Hot Topics
Survey Reports
May 10, 2005
Beyond Red vs. Blue
Questionnaire (December 2004, Part 2)
[DECEMBER 2004 CONTINUED...]
IF RESPONDENT ANSWERED '1' TELEVISION AS EITHER 1ST OR 2ND RESPONSE IN Q.17 ASK
Q.18. IF NOT, SKIP TO Q.19
Q.18 Do you get most of your news about national and international issues from [READ, RANDOMIZE
ITEMS 2 THRU 4 AND 5 THRU 8 SEPARATELY, AND RANDOMIZE SETS OF ITEMS
(LOCAL; NETWORK; CABLE). ACCEPT MULTIPLE ANSWERS BUT DO NOT PROBE FOR
ADDITIONAL]
Early
BASED ON TOTAL: Oct Aug July Jan
2003 2003 2003 2002
15 Local news programming 17 17 17 16
11 ABC Network news 12 12 12 11
9 CBS Network news 8 10 11 11
14 NBC Network news 13 15 14 15
20 CNN Cable news 20 26 27 28
6 MSNBC Cable news 6 7 9 8
19 The Fox News Cable Channel 17 18 22 16
3 CNBC Cable news -- 3 3 4
3 (DO NOT READ) Don't know/Refused 4 4 3 2
ASK ALL:
Q.19 Some people seem to follow what's going on in government and public affairs most of the time,
whether there's an election or not. Other's aren't that interested. Would you say you follow what's going
on in government and public affairs most of the time, some of the time, only now and then, or hardly at all?
Most of Some of Only now Hardly
the time the time and then at all DK/Ref
December, 2004 45 35 14 5 1=100
November, 2004 (RVs) 61 27 9 3 *=100
Mid-October, 2004 (RVs) 63 26 8 3 *=100
June, 2004 44 34 15 7 *=100
August, 2003 48 33 12 6 1=100
November, 2002 49 27 14 9 1=100
August, 2002 54 30 11 5 *=100
March, 2001 49 27 13 10 1=100
Early November, 2000 (RVs) 51 32 12 5 *=100
September, 2000 (RVs) 51 34 10 4 1=100
June, 2000 38 32 19 11 *=100
Late September, 1999 39 32 20 9 *=100
August, 1999 40 35 17 8 *=100
November, 1998 46 27 14 13 *=100
Late October, 1998 (RVs) 57 29 10 4 *=100
Early October, 1998 (RVs) 51 33 11 5 *=100
Early September, 1998 45 34 15 6 *=100
June, 1998 36 34 21 9 *=100
November, 1997 41 36 16 7 *=100
November, 1996 (RVs) 52 32 12 4 *=100
October, 1996 (RVs) 43 37 13 6 1=100
June, 1996 41 34 17 8 *=100
October, 1995 46 35 14 5 *=100
April, 1995 43 35 16 6 *=100
November, 1994 49 30 13 7 1=100
Q.19 CONTINUED... Most of Some of Only now Hardly (VOL.)
the time the time and then at all DK/Ref
October, 1994 45 35 14 6 *=100
July, 1994 46 33 15 6 *=100
May, 1990 39 34 18 9 *=100
February, 1989 47 34 14 4 1=100
October, 1988 52 33 11 4 *=100
September, 1988 58 32 8 2 *=100
May, 1988 37 37 17 6 3=100
January, 1988 37 35 18 8 2=100
November, 1987 49 32 14 4 1=100
May, 1987 41 35 15 7 2=100
July, 1985 36 33 18 12 1=100
Q.20 Now I'm going to read a few more pairs of statements. Again, just 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 RANDOMIZE ITEMS Q THRU Z FOLLOWED BY RANDOMIZED ITEMS AA
THRU HH) (AFTER CHOICE IS MADE, PROBE: Do you feel STRONGLY about that, or not?)
