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Finkelstein - OSG (1)
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Finkelstein - OSG (1)
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
Michael Deaver's Subject Files
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Digital Library Collections This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections. Collection: Deaver, Michael Folder Title: Finkelstein-OSG (1) To see more digitized collections visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected] Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/ hm 12/1 10:0 Arthur J. Finkelstein & Associates 132 Main Street Mount Kisco, N.Y. 10549 (914) (914) 666-2750 lefter DR water October 31, 1983 Deputy Chief of Staff The White House Dear Mike: humester with aftertria aftert this trip. gy, of Honorable Michael Deaver Washington, D.C. 20500 The last time we met I said I thought the gender gap was caused by the issue of war and peace. I said there were two options; You can either make the President appear more peaceful, or you could make the threat of war more apparent. I thought the peaceful tack wouldn't work. I think you now have a glorious opportunity (Desive.) to solve this problem. Do well. Best, Arthur J. Finkelstein AJF:dhd gd like m.me mattis Done meeting 12/6/83 10:00 a.m. Arthur Finkelst fild Full Finkle Poll stein withher MICHIGAN The Finkelstein survey from Michigan, showing RR beating Mondale or Glenn, is very encouraging. Bear in mind that the poll was taken in mid-August--before the Korean Air Lines incident. In a three-way race between RR, Mondale and Anderson, the numbers are RR 43%, Mondale 33%, and Anderson 12%. With Glenn as the Democratic nominee, the numbers are RR 37%, Glenn 32% and Anderson 13%. RR's favorable/unfavorable rating is 52% to 37%. That is high, but it is below the fatal 40% threshold. Furthermore, we need to remember that the data came from Michigan, one of the most unionized states in the country, where the unem- ployment rate--13.1% in July--is the third highest in the nation. If our numbers are this good before the campaign really gets going, then we are in very good shape. If the Democrats can't take Michigan for granted in '84, what states can they put in the bag? Only a few, such as West Virginia, Rhode Island, and of course, the District of Columbia. If we can keep the recovery going, we will force the Democratic nominee to actively campaign and spend money in their "safe" states. The focus of the Finkelstein poll is the Michigan senate race, which, by the way, shows former Congressman Jim Dunn beating Loret Ruppe in the GOP primary, 64% to 36%. However, these numbers show Dunn with barely 40% name i.d., compared to Ruppe's 64%. So the race, if there is one, is an open question. Finkelstein's survey report is short on detail and long on advocacy. The report, in the form of a memorandum to Dunn from Finkelstein, is obviously intended to persuade Dunn to get into the race. Whoever leaked it to the Washington Times may well have used the positive numbers about the presidential race to grab headlines, but with the real purpose of calling attention to the senate race. Therefore the numbers are somewhat suspect. However, since they do conform with Bob Teeter's numbers coming from Michigan, we certainly have grounds for optimism in the industrial Midwest in '84. Arthur J. Finkelstein & Associates 132 Main Street Funtelstein Mount (914)666-2750 Kisco. N.Y. 10549 TO: Jim Dunn FROM: Arthur J. Finkelstein and Associates DATE: August 29, 1983 RE: Michigan Statewide Survey - August, 1983 Methodology: This statewide SURVEY of political attitudes was administered to 606 eligible voters in Michigan between August 15th and 17th, 1983. All interviews were conducted by professionally trained interviewers via telephone. Interview selection was random within predetermined units. These units were structured to statistically correlate with actual voter distributions in national elections. The accuracy of this survey sample of 606 voters is within +4.0% at a 95% confidence interval. Reading the Tables: why 606 ? uw mole/female so/so The following is a brief explanation of how to read the tables contained in this report. The column of numbers immediately to the right, under the heading "TOTAL," shows the percentage of respondents who gave each of the answers listed to the left. The percentage is most useful for comparison purposes. Immediately to the right, under the heading "ADJUSTED," is a column of numbers which shows E re-calculation that removes those respondents in the "DON'T KNOW/REFUSED" category at the bottom, and then adjusts the remaining percentages for the listed responses. For selected questions, there may be 2 column headed "ADJUSTED (2). " This column removes those responses Dext up from the bottom. (Often these would be those with "No opinion"), and adjusts the remaining percentages for those with the opinions listed. Preface: The Jim Dunn candidacy for the United States Senate is extremely viable due to the following factors: - Statewide political demographics clearly favor 8 conservative over a liberal opponent, especially in E Republican Primary, as well as the general election. This conservative bias of Michigan voters cuts sharply against liberal incumbent Carl Levin in favor of the more conservative Jin Dunn. Jim Dunn Page 2 Preface: (Cont'd) - The national issue agenda among Michigan voters is clearly dominated by economic issues. Strongly related to these economic issues are favorable perceptions among the voters for businessmen and free enterprise solutions. This admiration and respect for business leaders should cut strongly for businessman Jim Dunn. - Ronald Reagan appears to be the strong favorite to win Michigan in either a Reagan/Mondale/Anderson or a Reagan/Glenn/Anderson contest. Reagan already has significant leads over both Demc- cratic challengers in either probable three-way race. This likelihood of a Reagan victory will help a conservative Republican challenge to Carl Levin and would certainly benefit Jim Dunn, who supported Reagan in Congress. - Already conservative, businessman Jim Dunn registers a strong lead over the liberal Lorette Ruppe among Republican Primary voters. Such a primary allows Jim Dunn to gain credibility and momentum for his challenge to Carl Levin. - Carl Levin is clearly one of the most vulnerable, if not the most vulnerable, of all Democratic Senators up for re-election in 1984. Demographic Analysis: Regarding political ideology, among all voters, conservatives outnumber liberals at a seven-to-four ratio. Although the center rests with moderates, all other things being equal, it is far easier for a conservative to form a majority coalition over a more liberal opponent. Republican voters are even more conservative in their political orientation with conservative Republicans outnumbering liberal Republicans at a nine-to-two ratio. Among Republicans who are most likely