29 32 Goes on-line 23 22 23 21 22 21 21
31 30 Does not go on-line 36 34 33 37 39 39 38
0 0 DK/Ref 0 0 0 * 0 * 0
40 38 Not a computer user 41 44 44 42 39 40 41
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
(*NOTE: Based on registered voters only.)
Now thinking GENERALLY, not just about the area where you live. . .
14. Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted or that
you can't be too careful in dealing with people?
Feb.
Stand. Rigorous 1997
42 43 Most people can be trusted 45
54 54 Can't be too careful 52
3 2 Other/Depends (VOL) 2
1 1 Don't know/Refused 1
100 100 100
15. Do you think most people would try to take advantage of you if they got
the chance, or would they try to be fair?
Feb.
Stand. Rigorous 1997
39 38 Would take advantage of you 37
56 57 Would try to be fair 58
4 3 Depends (VOL) 4
1 2 Don't know/Refused 1
100 100 100
16. Would you say that most of the time people try to be helpful, or that
they are mostly just looking out for themselves?
Feb.
Stand. Rigorous 1997
55 58 Try to be helpful 56
37 38 Just looking out for themselves 39
6 3 Depends (VOL) 4
2 1 Don't know/Refused 1
100 100 100
INTERVIEWER NOTE: FOR SUNDAY RESPONDENTS, OMIT THE WORD 'AGAIN'.
Q.17 Thinking again about what you did YESTERDAY, as I read from a list
tell me if you did this yesterday or not... (READ)
Yes No DK/NA
Yesterday did you:
a. Visit with family or friends
June, 1997
Standard 74 26 *=100
Rigorous 73 27 0=100
June, 1995 69 31 *=100
February, 1994 57 43 *=100
b. Get some kind of vigorous exercise
such as jogging, working out at a gym,
or playing a racquet sport
June, 1997
Standard 37 63 *=100
Rigorous 41 59 *=100
February, 1994 26 74 *=100
c. Call a friend or relative
just to talk
June, 1997
Standard 65 35 *=100
Rigorous 65 35 *=100
June, 1995 56 44 *=100
February, 1994 63 37 *=100
d. Go shopping for something
other than food or medicine
June, 1997
Standard 30 70 *=100
Rigorous 30 70 *=100
Now I'd like to ask you about some things that have been in the news recently.
Not everyone will have heard about them...
Q.18 Do you happen to know which political party has a majority in the
U.S. House of Representatives?
April June
Stand. Rigorous 1996 1995
50 48 Republicans 70 73
6 6 Democrats 8 5
44 46 Don't know/Refused 22 22
100 100 100 100
Q.19 Do you happen to know who lent Newt Gingrich some of the money he needed
to pay off his ethics fine?
Stand. Rigorous
36 34 Bob Dole
5 5 Anyone else
59 61 Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.20 Do you happen to know who Bill Gates is? (IF "YES," ASK:) Who is he?
Stand. Rigorous
46 47 CEO/head of Microsoft/computer company; Maker of Windows programs;
computer guy
7 7 Some other answer
47 46 No/DK/Refused
100 100
Q.21 I'd like your opinion of some people and organizations. As I read from a
list, please tell me which category best describes your overall opinion of who or
what I name. (First,) would you describe your opinion of (INSERT ITEM: ROTATE ITEMS)
as very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly UNfavorable, or very unfavorable?