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
q. This country should do whatever it takes
77 to protect the environment -- -- -- 78 80 -- -- 77 -- 77 74 77 78
63 Strongly -- -- -- 67 67 -- -- 66 -- 65 63 65 62
14 Not Strongly -- -- -- 11 13 -- -- 11 -- 12 11 12 16
This country has gone too far in its efforts
18 to protect the environment -- -- -- 17 15 -- -- 18 -- 20 22 19 19
12 Strongly -- -- -- 12 10 -- -- 13 -- 13 15 13 12
6 Not Strongly -- -- -- 5 5 -- -- 5 -- 7 7 6 7
5 Neither/Don't know -- -- -- 5 5 -- -- 5 -- 3 4 4 3
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
r. Stricter environmental laws and regulations
31 cost too many jobs and hurt the economy -- -- -- 31 28 -- -- 30 -- 35 39 32 33
21 Strongly -- -- -- 22 19 -- -- 22 -- 23 28 23 21
10 Not Strongly -- -- -- 9 9 -- -- 8 -- 12 11 9 12
Stricter environmental laws and regulations
60 are worth the cost -- -- -- 61 65 -- -- 63 -- 61 57 62 62
48 Strongly -- -- -- 50 50 -- -- 51 -- 47 44 49 45
12 Not Strongly -- -- -- 11 15 -- -- 12 -- 14 13 13 17
9 Neither/Don't know -- -- -- 8 7 -- -- 7 -- 4 4 6 5
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.20 CONTINUED... Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
s. There are no real limits to growth
51 in this country today -- -- -- -- 54 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 51
36 Strongly -- -- -- -- 38 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 33
15 Not strongly -- -- -- -- 16 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 18
People in this country should learn
41 to live with less -- -- -- -- 40 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 45
30 Strongly -- -- -- -- 30 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 30
11 Not strongly -- -- -- -- 9 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 15
8 Neither/Don't know -- -- -- -- 6 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 4
100 100 100
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
t. As Americans, we can always find ways
59 to solve our problems and get what we want -- -- -- 59 63 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 52
45 Strongly -- -- -- 46 47 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 35
14 Not strongly -- -- -- 13 16 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 17
This country can't solve many of its
36 important problems -- -- -- 36 32 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 45
27 Strongly -- -- -- 29 24 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 30
9 Not strongly -- -- -- 7 8 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 15
5 Neither/Don't know -- -- -- 5 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3
100 100 100 100
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
u. Homosexuality is a way of life
49 that should be accepted by society 47 -- -- 50 49 46 45 44 44 45 47 46 46
35 Strongly 33 -- -- 35 33 -- 32 32 29 29 30 33 26
14 Not Strongly 14 -- -- 15 16 -- 13 12 15 16 17 13 20
Homosexuality is a way of life that
44 should be discouraged by society 45 -- -- 41 44 48 50 49 49 50 48 48 49
38 Strongly 38 -- -- 35 37 -- 43 42 42 41 40 41 41
6 Not Strongly 7 -- -- 6 7 -- 7 7 7 9 8 7 8
7 Neither/Don't know 8 -- -- 9 7 6 5 7 7 5 5 6 5
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Oct Jun Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 95 95 95 94 94
v. Books that contain dangerous ideas should
44 be banned from public school libraries 45 -- -- 48 52 -- 46 44 46 42 45 42 46
38 Strongly 39 -- -- 41 43 -- 39 39 37 -- 40 36 37
6 Not Strongly 6 -- -- 7 9 -- 7 5 9 -- 5 6 9
Public school libraries should be allowed
51 to carry any books they want 52 -- -- 48 45 -- 50 51 52 53 52 53 55
41 Strongly 43 -- -- 40 36 -- 40 43 41 -- 44 47 39
10 Not Strongly 9 -- -- 8 9 -- 10 9 11 -- 9 8 12
5 Neither/Don't know 3 -- -- 4 3 -- 4 4 2 5 2 3 3
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.20 CONTINUED... Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
w. 74 Religion is a very important part of my life -- -- -- 75 75 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
66 Strongly -- -- -- 69 67 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
8 Not Strongly -- -- -- 6 8 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
24 Religion is not that important to me -- -- -- 23 22 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
15 Strongly -- -- -- 15 12 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
9 Not Strongly -- -- -- 8 10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
2 Neither/Don't Know -- -- -- 2 2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
100 100 100
NO ITEM X.