to vote in their primary, the majority are conservatives. Political Ideology Republicans Total Adjusted Republicans Very Prime Liberal 19.0% 20.2% 10.5% 12.62 Moderate 41.7 44.5 37.8 33.1 Conservative 33.0 35.2 46.9 51.2 Don't Know/Refused 6.3 4.9 3.1 Jim Dunn Page 3 Political Ideology (Cont'd) In sharp contrast among those voters who have an opinion of Carl Levin's ideology, the majority perceive him as a liberal. However, only about three out of ten voters see Levin as a liberal, while the largest segment, about four out of ten, don't know what ideology Levin professes. Relating voter perception of Carl Levin's ideology to voter opinion of him, Levin's favorables see him as a liberal, however, those with no opinion of Levin don't know, and the majority of voters unfavorable to him see Levin as a liberal. It is clear that increased voter awareness of Levin as a liberal will cut sharply against him. "Would you say that Carl Levin is a Liberal, a Moderate, or a Conservative in his political beliefs?" Levin Levin Levin Total Adjusted Favorable Unfavorable No Opinion Liberal 30.2% 51.5% 31.6% 53.8% 22.9% Moderate 18.2 31.0 28.7 8.8 11.0 Conservative 10.2 17.5 15.8 5.5 6.7 D.K./Ref. 41.4 23.9 crosstab 31.9 to see 59.5 if there are conservate Issue Analysis: Among all Michigan voters, economic issues are the top national concerns for roughly two-thirds of the electorate. About one out of four voters cited foreign policy/defense issues, while the smallest segment cited various domestic social issues. "In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing the United States today?" Total Adjusted Unemployment 29.0% 30.2% Economy 23.9 24.9 Military/Defense 6.6 6.9 Nuclear Weapons Freeze 6.3 6.5 Foreign Affairs 4.8 5.0 Inflation 3.8 4.0 War/Peace 3.1 3.3 Taxes 2.1 2.2 People/Morals 2.0 2.1 Government Spending 1.5 1.5 With such high concern for economic issues, it is significant that Michigan voters cite businessman Lee Iacocca as the person, other than a political figure, that they most admire. Jim Dunn Page 4 "Other than a political figure, which person who lives, works, or is from Michigan, do you most admire?" Total Adjusted SO what! Lee Iacocca 9.4% 19.4% Family Members 7.9 16.6 Religious Figures 5.8 12.1 The one solution to maintain a strong economic recovery that also cuts sharply against Carl Levin is the fact that an overwhelming majority of Michigan voters favor a balanced federal budget. "Would vou tell me whether you approve cr disapprove of a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget?" Total Adjusted Approve 68.3% 75.7% Disapprove 21.9 24.3 Don't Know/Refused 9.7 The issue of capital punishment also receives strong approval from four of every five Michigan voters and cuts against Levin. "Would you tell me whether you approve or disapprove of capital punishment for specific crimes?" Total Adjusted Approve Jackie's opinion? 79.7% 84.0% Disapprove 15.2 16.0 Don't Know/Refused 5.1 As the dominant focus of next year's election, the Presidential race is shaping up as an influence that will benefit Republican candidates in Michigan. At present, the majority of Michigan voters have a favorable opinion of Ronald Reagan and outnumber his unfavorables at a roughly six-to-four ratio. Reagan receives increasingly higher intensity of support among conservatives, Republicans, and Reagan is extremely popular among Republican Primary voters. Opinion Ronald Reagan Republican Total Adjusted Conservatives ReDubs Prime Unters Favorable 51.8% 57.9% of carse 68.0% 78.3% 81.2% Unfavorable 37.6 42.1 23.5 11.9 12.2 No Opinion 10.6 8.5 9.8 6.6 Never Heard Of Jim Dunn Page 5 At this time, Ronald Reagan maintains significant leads over both of the leading Democratic challengers- Mondale and Glenn with John Anderson as a distant third party candidate. Vote for President Total Adjusted Reagan 42.9% 49.1% Mondale 32.7 37.4 Anderson 11.9 13.6 Undecided 12.5 Reagan 37.1% 45.0% Glenn 32.3 39.2 Anderson 13.0 15.8 Undecided 17.5 Candidate Analysis: A) Republican Primary - In a Republican Primary for United States Senate between Jim Dunn and Lorette Ruppe, among those voters who at this time have made their firm choice, Dunn has a two-to-one lead over Ruppe. Combining those Republicans who are leaning to either Dunn or Ruppe, with those who made a strong choice, among all Republicans who have heard of both Dunn and Ruppe, Dunn maintains a sizeable lead and receives roughly seven votes for every four votes Ruppe receives. Although there is a significant undecided segment, there is every indication that the undecided voters will cut strongly for Dunn and give Dunn a six-to-four win over Ruppe. Indicative of Dunn's popular edge over Ruppe is the fact that Dunn defeats Ruppe in the Lansing media market (Dunn's former Congressional District) at a six-to-one ratio. As Dunn's imagery grows throughout Fallacy Michigan, it is likely that Dunn will receive similar support in other key regions. wait till Curet's Republican Primary - Vote for Senate Name I.D. catc Combining Vote and Leaning Up: Adjusted Heard of Both Adjusted Lansing Ruppe 36.2% 22.2% 39.7% 12.5% Dunn 63.8 35.2 60.3 66.7 Undecided 42.6 20.8 Jim Dunn wins in a Republican Primary among conservatives, moderates, Reagan favorables, as the age of the voter increases, middle-income households, and both male and female Republicans. Jim Dunn Page 6 Lorette Ruppe leads only among liberals, Republicans voting for John Anderson, and households earning more than $50,000 annually. Lorette Ruppe wins only among the "wine and cheese set, while Jim Dunn is the choice of middle class and blue collar Republicans. With Republican Primary voters strongly biased towards conservatism, and ideology as the leading contrast between Dunn and Ruppe, Dunn widens his lead among all Republicans and already receives a majority of all voters. ratio. In such a case, Dunn defeats Ruppe in a landslide by at least a three-to-one "If you knew the race was between Conservative Jic: Dunn and Liberal Lorette Ruppe, for whom would you vote?" Total Adjusted push question Heard of Both Vote Ruppe/Liberal 14.9% 22.9% 20.4% Vote Dunn/Conservative 50.3 77.1 55.6 Don't Know/Refused 34.8 24.1 Already the perception is growing among Michigan voters that cuts for Jim Dunn. "Tell me something about Jim Dunn?" Adjusted Conservative 9.8% Congressman 150% perception 9.8 Good Man/Like 9.8 Good Ideas 7.8 Honest 5.9 "Tell me something about Lorette Ruppe?" Adjusted Phil's Ex-Wife this ? 