(INTERVIEWERS: PROBE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN "NEVER HEARD OF" AND "CAN'T RATE")
Very Mostly Mostly Very Never
Favor- Favor- Unfavor Unfavor Heard Can't
able able able able of Rate
a. Congress
June, 1997
Standard 4 48 34 8 0 6=100
Rigorous 5 52 31 7 * 5=100
May, 1997 5 44 32 10 * 9=100
February, 1997 6 46 31 9 * 8=100
January, 1997 6 50 32 8 * 4=100
June, 1996 6 39 38 12 * 5=100
April, 1996 6 39 37 13 0 5=100
January, 1996 4 38 38 16 * 4=100
October, 1995 4 38 42 13 0 3=100
August, 1995 5 40 34 13 * 7=100
June, 1995 8 45 31 11 * 5=100
February, 1995 10 44 27 10 0 9=100
July, 1994 7 46 34 9 * 4=100
May, 1993 8 35 35 13 0 9=100
November, 1991 7 44 34 9 0 6=100
May, 1990 6 53 25 9 1 6=100
May, 1988 8 56 23 5 0 8=100
January, 1988 6 58 25 4 0 7=100
May, 1987 10 64 16 4 * 6=100
January, 1987 7 52 23 8 0 10=100
June, 1985 9 58 21 5 * 7=100
b. Labor unions
June, 1997
Standard 15 43 25 10 * 7=100
Rigorous 12 42 27 12 * 7=100
May, 1997 15 34 26 13 * 12=100
April, 1996 10 37 28 17 * 8=100
February, 1996 17 37 27 14 * 5=100
July, 1994 14 43 28 10 * 5=100
June, 1985 9 37 30 17 * 7=100
c. Business corporations
June, 1997
Standard 8 60 18 7 * 7=100
Rigorous 7 63 19 6 * 5=100
May, 1997 9 50 21 7 1 12=100
June, 1996 10 52 25 6 * 7=100
February, 1996 9 50 24 10 1 6=100
October, 1995 6 54 29 7 - 4=100
July, 1994 8 62 19 5 * 6=100
November, 1991 8 57 22 6 0 7=100
January, 1988 6 53 27 5 * 9=100
June, 1985 8 50 24 7 1 10=100
d. Militia Groups
June, 1997
Standard 2 7 26 54 4 7=100
Rigorous 3 6 28 55 2 6=100
e. Jews
June, 1997
Standard 26 56 7 2 1 8=100
Rigorous 25 59 5 2 * 9=100
f. Blacks
June, 1997
Standard 25 62 5 2 0 6=100
Rigorous 21 65 8 1 0 5=100
g. Hispanics
June, 1997
Standard 19 59 9 4 * 9=100
Rigorous 18 56 13 4 1 8=100
h. Asians
June, 1997
Standard 20 56 9 4 * 11=100
Rigorous 17 59 10 4 * 10=100
i. The Democratic Party
June, 1997
Standard 10 50 26 8 * 6=100
Rigorous 12 50 24 8 * 6=100
January, 1997 13 47 28 7 * 5=100
October, 1995 9 40 37 11 - 3=100
July, 1994 13 49 27 7 * 4=100
May, 1993 14 43 25 9 0 9=100
July, 1992 17 44 24 9 * 6=100
j. The Republican Party
June, 1997
Standard 9 44 30 11 * 6=100
Rigorous 7 50 27 11 * 5=100
January, 1997 8 44 33 10 * 5=100
October, 1995 10 42 28 16 * 4=100
July, 1994 12 51 25 8 * 4=100
May, 1993 12 42 25 10 0 11=100
July, 1992 9 37 31 17 * 6=100
Q.22 In general, would you describe your political views as ... (READ)
June April July
Stand. Rigorous 1996 1996 1994
7 5 Very conservative 7 7 7
30 30 Conservative 32 31 32
40 41 Moderate 38 39 39
14 15 Liberal, OR 14 14 15
5 5 Very liberal? 6 5 4
4 4 DK/Ref (DO NOT READ) 3 4 3
100 100 100 100 100
Q.23 Thinking about the Democratic and Republican Parties, would you say there
is a great deal of difference in what they stand for, a fair amount of difference,
or hardly any difference at all?
Oct July May May
Stand. Rigorous 1995 1994 1990 1987
25 20 A great deal 34 23 24 25
48 51 A fair amount 46 51 45 45
25 26 Hardly any 18 24 27 25
2 3 DK/Refused 2 2 4 5
100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.24 This year, have Republicans and Democrats in Washington been working
together more to solve problems, OR have they been bickering and opposing one
another more than usual?