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
y. I'm generally satisfied with the way
59 things are going for me financially -- -- -- 59 64 -- -- 57 57 -- -- -- 56
44 Strongly -- -- -- 46 48 -- -- 43 44 -- -- -- 36
15 Not Strongly -- -- -- 13 16 -- -- 14 13 -- -- -- 20
I'm not very satisfied with my financial
39 situation -- -- -- 39 34 -- -- 41 42 -- -- -- 43
33 Strongly -- -- -- 33 28 -- -- 36 37 -- -- -- 33
6 Not Strongly -- -- -- 6 6 -- -- 5 5 -- -- -- 10
2 Neither/Don't know -- -- -- 2 2 -- -- 2 1 -- -- -- 1
100 100 100 100 100 100
Jun Jul Feb Sep Aug Oct Jun Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Jul
03 02 02 00 99 97 97 96 96 95 95 94 94
z. I often don't have enough money
35 to make ends meet -- -- -- 37 29 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 36
29 Strongly -- -- -- 30 22 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 27
6 Not strongly -- -- -- 7 7 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 9
Paying the bills is generally not a
62 problem for me -- -- -- 59 68 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 63
48 Strongly -- -- -- 48 54 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 43
14 Not strongly -- -- -- 11 14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 20
3 Neither/Don't know -- -- -- 4 3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1
100 100 100 100
March
2002
aa. It IS NOT necessary to believe in God in
46 order to be moral and have good values 50
36 Strongly --
10 Not strongly --
It IS necessary to believe in God in order
51 to be moral and have good values 47
46 Strongly --
5 Not strongly --
3 Neither/Don't know 3
100 100
Q.20 CONTINUED...
bb. Using overwhelming military force is the best
39 way to defeat terrorism around the world
30 Strongly
9 Not strongly
Relying too much on military force to defeat
51 terrorism creates hatred that leads to more terrorism
42 Strongly
9 Not strongly
10 Neither/Don't know
100
cc. In foreign policy, the U.S. should take into account the interests
53 of its allies even if it means making compromises with them
38 Strongly
15 Not strongly
In foreign policy, the U.S. should follow its OWN national
37 interests even when its allies strongly disagree
27 Strongly
10 Not strongly
10 Neither/Don't know
100
dd. The growing number of newcomers from other countries
40 threaten traditional American customs and values
29 Strongly
11 Not strongly
The growing number of newcomers from other countries
50 strengthens American society
34 Strongly
16 Not strongly
10 Neither/Don't know
100
ee. 44 It's best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs
33 Strongly
11 Not strongly
We should pay less attention to problems overseas and
49 concentrate on problems here at home
41 Strongly
8 Not strongly
7 Neither/Don't know
100
Q.20 CONTINUED...
ff. Americans need to be willing to give up more privacy and
35 freedom in order to be safe from terrorism
24 Strongly
11 Not strongly
Americans shouldn't have to give up more privacy and
60 freedom in order to be safe from terrorism
51 Strongly
9 Not strongly
5 Neither/Don't know
100
gg. 41 The government should do more to protect morality in society
31 Strongly
10 Not strongly
51 I worry the government is getting too involved in the issue of morality
40 Strongly
11 Not strongly
8 Neither/Don't know
100
NO QUESTIONS 21 THROUGH 30
On another subject...
Q.31 How much, if anything, have you heard about a proposal which would allow younger workers to invest a
portion of their Social Security taxes in private retirement accounts, which might include stocks or mutual
funds a lot, a little or nothing at all?
RV's
Early Sept Sept
2004* 2000
23 A lot 19 26
43 A little 41 43
33 Nothing at all 39 30
1 Don't know/Refused 1 1
100 100 100
* In Early September 2004 and 2000 the question was worded “... portion of their payroll taxes in private retirement
accounts, which might include stocks or mutual funds, rather than having all of it go toward Social Security.”
Q.32 Generally, do you favor or oppose this proposal?