20.5% Peace Corps Good Speaker positive is or 15.9) 6370 proption 9.1 ERA Advocate 6.8 A Federal Employee Liberal 6.5 6 4.5 Nominal conservative. Already Lorette Ruppe is perceived as the liberal versus Jim Dunn, the Jim Dunn Page 7 In three key descriptions that will cut for Jim Dunn, Dunn is viewed as more supportive of business, the conservative, and the Reagan supporter over liberal Lorette Ruppe. "Between Jim Dunn and Lorette Ruppe, who is better described by each of the following phrases?" Among Voters Who Have Heard of Both Dunn and Ruppe "Supports "Supports Business" "A Conservative" Ronald Reagan" Dunn 25.9% 35.2% 25.9% Ruppe 1.9 7.4 3.7 Both 5.6 1.9 5.6 Neither Don't Know/Refused 66.7 55.6 64.8 In actual pre-announcement match-ups with the incumbent Carl Levin, Dunn already demonstrates the greater potential to succeed against Levin. Against Levin, Dunn receives a higher percentage of Republicans than Lorette Ruppe and receives higher percentages from those who have heard of both candidates. Combination Firm Vote and Leaning for United States Senate. Republican Republican Ruppe 42.0% Dunn 58.0% Levin 26.6 Levin 23.1) Tiese will erode to Undecided 31.5 Undecided 18.9 8-10 5/0 anyway Heard of Both Heard of Both Ruppe 25.2% Dunn 30.8% Levin 53.4 Levin 48.6 Undecided 21.4 Undecided 20.6 Jim Dunn would be better able to unite the Republican Party and has a stronger popular appeal than Lorette Ruppe. B) General Election - Incumbent Democrat Carl Levin is clearly vulnerable with a very low level of awareness and generally soft imagery among all voters. When asked what voters associate most with Carl Levin, two-thirds of all voters didn't know, while the leading answers cited Levin as a liberal Democratic Senator. Jim Dunn Page 8 "What issue or action do you most associate with Carl Levin?" Total Adjusted Don't Know 66.3% United States Senator 9.7 28.9% good! Liberal positive or, 2.6 7.8 Good Man/Like 2.0 5.9 A Politician 2.0 5.9 Democrat 1.7 4.9 Levin's image as a liberal who has done a poor job creates the all or just unfawrables foundation for what voters dislike about him. / "What do you like least about Carl Levin?" who asked to Adjusted Liberal same that's all ?! 20.2% Poor Views/Stands 9.6 Wishy-Washy 7.7 Poor Job 46.2 issue-oriented 6.7 Not Visible Enough 6.7 Big Spender 5.8 Pro-Welfare 5.8 Tax Issue 4.8 No Accomplishments 4.8 Some key indicators that illustrate Levin's real vulnerability are that Levin receives a favorable rating from less than half the voters, and comparing Levin's positive job ratings of excellent and good with his negative fair and poor ratings, gives Levin an overall negative rating of -4.2%. Opinion Carl Levin Total Favorable 44.9% Unfavorable 15.0 No Opinion 34.7 Never Heard Of 5.4 Levin Job Rating Total Excellent 3.1% Good 27.6 Positive +30.7% 11 Fair 28.1 Poor 6.8 Negative -34.9 Don't Know/Refused 34.5 Difference - 4.2% Jim Dunn Page 9 Another significant indication of Levin's vulnerability is the fact that by a roughly seven-to-three ratio (among voters with an opinion), they believe Levin can be defeated for re-election. "Carl Levin can be defeated for re-election?" so what! Total Adjusted True 44.7% 68.8% Untrue 20.3 31.2 Don't Know 35.0 Among all voters, only about one in five would vote for Carl Levin regardless of his opponent. "Would you vote to re-elect Carl Levin, Senator, regardless of who ran against him?" Total still a good base Yes. 21.9% No/Depends/Don't Know 78.1 For this re-election statistic, a fairly invulnerable incumbent would register 30% or higher, while vulnerable. incumbent Senators score between 20 and 30%. A score of less than 20% indicates a very probable loss. Levin's score of 21.9% places him in a very vulnerable position and almost within the probable loss category. All combined, Levin is very vulnerable with no intense degree of support among the voters. In fact, Levin may very well be the most vulnerable Senate Democrat up for re-election in 1984. In spite of a significantly lower level of name recognition, Jin Dunn already holds Carl Levin to less than majority percentages among those voters who have heard of both. However, once again indicative of Dunn's potential to beat Levin is the Lansing media market where Jim Dunn has and has caupains run 2 greater name recognition. In Lansing, Dunn leads Levin by a five-to-three lease ratio. As Dunn's name identification rises throughout Michigan, other key areas will follow this pattern. DONH Br So suRe - yrs. in congress served 2 Vote for Senate CEUN'S will RISE TOO. He has such low perception, its bound ro Heard of Both Lansing So -p. Dunn 29.1% 50.0% Levin 45.3 31.0 Undecided 25.5 19.0 Jim Dunn Page 10 Combination Vote for Senate (Including Leaning Voters) Heard of Both Lansing Dunn 30.8% 52.4% so DUNN Will carry Levin 48.6 31.0 Undecided 20.6 16.7 Levin will pick up kinsing from undecided very bad from DUNN what about gever gap? ? what about Ruppe US Leyn -women teeter poll MICHIGAN The survey from Michigan is very good news. Note that the poll was taken in July--before the Korean Air Lines incident and before the recent good ten day auto sales figures. RR beats Mondale 48-45 and ties Glenn, 45-45. Keep in mind that the July unemployment rate for Michigan was 13.1%, the third highest in the nation. Michigan is not only one of the most unionized states, but the leadership of the dominant union--the UAW--is aggressively anti-Reagan. If we can carry Michigan, we can carry every Snowbelt in- dustrial state against Mondale and all of them save Ohio against Glenn. Since for all practical purposes we have the states West of the Mississippi in the bag, we should have the luxury of taking our campaign into "gravy" states to build a mandate and help other GOP candidates. At the same time, the data suggests the Democratic nominee will have to work to pin down "must" states, like Michigan. The gender gap is in evidence, but it is not much wider than in 1980. RR beats Mondale 52-43 among men, but loses among women 44-47. He beats Glenn 49-41 among men, but loses among women 41-47. The reason we are doing so well is that our support remains high among white middle class groups. In Michigan, the home of Walter Reuther, we only lose the union vote 39-54 to Mondale and 38-54 to Glenn. RR wins the middle class vote 49-43 against Mondale and 47-44 against Glenn. RR carries Macomb County, a blue collar stronghold just out- side of Detroit, 50-46 against Mondale and by a startling 55-40 against Glenn. The Catholic church was once the backbone of the Democratic Party. However, RR loses the Catholic vote to Mondale by just 1%, 46%-47%, and to Glenn by just 4%, 44%-48%. If we can keep this up, we will win well over 400 electoral votes in 1980. Teeter access M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 1 8/29 Page MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 35+35a If the election for President were being held today, who would you be voting for/Which way do you lean as of today TOTAL I POLITICAL REGION MEDIA MARKET VOTER TIPE OAK- TRI- |-OUTSTATE- DE- FLINT/ G.R./ LAM- BREAK ONE SAMPLE REP T/S DEM TROIT DE- SUB WAYNE LAND MACOMB COS. METRO RURAL TROIT SGW KAL. SING 800 188 319 255 85 100 96 59 340 320 140 398 124 124 64 Total 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. Total Vote 2. Ronald Reagan 386 166 165 38 20 38 57 30 144 163 78 175 57 68 36 48. 88. 52. 15. 23. 38. 59. 50. 42. 51. 56. 44. 46. 55. 55. 1. Walter Mondale 359 18 125 201 62 56 30 27 176 133 51 199 56 48 24 39. 