Oct Aug
Stand. Rigorous 1995 1993
34 40 Working together more 21 20
49 48 Opposing each other more 72 57
6 5 Same as in past (VOL) 3 13
11 7 DK/Refused 4 10
100 100 100 100
Q.25 Who would you say is more responsible for things not getting done in
Washington, the Republican-controlled Congress or the Clinton Administration?
Stand. Rigorous Sept 1992*
41 45 Congress 46 - Democratically controlled Congress
34 34 Clinton Administration 40 - Bush Administration
12 9 Both equally (VOL) --
13 12 DK/Refused 14
100 100 100
(*NOTE: In 1992 the question was worded "... the Democratically controlled Congress or
the Bush Administration?".)
Now thinking about your personal life. . .
26. When you need help, would you say that you can you turn to many people for support,
just a few people, or hardly any people for support?
Feb.
Stand. Rigorous 1997
41 47 Many people 39
45 40 Just a few people 51
12 13 Hardly any people 8
1 * No one/None (VOL) 1
1 * Don't know/Refused 1
100 100 100
Q.27 Aside from weddings and funerals how often do you attend religious services... more
than once a week, once a week, once or twice a month, a few times a year, seldom, or never?
Stand. Rigorous
12 11 More than once a week
26 26 Once a week
17 17 Once or twice a month
20 22 A few times a year
15 15 Seldom
10 9 Never
* * Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.28 In the last year or so, have you done any volunteer work for any church, charity or
community group?
Stand. Rigorous
58 57 Yes
42 43 No --GO TO Q.29
* * Don't know/Refused -- GO TO Q.29
100 100
Q.28a Was that a one-time thing, or do you do volunteer work on an occasional basis, or
on a regular basis? (INTERVIEWER, IF RESPONDENT HAS TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING THE QUESTION,
ADD: the volunteer work you did in the last year or so for any church, charity, or
community group)
Stand. Rigorous
10 8 One-time
44 53 Occasional
46 39 Regular
* * Don't know/Refused
100 100
n=597 n=720
ASK ALL:
Q.29 Have there been times during the last year when you did not have enough money to
buy food your family needed?
Stand. Rigorous
19 17 Yes
81 83 No
* * Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.30 Have there been times during the last year when you did not have enough money to
buy clothing your family needed?
Stand. Rigorous
20 16 Yes
80 84 No
* * Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.31 Have there been times during the last year when you did not have enough money to
pay for medical or health care?
Stand. Rigorous
23 21 Yes
76 79 No
1 * Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.32 In general, how safe would you say you are from crime when walking in your
neighborhood after dark... would you say you are very safe, somewhat safe, not too
safe, or not at all safe?
Stand. Rigorous
46 46 Very safe
37 39 Somewhat safe
11 10 Not too safe
4 4 Not at all safe
2 1 Don't know/refused
100 100
Q.33 In the past 12 months, have you or your family, or has someone else in your
neighborhood... (INSERT ITEM; ROTATE ORDER.)?
Yes, Yes, someone
Self or Else in Don't
Family Neighborhood No Know
a. Had money or property stolen
June, 1997
Standard 14 20 64 2=100
Rigorous 15 17 66 2=100
b. Been physically assaulted or mugged
June, 1997
Standard 4 8 87 1=100
Rigorous 3 7 89 1=100
Q.34 Do you happen to have any guns or revolvers in your home?
Stand. Rigorous
40 41 Yes
57 56 No
3 3 Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.35 Now I'm going to read you some more PAIRS of statements. As I read each pair,
tell me whether the FIRST statement or the SECOND statement comes closer to your own
views -- even if neither is exactly right. The first pair is... (READ AND ROTATE)
(AFTER CHOICE IS MADE, PROBE: Do you feel STRONGLY about that, or not?)