Heard about -- Early Sept 2004 -- ---- Sept 2000 ----
Total Proposal* Heard about Heard about
Total Proposal RV's Proposal
54 54 Favor 58 61 70 71
30 35 Oppose 26 28 21 23
16 11 Don't know/Refused 16 11 9 6
100 100 100 100 100 100
(N=1420)
* Based on the percent who heard "A lot" or "A little" in Q.31.
Q.33 As you may know, the federal government has debated whether to fund certain kinds of medical research
known as 'stem cell research' How much have you heard about this? [READ, IN ORDER]
Aug March
2004 2002
47 A lot 42 27
41 A little [OR] 43 52
11 Nothing at all 15 20
1 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) * 1
100 100 100
Q.34 All in all, which is more important [READ, IN ORDER]
Aug March
2004 2002
56 Conducting stem cell research that might result in new medical cures 52 43
[OR]
32 Not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research 34 38
12 Don't know/Refused [VOL, DO NOT READ] 14 19
100 100 100
Q.35 Which comes closer to your view about the tax cuts passed under President Bush over the past few
years?[READ IN ORDER]
Early Sept
2004
28 All of the tax cuts should be made permanent 27
35 Tax cuts for the wealthy should be repealed, while others stay in place, OR 31
25 All of the tax cuts should be repealed 28
12 Don't know/Refused (VOL. DO NOT READ) 14
100 100
Q.36 Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose [INSERT ITEM, RANDOMIZE]?
How about [NEXT ITEM]?
------- FAVOR ------- ----- OPPOSE -------
Strongly Strongly Don't
Net Favor Favor Net Oppose Oppose know
a. Making it more DIFFICULT for a woman
to get an abortion 36 19 17 55 29 26 9=100
Early February, 2004 36 17 19 58 30 28 6=100
November, 2003 35 19 16 57 29 28 8=100
August, 2003* 36 17 19 57 30 27 7=100
May, 1993 32 15 17 60 35 25 8=100
May, 1992 30 -- -- 62 -- -- 8=100
May, 1990 38 21 17 55 29 26 7=100
May, 1987 41 18 23 51 33 18 8=100
May, 1985 47 -- -- 49 -- -- 4=100
* In August 2003 and earlier the question was worded: “Changing the laws to make it more difficult for a
woman to get an abortion.”
Q.36 CONTINUED... ------- FAVOR ------- ----- OPPOSE -------
Strongly Strongly Don't
Net Favor Favor Net Oppose Oppose know
b. Allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally 32 14 18 61 38 23 7=100
August, 2004 29 8 21 60 35 25 11=100
July, 2004 32 10 22 56 33 23 12=100
March, 2004 32 10 22 59 35 24 9=100
Early February, 2004 30 9 21 63 42 21 7=100
November, 2003 30 10 20 62 41 21 8=100
October, 2003 31 9 21 58 33 25 12=100
Mid-July, 2003 38 10 28 53 30 23 9=100
March, 2001 35 8 27 57 34 23 8=100
June, 1996 27 6 21 65 41 24 8=100
c. An increase in the minimum wage,
from $5.15 an hour to $6.45 an hour 86 53 33 12 4 8 2=100
June, 2001 87 49 38 12 4 8 1=100
October, 1999 82 48 34 16 4 12 2=100
February, 1998* 80 48 32 19 5 14 1=100
* In February 1998, the question was worded: "An increase in the minimum wage, from $5.15 an hour to $6.15 an hour."
d. The U.S. government guaranteeing health
insurance for all citizens, even if it means
raising taxes 65 31 34 30 10 20 5=100
Early September, 2004 66 30 36 26 11 15 8=100
August, 2003 67 23 44 29 10 19 4=100
e. Limiting the amount that patients can be
awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits 63 31 32 30 14 16 7=100
Q.37 Do you think that we should increase our spending on national defense, keep it about the same, or cut it
back?