79. 73. 56. 32. 46. 52. 42. 36. 50. 45. 39. 37. 45. 10. 48 4 24 16 3 5 8 2 18 20 9 22 9 6 3 8. Don't know 6. 2. 7. 6. 3. 5. 8. 4. 5. 6. 7. 6. 7. 5. 5. 2 2 2 2 1 7 1 4 1 1 2 3 9. Refused/No answer 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. :x 1. 1. 2. 745 184 290 239 82 94 87 57 320 296 129 374 113 116 60 Committed vote 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. Ronald Reagan 386 156 165 38 20 38 57 30 144 163 78 175 57 68 36 65. 53. 45. 55. 61. 47. 50. 59. 60. 52. 90. 57. 16. 24. 40. Walter Mondale 359 18 125 201 62 56 30 27 176 133 51 199 56 48 24 48. 10. 43. 84. 76. 60. 35. 47. 55. 45. 39. 53. 50. 41. 40. 56 Normal vote 48 80 50 22 27 44 51 46 42 51 53 44 46 54 PDI (Reagan minus normal vote) 4 10 7 6- 3- 4- 14 7 3 4 8 3 4 5 4 (*= PERCENT LESS THAN .5) M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 1 Page 2 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 35+35a If the election for President were being held today, who would you be voting for/which way do you lean as of today TOTAL I AGE 11 STATUS GROUPS 11 SEX 11 SEL. GRPS I BREAK TWO 65 E HIGH MID LOWER CATH- SAMPLE 18-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 OVER INC. INTELL CLASS END BLACKS MALE FEMALE UNION OLIC Total 800 77 179 289 136 116 208 76 215 151 69 401 399 260 237 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. Total Vote 2. Ronald Reagan 386 28 94 144 60 58 131 40 105 70 5 208 177 100 110 48. 37. 52. 50. 44. 50. 63. 52. 49. 47. 8. 52. 44. 39. 46. 1. Walter Mondale 359 42 74 130 65 48 67 30 93 71 63 171 188 141 112 45. 54. 42. 45. 48. 42. 32. 39. 43. 47. 91. 43. 47. 54. 47. 8. Don't know 48 7 10 15 6 9 7 6 16 10 1 18 29 19 12 6. 9. 6. 5. 5. 8. 4. 8. 7. 6. 1. 5. 7. 7. 5. 9. Refused/No answer 7 1 2 4 1 3 2 3 4 4 1. * 1. 3. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Committed vote 745 70 168 273 126 106 198 70 198 141 68 380 365 241 221 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. Ronald Reagan 386 28 94 144 60 58 131 40 105 70 5 208 177 100 110 52. 40. 56. 53. 48. 54. 66. 57. 53. 50. 8. 55. 49. 42. 50. Walter Mondale 359 42 74 130 65 48 67 30 93 71 63 171 188 141 112 48. 60. 44. 47. 52. 46. 34. 43. 47. 50. 92. 45. 51. 58. 50. Normal vote 48 40 52 47 43 51 55 56 49 45 24 50 46 39 43 PDI (Reagan minus normal vote) 4 4 6 5 3 11 1 4 5 16- 5 3 3 7 (.= PERCENT LESS THAN .5) M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 2 Page 4 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 36+36a If Ronald Reagan was the Republican candidate and John Glenn was the Democratic candidate for President, who would you be voting for/Which way do you lean as of today TOTAL I VOTER TIPE POLITICAL REGION MEDIA MARKET I BREAK ONE DE- SUB OAK- TRI- |-OUTSTATE- DE- FLINT/ G.R./ LAN- SAMPLE REP T/S DEM TROIT WAYNE LAND MACOMB COS. METRO RURAL TROIT SGW KAL. SING 140 398 124 124 64 Total 800 188 319 255 85 100 96 59 340 320 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. Total vote 38 25 35 50 33 143 149 71 172 51 65 30 2. Ronald Reagan 363 160 150 45. 85. 47. 15. 30. 35. 52. 55. 42. 46. 51. 43. 42. 53. 47. 362 23 131 196 54 56 36 24 169 138 55 191 59 48 28 1. John Glenn 40. 48. 39. 43. 45. 12. 41. 77. 63. 56. 37. 40. 50. 43. 40. 8. Don't know 69 6 33 20 5 8 8 2 25 30 13 31 12 10 6 8. 6. 8. 9. 4. 7. 9. 10. 8. 10. 8. 10. 9. 3. 10. 9. Refused/No answer 7 5 1 1 2 3 3 4 2 1 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 725 183 281 235 79 91 86 57 312 286 127 363 110 113 58 Committed vote 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 363 160 150 38 25 35 50 33 143 149 71 172 51 65 30 Ronald Reagan 58. 52. 56. 47. 47. 58. 52. 50. 87. 53. 16. 32. 39. 58. 46. John Glenn 362 23 131 196 54 56 36 24 169 138 55 191 59 48 28 50. 13. 47. 84. 68. 61. 42. 42. 54. 48. 44. 53. 53. 42. 48. Normal vote 48 80 50 22 27 44 51 46 42 51 53 44 46 54 56 11 PDI (Reagan minus normal vote) 2 7 3 6- 5 5- 7 12 4 1 3 3 1 4 4- M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 2 Page 5 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 36+36a If Ronald Reagan was the Republican candidate and John Glenn was the Democratic candidate for President, who would you be voting for/Which way do you lean as of today TOTAL I AGE 11 STATUS GROUPS 11 SEX 11 SEL. GRPS 1 BREAK TWO 65 & HIGH MID LOWER CATH- SAMPLE 18-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 OVER INC. INTELL CLASS END BLACKS MALE FEMALE UNION OLIC 800 77 179 289 136 116 208 76 215 151 69 401 399 260 237 Total 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. rotal vote 2. Ronald Reagan 35 3:52 363 35 84 134 54 54 118 38 101 68 11 198 165 98 104 45. 46. 47. 46. 39. 46. 57. 50. 47. 45. 16. 49. 41. 38. 44. 1. John Glenn 362 37 78 126 65 56 71 31 95 68 55 175 187 141 113 45. 48. 44. 43. 48. 48. 34. 41. 44. 45. 79. 44. 47. 54. 48. 8. Don't know 69 5 15 27 15 6 18 7 17 14 3 24 44 19 18 9. 1. 8. 9. 11. 5. 8. 9. 8. 10. 5. 6. 11. 7. 8. 2 2 9. Refused/No answer 7 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 4 3 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 725 72 162 260 119 110 189 69 196 136 65 373 352 239 217 Committed vote 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. Ronald Reagan 363 35 84 134 54 54 118 38 101 68 11 198 165 98 104 50. 49. 52. 52. 45. 49. 62. 55. 51. 50. 16. 53. 47. 41. 48. John Glenn 362 37 78 126 65 56 71 31 95 68 55 175 187 141 113 50. 51. 48. 48. 55. 51. 38. 45. 49. 50. 84. 47. 53. 59. 52. Normal vote 48 40 52 47 43 51 55 56 49 45 24 50 46 39 43 PDI (Reagan minus normal vote) 2 9 5 2 2- 7 1- 2 5 8- 3 1 2 5 M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 13 Page 37 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 1 Do you feel things in this country are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track? POLITICAL REGION MEDIA MARKET 1 TOTAL VOTER TIPE 1 DE- SUB OAK- TRI- |-OUTSTATE- DE- FLINT/ G.R./ LAN- BREAK ONE SAMPLE REP T/S DEM TROIT WAYNE LAND MACOMB COS. METRO RURAL TROIT SGW KAL. SING 255 85 100 96 59 340 320 140 398 124 124 64 Total 800 188 319 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 352 123 138 73 26 36 52 29 142 142 67 163 58 64 28 2. Right direction 31. 36. 54. 49. 42. 44. 48. 41. 47. 52. 44. 44. 65. 43. 29. 1. Wrong track 367 45 147 157 54 53 28 27 163 147 58 194 53 48 32 46. 24. 46. 62. 64. 53. 29. 46. 48. 46. 41. 49. 43. 39. 50. 5 9 16 3 33 26 13 38 9 12 11 8. Don't know 72 17 29 22 9. 9. 9. 9. 6. 9. 17. 5. 10. 8. 9. 10. 7. 10. 6. 9. Refused/No answer 9 2 4 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 1 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 1. 2. 2. " M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 13 Page 38 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 1 Do you feel things in this country are generally going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track? TOTAL I AGE 11 STATUS GROUPS 11 SEX 11 BREAK TWO SEL GRPS I 65 & HIGH MID LOWER CATH- SAMPLE 18-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 OVER INC. INTELL CLASS END BLACKS MALE FEMALE UNION OLIC Total 800 77 179 289 136 116 208 76 215 151 69 401 399 260 237 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 2. Right direction 352 41 90 130 42 48 113 39 101 58 14 199 153 112 99 44. 