Oct April Oct April Oct July
Stand. Rigorous 1996 1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
a. Homosexuality is a way
of life that should be
45 48 accepted by society 44 44 45 47 46 46
32 34 Strongly 32 29 29 30 33 26
13 14 Not Strongly 12 15 16 17 13 20
Homosexuality is a way
of life that should be
50 46 discouraged by society 49 49 50 48 48 49
43 40 Strongly 42 42 41 40 41 41
7 6 Not Strongly 7 7 9 8 7 8
5 6 Neither/Don't know 7 7 5 5 6 5
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Oct Oct April Oct July
1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
b. Books that contain
dangerous ideas should
be banned from public
46 51 school libraries 44 46 45 42 46
39 45 Strongly 39 37 40 36 37
7 6 Not Strongly 5 9 5 6 9
Public school libraries
should be allowed to carry
50 46 any books they want 51 52 52 53 55
40 37 Strongly 43 41 44 47 39
10 9 Not Strongly 9 11 9 8 12
4 3 Neither/Don't know 4 2 2 3 3
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Oct Oct April Oct July
1996 1995 1995 1994 1994
c. We will all be called
before God on Judgment
Day to answer for our
82 79 sins 80 81 83 81 80
77 72 Strongly 74 76 75 74 71
5 7 Not Strongly 7 7 6 6 9
I don't believe we will
have to answer for our
13 15 sins on Judgment Day 13 13 14 14 16
9 10 Strongly 9 9 9 10 9
4 5 Not Strongly 4 4 5 4 7
5 6 Neither/Don't know 6 4 5 6 4
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
d. There is simply no excuse for the Oklahoma City
87 88 bombing, period
84 86 Strongly
3 2 Not Strongly
There is no excuse for the bombing,
But one can understand the frustrations and anger
12 10 that may have led people to carry it out
8 7 Strongly
4 3 Somewhat
1 2 Neither/Don't Know
100 100
ASKED ONLY OF THURSDAY-SUNDAY RESPONDENTS [N=769]
R.1 President Clinton is considering asking the country to apologize to African Americans
for slavery. Do you favor or oppose this?
Stand. Rigorous
42 34 Favor
50 59 Oppose
8 7 Don't know/Refused
100 100
Before we finish up, I'd like to ask you a few questions about polls in general, based on
what you know or have heard about them, and not just your experience from this interview...
Q.36 Do you think most opinion polls work for or against the best interests of the general public?
Stand. Rigorous
66 68 Work for the best interests of the general public
20 19 Work against the best interests of the general public
14 13 Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.37 Do you think that a random sample of 1,500 or 2,000 people can accurately reflect the views
of the nation's population, or not?
Stand. Rigorous
28 30 Can accurately reflect views
67 65 Cannot
5 5 Don't know/Refused
100 100
Q.38 Have you, yourself, ever been questioned in a public opinion poll such as this
before today's interview?
Stand. Rigorous
45 44 Yes
54 55 No
1 1 Don't know/Refused
100 100
FINALLY I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONLY.
D.1 Sex
Stand. Rigorous
48 47 Male
52 53 Female
100 100
D.2 What is your age?
Stand. Rigorous
21 20 18-29
44 44 30-49
17 18 50-64
16 17 65+
2 1 DK/Refused
100 100
D.3 What was the last grade or class that you completed in school?
Stand. Rigorous
17 17 Less than high school
37 37 High School Graduate
23 23 Some College
22 22 College Graduate
1 1 DK/Refused
100 100
D.4 Are you, yourself, of Hispanic origin or descent, such as Mexican,
Puerto Rican, Cuban, or some other spanish background?
Stand. Rigorous
6 5 Yes
93 94 No
1 1 DK/Refused
100 100
D.5 What is your race? Are you white, black or some other?