Mid- Early (RVs) Oct- Oct- Oct-
July Oct Sept Sept Aug June Sept Feb* Oct Sept Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec
2004 2001 2001 2000 1999 1999 1997 1995 94+ 1993 90+ 86+ 82+ 78+ 74+
20 Increase 25 50 32 34 27 31 17 19 18 10 12 21 22 32 13
54 Keep same 53 41 44 48 54 47 57 56 53 52 53 55 52 45 47
19 Cut back 18 7 20 14 16 19 24 24 26 36 32 23 24 16 33
7 DK/Ref. 4 2 4 4 3 3 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 7 8
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
+ Chicago Council on Foreign Relations
* In 1995 and previous years, the question was worded: “Do you think that we should expand our spending on national defense,
keep it about the same or cut it back?”
Q.38 Do you think that using military force against countries that may seriously threaten our country, but have
not attacked us, can often be justified, sometimes be justified, rarely be justified, or never be justified?
July Aug May
2004 2003 2003
14 Often justified 20 20 22
46 Sometimes justified 40 43 45
21 Rarely justified 22 19 17
14 Never justified 14 13 13
5 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) 4 5 3
100 100 100 100
NO QUESTIONS 39-40
Thinking about trade for a moment
Q.41 In general, do you think that free trade agreements like NAFTA, and the World Trade Organization, have
been a good thing or a bad thing for the United States? [INTERVIEWER: IF RESPONDENT ASKS
WHAT NAFTA IS, "The North American Free Trade Agreement"]
Early
July March Dec* Sept Nov Sept
2004 2004 2003 2001 1997 1997
47 Good thing 47 44 34 49 45 47
34 Bad thing 34 37 33 29 34 30
19 Don't know/Refused (VOL.) 19 19 33 22 21 23
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
* In December 2003 the question’s wording and interviewer instructions were: “...free trade agreements like NAFTA,
(the North American Free Trade Agreement) and the WTO (World Trade Organization)... [INTERVIEWER: READ OUT FULL
NAMES ONLY IF RESPONDENT IS UNCERTAIN]. In Early September 2001 and earlier the question was worded: “So far,
do you think that NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, has been a good thing or a bad thing from a U.S.
point of view?”
NO QUESTIONS 42- 43
Q.44 All in all, which do you think should be the higher priority right now cutting taxes or reducing the federal
budget deficit?
CBS/NY Times
Nov 2004
32 Cutting taxes 28
61 Reducing the federal budget deficit 67
1 Neither (VOL.) 1
6 Don't know/Refused 4
100 100
Q.45 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, 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
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 30 7=100
May, 2003 74 20 6=100
Q.46 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, 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
Q.47 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?
Mid- Early Late Early Early
Oct Sept Aug July June May April April Jan Oct Sept
2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2003 2003
56 Keep troops in Iraq 57 54 54 53 51 53 53 50 63 58 64
40 Bring troops home 36 40 42 43 44 42 40 44 32 39 32
4 Don't know/Refused 7 6 4 4 5 5 7 6 5 3 4
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Q.48 How much have you heard or read about the Patriot Act, adopted in 2001, which is now up for renewal in
Congress a lot, some, not much, or nothing at all?
CBS/NY Times
April 2004
15 A lot 12
29 Some 27
27 Not much 28
26 Nothing at all 30
3 Don't know/Refused 2
100 100
ASKED DECEMBER 2-15, 2004 ONLY [N=1700]:
Q.49 Which comes closer to your view Is the Patriot Act a necessary tool that helps the government find
terrorists or does it go too far and pose a threat to civil liberties?
Based on those CBS/NY Times
who those that heard April 2004*
Total A lot/Some
33 46 Necessary tool 52
39 48 Goes too far 42
28 6 Don't know/Refused 6
100 100 100
(N=804)
* The CBS/NY Times question was preceded with: “Some people say the Patriot Act is a necessary tool that
helps the government find terrorists, while others say it goes too far and is a threat to civil liberites.”
Now thinking about your personal life...