53. 50. 45. 31. 41. 54. 51. 47. 38. 20. 50. 38. 43. 42. 1. Wrong track 367 32 75 130 78 51 74 30 94 77 48 165 202 122 110 46. 42. 42. 45. 57. 44. 36. 39. 44. 51. 70. 41. 51. 47. 46. 8. Don't know 72 3 13 27 15 14 20 5 15 15 5 30 42 21 25 9. 4. 7. 9. 11. 12. 10. 7. 7. 10. 7. 7. 11. 8. 11. 9. Refused/No answer 9 2 3 2 3 2 5 1 2 7 2 5 2 1. 1. 1. 1. 3. 3. 2. 1. 3. 2. 1. 2. 1. M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 17 Page 55 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 5 How strongly do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling his job as President? TOTAL VOTER TYPE 11 BREAK ONE POLITICAL REGION MEDIA MARKET DE- SUB OAK- TRI- -OUTSTATE- DE- FLINT/ SAMPLE REP T/S G.R./ LAN- DEM TROIT WAYNE LAND MACOMB COS. NETRO RURAL TROIT SGW KAL. SING Total 800 188 319 255 85 100 96 59 340 320 140 398 124 100. 124 100. 100. 64 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 4. Strongly approve 160 95 51 11 4 14 26 16 59 71 30 74 23 30 20. 51. 12 16. 11. 5. 14. 27. 27. 17. 22. 21. 19. 19. 24. 19. 3. Somewhat approve 253 68 128 42 17 25 37 16 95 106 52 114 43 32. 49 36. 21 40. 16. 20. 25. 39. 27. 28. 33. 37. 29. 35. 40. 33. 2. Somewhat disapprove 126 10 55 54 24 19 11 8 61 38 26 68 21 16. 5. 11 17. 21. 9 28. 19. 11. 14. 18. 12. 19. 17. 17. 9. 14. 1. Strongly disapprove 201 5 60 128 38 28 18 17 102 75 25 114 28 25. 24 3. 18 19. 50. 45. 28. 19. 29. 30. 23. 18. 29. 23. 19. 28. 8. Don't know 47 9 20 16 3 12 3 2 19 24 4 20 7 10 6. 4 5. 6. 6. 4. 12. 3. 3. 6. 8. 3. 5. 6. 8. 6. 9. Refused/No answer 13 1 4 5 3 1 1 4 7 2 9 1 2. 1. 1 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. Collapsed codes " Approve 413 163 180 53 21 38 63 32 154 177 82 187 52. 66 78 87. 56. 33 21. 25. 38. 66. 54. 45. 55. 59. 47. 53. 63. 52. Disapprove 327 16 114 181 62 47 29 25 163 113 52 182 50 41. 35 9. 36. 26 71. 73. 47. 30. 42. 48. 35. 37. 46. 40. 28. 41. M.O.R. JOB NO. P93042 T- 17 Page 56 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 5 How strongly do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling his job as President? TOTAL 1 AGE II STATUS GROUPS 11 SEX 11 SEL GRPS I BREAK TWO 65 E HIGH MID LOWER CATH- SAMPLE 18-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 OVER INC. INTELL CLASS END BLACKS MALE FEMALE UNION OLIC Total 800 77 179 289 136 116 208 76 215 151 69 401 399 260 237 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 4. Strongly approve 160 9 33 67 25 25 62 17 43 27 2 93 68 39 46 20. 12. 18. 23. 18. 22. 30. 22. 20. 18. 3. 23. 17. 15. 19. 3. Somewhat approve 253 32 68 88 37 28 83 23 73 40 10 126 127 74 76 32. 42. 38. 30. 27. 24. 40. 30. 34. 26. 14. 31. 32. 28. 32. 2. Somewhat disapprove 126 11 29 43 26 16 24 11 39 29 11 53 73 38 42 16. 14. 16. 15. 19. 14. 12. 14. 18. 19. 16. 13. 18. 15. 18. 1. Strongly disapprove 201 20 39 71 39 32 27 21 44 37 41 102 99 84 59 25. 26. 22. 25. 29. 28. 13. 28. 20. 25. 59. 25. 25. 32. 25. 8. Don't know 47 4 8 14 7 14 11 2 12 15 2 21 26 19 13 6. 5. 4. 5. 5. 12. 5. 3. 6. 10. 3. 5. 7. 7. 5. 9. Refused/No answer 13 1 2 5 3 2 2 1 4 3 2 7 6 6 2 2. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 2. 2. 2. 1. Collapsed codes Approve 413 41 101 155 62 52 145 40 116 66 13 219 195 113 122 52. 53. 56. 54. 46. 45. 70. 53. 54. 44. 19. 55. 49. 43. 51. Disapprove 327 31 68 115 65 48 51 32 83 66 52 155 172 122 100 41. 40. 38. 40. 48. 41. 25. 42. 39. 44. 75. 39. 43. 47. 42. M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 18 Page 58 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 6+7 Do you think President Reagan's policies have been fair and even-handed or not/All in all, are you and your family better off, worse off, or about the same as you were when Ronald Reagan first took office? TOTAL 1 VOTER TYPE BREAK ONE 1 POLITICAL REGION MEDIA MARKET DE- SUB OAK- TRI- -OUTSTATE- SAMPLE REP T/S DEM DE- FLINT/ G.R./ LAN- TROIT WAYNE LAND MACOMB COS. METRO RURAL TROIT SGW KAL. SING Total 800 188 319 255 85 100 96 59 340 320 140 100. 398 100. 124 100. 124 100. 64 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 06 President Reagan's policies 2. Fair and evenhanded 367 147 151 50 17 35 58 30 140 154 73 167 46. 78. 57 47. 67 20. 20. 31 35. 60. 51. 41. 48. 52. 42. 46. 54. 48. 1. Not fair and evenhanded 365 26 133 190 64 53 32 25 174 139 52 199 60 46. 44 14. 42. 75. 75. 26 53. 33. 42. 51. 43. 37. 50. 48. 35. 41. 8. Don't know 57 13 30 12 4 11 5 2 22 21 14 25 5 7. 7. 12 9. 5. 6 5. 11. 5. 3. 6. 7. 10. 6. 4. 10. 9. 9. Refused/No answer 11 2 6 3 2 1 1 4 6 1 7 1 1. 1 1. 2. 1. 1 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 1. 2. Q7 Since Ronald Reagan first took office 3. Better 143 71 48 18 7 13 28 10 58 64 21 72 16 18. 26 38. 15. 14 7. 8. 13. 29. 17. 17. 20. 15. 18. 13. 21. 22. 2. About the same 450 100 199 128 43 62 46 30 181 179 90 212 77 56. 53. 70 62. 50. 34 51. 62. 48. 51. 53. 56. 64. 53. 62. 56. 53. 1. Worse 200 17 68 107 35 25 22 19 101 71 29 112 25. 31 24 9. 21. 16 42. 41. 25. 23. 32. 30. 22. 21. 28. 25. 19. 25. 8. Don't know 5 3 1 5 1 1 4 1. 1. * 11 2. 1. * 3. 9. Refused/No answer 2 2 2 1. 1. (*= PERCENT LESS THAN .5) M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T- 18 Page 59 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question 6+7 Do you think President Reagan's policies have been fair and even-handed or not/All in all, first are took you office? and your family better off, worse off, or about the same as you were when Ronald Reagan BREAK TWO TOTAL I AGE 11 STATUS GROUPS 11 SEX 65 & HIGH MID I SEL. GRPS I LOWER SAMPLE 18-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 CATH- OVER INC. INTELL CLASS END BLACKS MALE FEMALE UNION OLIC Total 800 77 179 289 136 116 208 76 215 151 100. 100. 69 401 100. 100. 399 260 100. 100. 100. 237 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 06 President Reagan's policies 2. Fair and evenhanded 367 37 84 134 53 57 130 38 103 60 7 46. 48. 190 47. 177 46. 39. 97 49. 100 63. 50. 48. 40. 10. 47. 44. 37. 42. 1. Not fair and evenhanded 365 36 83 132 66 48 65 35 90 46. 71 47. 58 183 46. 182 46. 49. 143 41. 113 31. 46. 42. 47. 84. 46. 46. 55. 48. 8. Don't know 57 4 11 19 14 10 11 4 19 7. 16 5. 3 22 6. 35 7. 10. 17 9. 5. 22 5. 9. 11. 4. 5. 9. 7. 9. 9. Refused/No answer 11 1 5 3 2 2 3 3 2 6 1. 1. 5 4 2. 2. 2. 2 1. 1. 2. 3. 1. 1. 2. 1. Q7 Since Ronald Reagan first took office 3. Better 143 13 41 52 19 19 56 14 39 18. 17 17. 3 88 23. 18. 55 14. 31 16. 42 27. 18. 18. 11. 4. 22. 14. 12. 18. 2. About the same 450 43 93 154 77 81 118 48 119 84 56. 56. 36 209 52. 241 53. 57. 153 70. 57. 133 63. 55. 56. 52. 52. 60. 59. 56. 1. Worse 200 20 42 83 38 17 35 13 53 25. 50 26. 30 23. 102 29. 28. 99 74 15. 17. 17. 61 25. 33. 43. 25. 25. 28. 26. 8. Don't know 5 1 1 1 2 1 3 1. 1. 1 4 1. * 1. 1 1 1. 1. ** 1. ** * 9. Refused/No answer 2 2 2 1. 1. 