Stand. Rigorous
84 84 White
11 11 Black
1 1 Asian
3 3 Other or mixed race
1 1 DK/Refused
100 100
D.6 Were you, either of your parents, or any of your grandparents
born in a country other than the United States or Canada? (IF YES,
PROBE FOR WHOM; CHECK AS MANY AS APPLY)
Stand. Rigorous
4 3 Yes, respondent
12 12 Yes, parents
27 28 Yes, grandparents
63 65 No
2 1 DK/Refused
D.7 Are you married, divorced, separated, widowed, or never been married?
Stand. Rigorous
54 60 Married
13 11 Divorced
3 2 Separated
7 7 Widowed
23 20 Never been married
* * DK/Refused
100 100
D.8 Are you the parent or guardian of any children under 18 now living in
your household?
Stand. Rigorous
35 36 Yes
65 64 No
* * DK/Refused
100 100
D.9 What is your religious preference - Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Mormon,
or an orthodox church such as the Greek or Russian Orthodox Church?
Stand. Rigorous
Protestant (Baptist, Christian, Episcopal, Jehovah's Witness, Lutheran,
55 56 Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.)
27 26 Roman Catholic
2 2 Jewish -- GO TO D.10
3 2 Mormon (include Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
1 * Orthodox Church (Greek or Russian)
* 1 Islam/Muslim -- GO TO D.10
3 3 Other religion (SPECIFY)
7 9 No religion, atheist -- GO TO D.10
2 1 Don't know/Refused
100 100
D.9a Would you describe yourself as a "born again" or evangelical Christian, or not?
Stand. Rigorous
40 39 Yes, would
56 58 No, would not
4 3 Don't know/Refused
100 100
ASK ALL:
D.10 Last year, that is in 1996, what was your total family income from all sources,
before taxes? Just stop me when I get to the right category. (READ)
Stand. Rigorous
24 21 Less than $20,000
15 14 $20,000-29,999
26 25 $30,000-49,999
24 30 Total $50,000 +
14 17 $50,000-74,999
10 13 $75,000 +
11 10 DK/Refused
100 100
D.11 These days, many people are so busy they can't find time to register to vote,
or move around so often they don't get a chance to re-register... Are you NOW registered
to vote in your precinct or election district, or haven't you been able to register so far?
D.11a Are you absolutely certain you are registered to vote, or is there a chance your
registration has lapsed because you moved or for some other reason?
Stand. Rigorous
74 72 Registered
25 26 Not registered
1 2 DK/Refused
100 100
ASK ALL:
D.12 How often would you say you vote...(READ)
Stand. Rigorous
42 40 Always
25 27 Nearly always
12 13 Part of the time
13 13 Seldom
1 * (DO NOT READ) Other
6 6 (DO NOT READ) Never vote
1 1 Don't know/Refused
100 100
D.13 In politics today, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat or Independent?
Stand. Rigorous
28 29 Republican -- GO TO D.15
32 34 Democrat -- GO TO D.15
35 32 Independent
3 3 No Preference
* * Other
2 2 Don't know
100 100
IF ANSWERED 3, 4, 5 OR 9 IN D.13, ASK:
D.14 As of today do you lean more to the Republican Party or more to the Democratic Party?
Stand. Rigorous
34 31 Republican
37 40 Democrat
29 29 Other/Don't know/Refused
100 100
n=409 n=438
ASK ALL:
D.15 In the 1996 Presidential election, did things come up which kept you from voting, or
did you happen to vote?
D.15a Are you absolutely certain you voted, or is there a chance you may not have?
D.16 In the presidential election, who did you happen to vote for?
Stand. Rigorous
33 37 Clinton
22 21 Dole
4 3 Perot
3 2 Voted, don't remember for whom
30 30 Didn't vote
8 7 DK/Refused
100 100
BASED ON THOSE WHO SAID THEY VOTED IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION:
D.17 And in the 1996 elections for CONGRESS, did you happen to vote for a Republican
candidate or a Democratic candidate in your district, or didn't you vote in the
Congressional elections?