Q.50 For each description I read, please tell me if it applies to you or not. (First,)... (INSERT ITEM;
RANDOMIZE ITEMS)
Yes No Don't Know
a. Do you happen to have any guns, rifles
or pistols in your home? 37 60 3=100
Mid-October, 2004 39 59 2=100
Mid-July, 2003* 34 63 3=100
August, 2002 35 62 3=100
April, 2000 35 62 3=100
June, 1997 40 57 3=100
December, 1993 45 53 2=100
* From 1997 to 2003, the question asked about “guns or revolvers in your home.” In 1993, the question asked about
“guns in this household.”
b. Are you the owner of a small business? 16 84 *=100
Mid-October, 2004 15 85 *=100
August, 1999 14 86 *=100
c. Do you trade stocks or bonds in
the stock market? 28 71 1=100
Mid-October, 2004 31 68 1=100
Mid-July, 2003 29 69 2=100
August, 2002 34 65 1=100
August, 1999 25 75 *=100
d. Over the past 12 months, has there been
a time when you or someone in your
household has been without a job and
looking for work, or not? 37 63 *=100
Mid-October, 2004 36 63 1=100
e. Were you or either of your parents
born in a country other than the
United States or Canada? 16 84 *=100
August, 2002 14 86 *=100
August, 1999 15 84 1=100
f. Do you attend Bible study or prayer
group meetings? 36 64 *=100
August, 2002 41 58 1=100
August, 1999 34 66 *=100
ASK ALL:
INT1 Do you use a computer at your workplace, at school, at home, or anywhere else on at least an occasional
basis?
INT2 Do you ever go online to access the Internet or World Wide Web or to send and receive email?
BASED ON GENERAL PUBLIC [N=2000]: Based on Total Respondents:
Computer User Goes Online
Yes No DK/Ref Yes No DK/Ref
December, 2004 80 20 *=100 72 28 *=100
Mid-October, 2004 79 21 *=100 72 28 *=100
Early September, 2004 78 22 *=100 72 28 *=100
August, 2004 75 25 *=100 68 32 0=100
April, 2004 73 27 0=100 66 34 *=100
March, 2004 75 25 *=100 68 32 *=100
August, 2003 77 23 *=100 67 33 *=100
Mid-July, 2003 75 25 *=100 65 35 *=100
January, 2003 76 24 0=100 67 33 *=100
December, 2002 76 24 *=100 67 33 *=100
Early October, 2002 75 25 *=100 63 37 *=100
August, 2002 78 22 *=100 69 31 *=100
INT1/INT2 CONTINUED... Based on Total Respondents:
Computer User Goes Online
Yes No DK/Ref Yes No DK/Ref
June, 2002 74 26 *=100 66 34 *=100
May, 2002 75 25 *=100 66 34 *=100
April, 2002 71 29 *=100 62 38 0=100
February, 2002 71 29 *=100 62 38 0=100
January, 2002 73 27 0=100 62 38 0=100
Mid-November, 2001 73 27 0=100 62 38 0=100
Mid-September, 2001 72 28 *=100 62 38 *=100
June, 2001 72 28 *=100 62 38 0=100
May, 2001 75 25 *=100 64 36 0=100
April, 2001 72 28 *=100 62 38 0=100
February, 2001 72 28 0=100 60 40 *=100
January, 2001 71 29 *=100 61 39 0=100
July, 2000 68 31 1=100 55 45 *=100
June, 2000 68 31 1=100 56 44 *=100
April, 2000 68 32 *=100 54 46 *=100
March, 2000 72 28 0=100 61 39 0=100
February, 2000 67 33 *=100 52 48 0=100
January, 2000 68 32 *=100 52 48 *=100
December, 1999 67 33 *=100 53 47 0=100
October, 1999 67 33 *=100 50 50 0=100
Late September, 1999 68 32 *=100 52 48 *=100
September, 1999 70 30 *=100 53 47 0=100
August, 1999 67 33 *=100 52 48 0=100
July, 1999 68 32 *=100 49 51 0=100
June, 1999 64 35 1=100 50 50 *=100
May, 1999 66 33 1=100 48 52 0=100
April, 1999 71 29 *=100 51 49 *=100
March, 1999 68 32 *=100 49 51 *=100
February, 1999 68 32 *=100 49 51 *=100
January, 1999 69 31 *=100 47 53 *=100
Early December, 1998 64 36 *=100 42 58 0=100
November, 1998 -- -- -- 37 63 *=100
Early September, 1998 64 36 *=100 42 58 *=100
Late August, 1998 66 34 0=100 43 57 *=100
Early August, 1998 66 34 *=100 41 59 *=100
April, 1998 61 39 *=100 36 64 0=100
January, 1998 65 35 *=100 37 63 0=100
November, 1997 66 34 *=100 36 63 1=100
June, 1997 60 40 0=100 29 71 0=100
Early September, 1996 56 44 *=100 22 78 0=100
July, 1996 56 44 *=100 23 77 0=100
April, 1996 58 42 *=100 21 79 *=100
March, 1996 61 39 *=100 22 78 0=100
February, 1996 60 40 0=100 21 79 *=100
January, 1996 59 41 0=100 21 79 0=100
June, 1995 -- -- -- 14 86 *=100
ASK ALL:
PARTY In politics TODAY, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent?