2 2 1. (*= PERCENT LESS THAN .5) M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T-203 Page 175 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question II In the last general election in which you voted, which answer best describes how you voted for state and local offices such as governor and senator? TOTAL VOTER TYPE POLITICAL REGION MEDIA MARKET BREAK ONE DE- SUB OAK- TRI- |-OUTSTATE- DE- FLINT/ G.R./ LAN- SAMPLE REP T/S DEM TROIT WAYNE LAND MACOMB COS. METRO RURAL TROIT SGW KAL. SING Total 800 188 319 255 85 100 96 59 340 320 140 398 124 124 64 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 01. Straight Democratic 105 105 32 14 7 6 60 36 9 68 16 12 1 13. 41. 38. 14. 7. 10. 18. 11. 6. 17. 13. 10. 2. 02. Mostly Democratic 150 150 25 22 20 14 81 45 25 86 19 17 13 19. 59. 29. 22. 21. 24. 24. 14. 18. 22. 15. 14. 20. 03. A few more Democrats than 78 78 7 11 3 7 28 34 15 35 17 9 5 Republicans 10. 24. 8. 11. 3. 12. 8. 11. 11. 9. 14. 7. 8. 04. About equally for both parties 164 164 11 18 18 18 65 70 30 76 25 30 16 21. 51. 13. 18. 19. 31. 19. 22. 21. 19. 20. 24. 25. 05. A few more Republicans than 77 77 2 8 9 3 23 37 17 29 17 15 8 Democrats 10. 24. 2. 8. 9. 5. 7. 12. 12. 7. 14. 12. 13. 06. Mostly Republican 136 136 5 13 23 10 50 55 30 62 17 23 11 17. 72. 6. 13. 24. 17. 15. 17. 21. 16. 14. 19. 17. 07. Straight Republican 52 52 6 9 1 15 27 11 20 10 10 9 7. 28. 6. 9. 2. 4. 8. 8. 5. 118. 8. 14. 08. Other 3 1 2 1 3 3 X: 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 09. Never voted 6 1 1 2 4 5 1 1 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. 98. Don't know 23 2 4 4 10 11 2 11 3 6 1 3. 2. 4. 4. 3. 3. 1. 3. 2. 5. 2. 99. Refused/No answer 5 1 2 3 2 1 3 2 1. 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 1. 2. Combined Voter-Type Republican 188 188 5 18 32 11 65 82 41 82 27 33 20 24. 100. 6. 18. 33. 19. 19. 26. 29. 21. 22. 27. 31. Ticket-Splitter 319 319 20 37 30 28 115 140 63 140 58 53 28 40. 100. 24. 37. 31. 47. 34. 44. 45. 35. 47. 43. 44. Democrat 255 255 57 36 27 20 141 80 33 154 35 28 14 32., 100. 67. 36. 28. 34. 41. 25. 24. 39. 28. 23. 22. Marginal 38 4 8 7 18 17 3 22 3 8 2 5. 5. 8. 7. 5. 5. 2. 6. 2. 6. 3. (*= PERCENT LESS THAN .5) M.O.R. JOB NO. P83042 T-203 Page 176 MICHIGAN STATEWIDE (FIELD 7-16/7-25, 1983) Question II In the last general election in which you voted, which answer best describes how you voted for state and local offices such as governor and senator? TOTAL 1 AGE 11 STATUS GROUPS 11 SEX BREAK TWO 11 SEL GRPS I 65 E HIGH MID LOWER CATH- SAMPLE 18-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 OVER INC. INTELL CLASS END BLACKS MALE FEMALE UNION OLIC Total 800 77 179 289 136 116 208 76 215 151 69 401 399 260 237 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 100. 01. Straight Democratic 105 16 14 31 24 20 16 5 15 24 34 53 52 46 28 13. 21. 8. 11. 18. 17. 8. 7. 7. 16. 49. 13. 13. 18. 12. 02. Mostly Democratic 150 12 37 62 25 14 26 15 40 31 20 74 76 65 54 19. 16. 21. 21. 18. 12. 13. 20. 19. 21. 29. 18. 19. 25. 23. 03. A few more Democrats than 78 10 21 31 8 8 22 9 29 7 3 38 40 Republicans 34 28 10. 13. 12. 11. 6. 7. 11. 12. 13. 5. 4. 9. 10. 13. 12. 04. About equally for both parties 164 18 37 58 30 21 36 17 53 42 6 73 91 50 53 21. 23. 21. 20. 22. 18. 17. 22. 25. 28. 9. 18. 23. 19. 22. 05. A few more Republicans than 77 7 14 34 13 9 30 7 21 9 1 47 30 Democrats 19 24 10. 9. 8. 12. 10. 8. 14. 9. 10. 6. 1. 12. 8. 7. 10. 06. Mostly Republican 136 7 36 48 23 21 58 12 35 15 4 79 56 27 33 17. 9. 20. 17. 17. 18. 28. 16. 16. 10. 6. 20. 14. 10. 14. 07. Straight Republican 52 2 11 13 6 18 14 10 12 13 23 29 9 10 7. 3. 6. 4. 4. 16. 7. 13. 6. 9. 6. 7. 3. 4. 08. Other 3 2 2 3 3 1 1 * 1. 1. 1. 1. ** * 09. Never voted 6 4 2 1 1 3 1 2 4 2 1. 5. 1. * 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 98. Don't know 23 2 4 7 5 5 3 6 10 1 9 15 7 3 3. 3. 2. 2. 4. 4. 1. 3. 7. 1. 2. 4. 3. 1. 99. Refused/No answer 5 1 2 2 1 1 4 2 2 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. " 1. 1. 1. Combined Voter-Type Republican 188 9 48 61 29 39 71 22 47 28 4 103 86 36 44 24. 12. 27. 21. 21. 34. 34. 29. 22. 19. 6. 26. 22. 14. 19. Ticket-Splitter 319 34 73 123 50 38 89 33 103 58 10 158 161 102 105 40. 44. 41. 43. 37. 33. 43. 43. 48. 38. 14. 39. 40. 39. 44. Democrat 255 27 51 94 49 33 43 20 56 55 54 127 128 110 82 32. 35. 28. 33. 36. 28. 21. 26. 26. 36. 78. 32. 32. 42. 35. Marginal 38 6 8 12 7 6 5 1 10 10 2 14 24 12 6 5. 8. 4. 4. 5. 5. 2. 1. 5. 7. 3. 3. 6. 5. 3. (*= PERCENT LESS THAN .5) read. 8/17/8 &1 Arthur J. Finkelstein & Associates 132 Main Street Mount Kisco, N.Y. 10549 (914) 666-2750 August 9, 1983 Honorable Michael Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Michael: If there is one thing I have preached to you, it has been to set an agenda in three distinctly different areas - the economy, foreign policy, and social issues - and continue to say the same thing in different and interesting ways over and over again. I still think the three issues should be crime, Soviet expansionism (especially Western Europe and now Central America), and cutting spending or balancing the budget. Just as I thought the postman commercial on Social Security was a mistake because it talked to the Democratic issue, so too is it a mistake to talk to the gender gap, blacks, etc. We cannot ignore women, minorities, liberals, but we must talk to every special interest group on our turf. Certainly there is a package that can be put together on crime, the economy, and national defense which will appeal to women as women. A speech to a black group could start off with, "I know I am not going to receive any votes in this audience, but I have a commitment, a mandate to continue the precise economic policy that is lifting America out of the deepest recession since the 1930's. This economic miracle, built on cutting government spending, reducing taxes is working. Black Americans, indeed all Americans, are going back to work. Inflation rates are down, interest rates have come down, and this administration is going to fight to keep what's working, working. I am not going to turn back to the failed policy of the previous Democratic administration. This country is not going to turn back to the liberal programs which got us into the economic chaos that we found when we took office. Etc. Etc." Hon. Michael Deaver August 9, 1983 Page Two Michael, the point is that whether it's a woman's group, a black group, or left handed punks, this administration must say the same thing over, and over, and over again. Finally, although education would not have been my number one choice of an issue to exploit, clearly, simply by taking the initiative you were able to put some Democrats on the defensive. Don't let go of it. Someone told me something like 60 percent of the teachers in Houston were unable to pass a simple reading skills test. What a tremendous way for the President to promote the issue. If he were seen outside a middle class public school in Houston, holding up the