Stand. Rigorous
39 38 Republican
37 36 Democrat
2 2 Other/Independent Candidate
9 10 Didn't vote for Congress
13 14 Don't know/Refused
100 100
n=714 n=878
ASK ALL:
D.18 Do you own or rent your own home?
Stand. Rigorous
64 70 Own
30 24 Rent
4 5 (DO NOT READ) Other arrangement
2 1 (DO NOT READ) Don't know/Refused
100 100
D.19 Are you now employed full-time, part-time, or not employed?
Stand. Rigorous
54 54 Full-time
11 12 Part-time
34 33 Not employed
1 1 Don't know/Refused
100 100
D.20 Which of the following BEST describes the place where you now live?...(READ)
Stand. Rigorous
20 20 A large city
22 22 A suburb near a large city
37 36 A small city or town
19 21 OR a rural area
2 1 (DO NOT READ) Don't know/Refused
100 100
D.21 Have you lived in this community all of your life?
Stand. Rigorous
33 33 Yes -- GO TO D.23
66 66 No
1 1 Don't know/Refused -- GO TO D.23
100 100
D.22 In what year did you move here?
Stand. Rigorous
3 4 Within last year
33 29 Within last 2-5 years
19 18 Within last 6-10 years
43 46 More than 10 years ago
2 3 Don't know /Refused
100 100
n=676 n=840
ASK ALL:
D.23 How many people, including yourself, live in your household?
Stand. Rigorous
19 11 One -- GO TO D.24
32 34 Two
43 49 3-5
4 5 6 +
2 1 DK/Refused
100 100
BASED ON THOSE WITH MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN HOUSEHOLD:
D.23a How many of these, including yourself, are adults 18 years of age or older?
Stand. Rigorous
13 4 One
65 66 Two
20 26 3-4
2 4 5 or more
0 * DK/Refused
100 100
n=786 n=959
ASK ALL:
D.24 How many different telephone numbers will reach this household, including
those that are attached to faxes or computers?
Stand. Rigorous
77 82 One
14 13 Two
4 2 Three
1 1 Four or more
4 2 DK/Refused
100 100
BASED ON THOSE WITH TWO OR MORE TELEPHONE LINES:
D.24a Are any of the telephone numbers used exclusively for a computer line or
a fax? (IF YES, ASK: How many?)
Stand. Rigorous
41 60 Yes
37 57 One
4 3 Two
* 0 Three or more
59 40 No
0 * DK/Refused
100 100
n=201 n=254
ASK ALL:
D.25 Is your telephone number currently listed in the telephone directory?
(IF NO, ASK: Is that because it's new or because your household does not want
to be listed?)
Stand. Rigorous
71 76 Yes, listed
6 4 Not listed, new listing
20 17 Not listed by choice
3 3 Don't Know/Refused
100 100
NO QUESTION D.26
D.27 If you had it to do over again, would you have agreed to do this
interview, or would you have refused?
Stand. Rigorous
75 78 Would participate
20 17 Would refuse
5 5 Don't Know/Refused
100 100
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE TO BE COMPLETED BY THE INTERVIEWER AFTER THE
INTERVIEW
D.28 Respondent's cooperation was...
Stand. Rigorous
61 54 Very Good
28 32 Good
10 12 Fair
1 1 Poor
* 1 Very Poor
100 100
D.29 Overall, how great was Respondent's interest in the interview?
Stand. Rigorous
34 23 Very High
27 30 Above Average
33 39 Average
5 7 Below Average
1 1 Very Low
100 100
D.30 Please rate the respondent's facility with English.
Stand. Rigorous
97 96 Respondent was fully conversant in English
3 4 Respondent had occasional difficulty with language
* * Respondent had considerable difficulty with language
100 100
D.31 Did respondent appear to have any degree of hearing loss?
Stand. Rigorous
93 95 No
6 5 Appeared to have some difficulty hearing
1 * Appeared to have a great deal of difficulty
100 100
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