(VOL) (VOL)
No Other
2004 Trend Republican Democrat Independent Preference Party Don't know
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
August, 2004 31 35 27 4 * 3=100
July, 2004 29 33 32 3 * 3=100
June, 2004 30 34 31 3 * 2=100
May, 2004 29 35 26 5 1 4=100
Early May, 2004 27 34 31 4 1 3=100
Late April, 2004 30 31 31 5 * 3=100
Early April, 2004 31 32 28 4 1 4=100
Late March, 2004 30 34 28 4 * 4=100
March, 2004 27 35 32 4 * 2=100
Mid-February, 2004 30 33 30 4 * 3=100
Early February, 2004 31 33 31 3 * 2=100
Mid-January, 2004 31 31 31 4 1 2=100
Early January, 2004 29 34 31 4 * 2=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 1 IN PARTY, ASK [N=662]:
PARTYSTR Do you consider yourself a STRONG Republican, or NOT a strong Republican?
Late
July Aug Sept Sept Aug Nov Oct April Oct July June May Feb May Jan May
2004 2003 2000 1999 1999 1997 1995 1995 1994 1994 1992 1990 1989 1988 1988 1987
18 Strong 17 14 14 10 11 11 11 15 16 13 11 13 15 13 12 11
13 Not strong 12 13 13 14 14 14 19 15 15 16 17 15 16 15 15 14
31% 29 27 27 24 25 25 30 30 31 29 28 28 31 28 27 25
IF ANSWERED 2 IN PARTY, ASK [N=641]:
PARTYSTR Do you consider yourself a STRONG Democrat, or NOT a strong Democrat?
Late
July Aug Sept Sept Aug Nov Oct April Oct July June May Feb May Jan May
2004 2003 2000 1999 1999 1997 1995 1995 1994 1994 1992 1990 1989 1988 1988 1987
19 Strong 20 15 19 15 15 14 14 14 18 15 14 16 17 19 19 18
15 Not strong 13 16 15 16 18 18 16 15 14 18 18 17 21 19 20 19
34% 33 31 34 31 33 32 30 29 32 33 32 33 38 38 39 37
IF ANSWERED 3,4,5 OR 9 IN PARTY, ASK [N=697]:
PARTYLN As of TODAY, do you LEAN more to the Republican Party or the Democratic Party?
(VOL.)
Republican Democrat Other/DK/Ref.
December, 2004 41 33 26=100
August, 2003 29 39 32=100
August, 2002 32 34 34=100
September, 2000 28 33 39=100
Late September, 1999 31 34 35=100
August, 1999 34 36 30=100
IF REPUBLICAN OR LEAN REPUBLICAN (1 IN PARTY OR 1 IN PARTYLN) ASK [N=955]:
Q.24 Do you ever vote for Democratic candidates, or do you always vote Republican?
71 Sometimes vote for Democratic candidates
22 Always vote Republican
7 Don't know/Refused
100
IF DEMOCRAT OR LEAN DEMOCRAT (2 IN PARTY OR 2 IN PARTYLN) ASK [N=872]:
Q.25 Do you ever vote for Republican candidates, or do you always vote Democratic?
56 Sometimes vote for Republican candidates
38 Always vote Democratic
6 Don't know/Refused
100
Next >>
Table of Contents
- Questionnaire (December 2004, Part 2)