report and saying this is why we need merit pay. Best as always. Keep trying. Sincerely, the Arthur J. Finkelstein AJF:dhd RGD -- 3/25/83 65% wome ID OSG AGENDA (1) Introduction of "OSG" Baker/Deaver/Darman -- modelled on "LSG": limited membership/principals only/guests only as invited by chairman/co-chairman/coordinator; collegial/frank/oriented toward building consensus and mobilizing coordinated action; focused on limited number or priorities -- with measurable objectives, and lead individuals responsible for each; both strategic and action-oriented; leak-proof; invisible to public for at least six months from inception and/or at least 3 months from achievement of two major objectives; capable of fitting agendas on a single page. (2) Initial priorities Darman -- develop and implement plans to increase support among: (a) "populists" Catholic (b) "blue collars" women (c) Hispanics (d) Older Americans small Businessaren -- develop and implement a plan to give meaning/ momentum to principal secondary domestic theme: to wit, education for the future/high technology development. (3) Initial discussion re "Populists" Atwater [Note: Previoulsy circulated paper is for background only. Discussion should focus on action agenda items.] (4) Next steps re other Priorities Group RECOMMENDATIONS There are some concrete steps we can take to improve our standing with the populists-- in terms of symbolism and issues. A. Symbolism As we plan our populist strategy, we should remember that populists appreciate honesty, cander, and straight-forwardness. They loathe hypocrisy, condescension, and pretense. Our strategy must be carefully planned and be consistent to avoid these pitfalls. Below are some specific suggestions: 1. The President could do the play-by-play for a pro baseball or football game. How many people know that the President is a former sportscaster? The President's image would be boosted immeasurably if he were to show off his microphone expertise alongside populist heroes such as Curt Gowdy or Frank Gifford. 2. Many presidents (though not lately) have thrown out the first ball at the beginning of the baseball season. This is a tradi- tion which could easily enough be revived. Perhaps the President could be with Jim Brady if the Bear throws out the first ball for a Chicago Cubs game again. 3. The President could go to a stock car race. Although stock car racing is neglected by the media, it is one of the nation's biggest spectator sports. And those spectators are almost 100% populists. 4. The President could host a group of football or baseball stars-- former and current--over to the White House. It is just as important to invite retired stars, as populists are old as well as young. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of sports to the populists. Sports like baseball and football are literally as American as apple pie. Sports--team and individual--epitomize valuable characteristics such as discipline, hard work, and per- severance. The President's connection with sports has been neglected. The public should be reminded that the President is a former athlete and sportscaster, and that he still enjoys watching a game on TV as much as the next guy. 5. The President could ask the 50 Reagan-Bush State Chairmen to each designate one blue collar worker to come to the White House and tell President Reagan what he or she thinks he ought to know. 6. If this program worked well, it could be repeated indefinitely. For example, the Reagan-Bush Chairmen could each choose an entrepeneur from their state who has recently started a small business that provides jobs. Additionally, the Chairmen could each select a farmer, working mother, Social Security recipient, outstanding student, star athlete, etc. Populists like to see the chasm between themselves and the elite TOOR narrowed. We could narrow that gap overnight by inviting some of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who write to the President each year to actually come visit the White House and talk to him in person. 8. Also in the interest of narrowing the gap between the government and the governed, we should give some serious thought to accepting some of the myriad invitations to conventions, parties, weddings, baptisms, etc. that the President gets each year. 9. The President is personally the greatest conservationist since Teddy Roosevelt. Not since TR has there been a president who spent so much time in the great outdoors. Not only does the President spend as much time as he can on his ranch, but he actually works with his hands when he's out there. Perhaps the President could invite others to come along. They could be rodeo champions, working cowboys, or perhaps "dudes" who would like to try "roughing it" for a few days. Our one "in house" rodeo champion is Malcolm Baldrige. Perhaps the President could do the announcing at an event where the Secretary performs. 10. No other president, no matter how beloved by the Sierra Club, can claim the same level of genuine familiarity and affinity with out- door life. The President may want to stop at a national park some time to make this point in person. He might say that people can honestly differ over the nuances of environmental policy, but that people who say that Ronald Reagan is out to damage the environment are not being honest. 11. An event could be arranged at the White House for "blue collar environmentalists," those non-granola eating working class Americans who drive their pickups and RV's into the country to hunt, fish, boat, etc. Perhaps they could all drive to the White House in their pickups and campers to discuss issues of common concern with the President. 12. The President could stress "blue collar environmentalism" in a speech to the National Rifle Association. Its members have a great interest in pragmatic environmental policy. Also, their political clout is much greater than most people realize, viz. the defeat of the California gun control initiative. Recall that Ronald Reagan was the first candidate the NRA ever endorsed. How- ever, the current pro-Reagan leadership of the NRA is being seriously challenged by forces allied with Michigan Democrat John Dingell. An appearance by the President at an NRA fundraiser would greatly strengthen the pro-Reagan incumbents. 13. The President could greatly advance his education agenda and help himself with the populists if he spoke to a conservative education group, such as the PTA or the National Association of School Boards. 2 The President might also consider speaking at a high school or grammar school commencement. There is no reason why the school has to be large. Surely we can find a traditionally-minded public school which never lost sight of the three R's and still graduates achievers without huge expenditures or frills. 14. Since nationalistic themes appeal to the populists' patriotism, the President might consider an event marking the anniversary of some great battle or treaty, preferably dating from the Revolu- tionary War. Another important date on the horizon is the 40th anniversary of D-Day, which comes up on June 6, 1984. 15. The President should seize the opportunity to emphasize his Kool continuing commitment to human rights in the captive nations of Eastern Europe. He could meet with Cardinal Cooke of New York, and participate in a candlelight vigil for Solidarity, Soviet Jews, imprisoned Pentecostals, etc. 16. The President has great communication skills. He could utilize them to the fullest to a sympathetic audience if he were to do a question-and-answer show over a nationwide hookup of FM country music radio stations. The advantage of radio is that the market is so segmented that we can seek out and find the precise populist audience we want. 17. The President could also lend his stature to a charity telethon, such as the Jerry Lewis telethon for muscular dystrophy. A Presidential appearance would certainly generate record contri- butions. 18. The President's philosophy and that of voluntarist groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are very much in tune. We should keep this in mind as we weigh the numerous invitations that pour into the White House every day. 19. The family has a special place in American life. The President is a son, husband, brother, father, and grandfather. All Americans enjoy celebrating holidays, birthdays, and reunions. They are showing increasing interest in their "roots." The President is uniquely qualified to explain to his fellow citizens how his vision for America speaks to their concerns and aspirations and how his policies address those concerns and aspirations. By word and deed, the President can help the families of America celebrate their unity and their diversity. 20. After the family, the greatest American social institution is the neighborhood, or community. From the Mayflower Compact, through quilting bees, all the way to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Americans have seen the necessity, and the desirability, of uniting to achieve common goals. As the President draws attention to the diversity of American neighborhoods, he should devote careful attention to the unique sounds, sights, words, and foods of each. 3 Particular attention should be given to ethnic foods. The President eating pizza or munching on a gyros is always worth a spot on TV or a picture in the newspaper. 21. Work is what built this country. Incentives and rewards for pro- ductive work are central to the President's Economic Recovery Program. The President can visit high schools where the workers of the future are being trained, and he can visit the high tech factories where the products of the future are being produced. Just as importantly, the President can visit the older workplaces of smokestack America, where he can offer his assurances that the heavy industries that built this country will not be left behind. 22. To have peace, we must have strength. This is the essential message of the Administration's national security policies. The President must cut through the noisy rhetoric of our opponents and remind the American people of the bottom line: America is at peace. Populists in particular feel strongly that we must not only have peace; we must have peace with honor. Populists don't want any more Irans. They are less worried about America being loved than they are about America being respected. The President can "humanize" our national defense policies and bring the issue down to "human scale" by visiting with ordinary soldiers and sailors. After meeting with those who are bearing the burden of our freedom today, he can meet with those who have borne it in the past: veterans and their dependents. B. Issues We have to remember that populists are in sympathy with us mostly on cultural and nationalistic issues, i.e. social and foreign policy. On economic issues the populists tend to side more with the Democrats. The economic issues we should stress with the populists are: 1. Jobs. Populists are still loyal to the WPA/CCC-type programs that gave jobs to their fathers and grandfathers. They would rather be working in the private sector, but they consider public works em- ployment to be better than nothing--and much better than welfare. The gas tax legislation and now the jobs bill will both put blue collar, hard hat Americans back to work. We should not hesitate to take credit for these bills. In the future, we should continue to emphasize the job creation aspects of all our economic policies. Populists want to hear "jobs, jobs, jobs" over and over again. 2. Housing. Closely related to the jobs issue is housing. Construc- tion workers tend to be populists, but they are pro-Republican. The key to making them happy is putting them back to work, and the key to putting them back to work is lowering interest rates. We should always mention how many Americans will be able to afford new 4 homes--and how many jobs will be created in the construction of those homes-thanks to our success in lowering interest rates. The foreign policy issue we should emphasize with the populists is: 1. National Defense. Populists are hawks. Long after much of the elite had abandoned our cause in Vietnam, the populists continued to stand up for America's national honor. Populists still wear American flag decals on their hardhats. They still say: America- love it or leave it. We should continually stress nationalistic themes in our communi- cations. We should emphasize that America is once again respected around the world, thanks to President Reagan's defense buildup. We can point out that there have been no more Irans and Afghanistans since President Reagan's inauguration. We believe that the social issues listed below serve to reinforce our strength with the populists while not jeopardizing our overall coalition: 1. Education. Americans are deeply concerned about deteriorating standards and discipline in our schools. President Reagan has already addressed these concerns, with programs and proposals to improve computer literacy, to direct special aid to science and math instruction, to eliminate counterproductive school busing, promote tuition tax credits, and so on. The President can continue to press for educational reforms. He can push for higher teacher competency standards, for more job- oriented instruction, and further advances in high technology training. At the same time, he can continue to stress the im- portance of basic instruction, school prayer, and morality. 2. Immigration. Just about everyone agrees that the current situa- tion is out of hand. Populists are not racists because they want to regain control of our borders. They worry about their jobs and that traditional American values and institutions are being eroded. 3. Crime. In terms of politics, the issue comes and goes. But in terms of victims, the problem gets worse and worse. Populists lean toward no-nonsense justice that puts cops on the streets and crooks in jail. 5