Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
702490
label
Polling (1990) [3]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
702490
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Polling (1990) [3]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
29168-003
collections
Records of the White House Office of the Chief of Staff to the President (George H. W. Bush Administration)
John Sununu Issues Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
702490
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
ae0b15b6c93d7f9b
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
1998-0004-F[1]; 1999-0098-F; 1999-0163-F
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin: Chief of Staff, White House Office of
Series:
Sununu, John, Files
Subseries:
Issues Files
OA/ID Number:
29168
Folder ID Number:
29168-003
Folder Title:
Polling (1990) [3]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
15
25
3
6
THE WHITE HOUSE
THE CHIEF of STAFF
has seen
WASHINGTON
April 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
ED ROGERS for
SUBJECT:
LATEST COMPARATIVE POLL
For your information, attached please find
the most recent Comparative presidential
Job Approval poll.
Comparative Presidential Job Approval
Through Second Year in Office
Percent Approval
80 -
-
Bush
71
70 - -
68
60 -
-
51
Carter
50 -
43
40 -
Reagan
35
30
I
I
Feb
Apr
Jun
Aug
Oct
Dec
Feb
Apr
Jun
Aug
Oct
Dec
Month
Source: Gallup Organization
RNC Survey Research
THE CHIEF of STAFF
has seen
NEW SPACE CRAFT TECHNOLOGY
Are you aware or not aware of a program to build a new re-usable space plane that unlike the
shuttle, would take off and land from a regular airport?
The federal government has started the development of new technologies that may lead to the con-
struction of a new MANNED SPACE CRAFT called the National Aerospace Plane that would fly into
space and could use commercial airports to take off and land. Do you view the idea of such a
program very favorably, somewhat favorably, somewhat unfavorably, or very unfavorably?
A third of the public is aware of the new space craft
80
proposal. Awareness tends to be higher among
66
those groups that traditionally support the space
60
program (younger, male and the more educated).
40
33
20
0
Aware
Not aware
Seventy percent supports the space plane.
50
42
40
30
27
20
17
11
10
3
strongly 0 fovor Somewhat Somewhat oppose strongly oppose Don't know
*
16% has 'seriously considered becoming an astronaut'; 40% would 'pay for a trip into space'; 2.5% of
the population would be willing to pay $50,000 or more for a trip into space!
-8-
APPROVAL OF THE CIVILIAN SPACE PROGRAM
Agree or disagree with the following
/ approve of America's civilian space program so far.
America's civilian space program should be expanded.
America's civilian space program should be continued as is.
Expenditures for America's civilian space program should be cut back.
Support for Space Program
Time Trends
90
Approve so for
Expand
80
Continue as is
70
Cut back
60
50
40
30
Jan '86
Aug '86
July '88
March '89
Feb '90
Approve of program so far
Continue program as is
Expand program, Cut back program
*
Public approval of the civilian space program is at an all time high (79%) 1. Sub-groups more likely to
approve of the space program include younger voters, men, high income and more educated groups.
*
Compared to a year ago, voters are more likely to agree that the space program should be expanded.
*
'Technological' and 'medical' advances are mentioned most often as the important benefits of the space
program. The 'high cost' of the program is viewed as the most important disadvantage of the civilian
space program.
1 Questions regarding the space program are from a separate national survey or 1200 registered voters conducted in February.
The margin of error on this survey is +/- 2.8%. The survey was commissioned by Rockwell International.
-7-
PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROPOSAL
Are you aware or not aware of recent proposals by President Bush for new space missions?
Last July, the President proposed a program to use space satellites to monitor the Earth's environ-
ment and begin new manned missions to the Moon, followed by manned exploration of Mars. Do
you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this proposed program?
80
Thirty-three percent of the public is aware of Presi-
66
60
dent Bush's proposed space program. Awareness
of the proposal correlates with media and news
40
33
attentiveness as well as specific interest in the space
program.
20
0
Aware
Not owere
Once familiarized with the main points of President
50
Bush's proposal, 70% supports it. One of the primary
40
39
reasons for favoring the Bush program is the earth
31
30
observation function of the program. Increased con-
2
20
cern with environment finds an expression in support
13
13
for the space program. The main reason for
10
opposing the program is its cost.
0
Very favor
Somewhot Somewhot unfavor
very unfavor
Don't know
-9-
EXPENDITURES FOR THE CIVILIAN SPACE PROGRAM
About what percentage of the federal government's budget do you think is spent for civilian space
programs like satellites and space missions?
Approximately 1% of the annual federal budget is currently spent on the civilian space program.. It
has been estimated that the starting of new initiatives in space will require increasing NASA's bud-
get to about 2% of the total federal budget. Do you agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or
strongly disagree that this is a reasonable amount to spend?
5%--21%
Awareness of the space program's share of the fed-
eral budget is low. A majority of the public feels
IX-18%
NASA's share is substantially higher that it actually is
10%-13%
(Correct answer is 1%).
15%-8%
Don't Know-19%
20%-13%
50% or more--8%
Awareness of current
budget
When told what the actual share of the space pro-
Strongly agree-31%
gram's budget is, support for an increased budget is
substantial. Sixty-seven percent of the public would
Somewhat agree--36%
support incleasing NASA's budget share to about
Don't know-5%
2%.
Strongly disagree- 15%
Somewhat disagree--13%
Funding increase
-10-
Finished
DEM. PULLETS: ABORTION
HEALTH CARE
S/L.
Summary of Findings
CAB
ANS.
B-Y
1)
SAVING
2)
COTTING
47
President Bush
3335
The President receives the highest marks yet in the RNC national surveys. A 77% to
THIS
17% majority approve of his job performance, and a 67% to 13% majority give him
warm/favorable rating on the warm/cold scale.
Thirty-three percent now say that they strongly approve of the President's job, an
Return
indication of deepening support for his performance. Only 22 percent (down from
summure
31 percent last October) believe he has been "too cautious" in handling his respon-
sibilities; 69 percent believe he has been "about right" rather than too bold or too
cautious.
Current Issue Agenda
Concern with the drug problem is unabated. It remains the highest rated priority for
the federal government with close to 80 percent of the public now rating it at the top
of the issue importance scale. The drug problem also topped two other lists in the
survey; the most important of the President's six education goals, ie., "schools will be
PHOTOCOPY
GB HANDWRITING
free of drugs and violence" and as the most closely followed issue in the news.
Contrary to the normal pattern, the voters have more confidence in the
incumbent party to handle the nation's most serious problem. By 42% to
26%, they prefer the Republican Party over the Democrats on combatting
drugs. Moreover, the Republican margin has slightly increased, rather than
eroded, over the past 15 months.
Education and the environment remain just behind the drug problem in the voters'
priorities for the federal government. Both problems are rated as important as last
year. There are no significant differences between Republicans and Democrats or
core Bush and anti-Bush voters in their ratings of drugs, education, and the environ-
ment as the nation's top three issues.
The public's preference for the Democratic Party to handle the education
issue continues to shrink. Currently, a 40% to 37% plurality prefer the
Democrats to improve education.
On the environment, the Democrats continue to hold a large lead, 49% to
26%, with their current margin being slightly larger than last year.
After drugs, education, and the environment there are four issues on the public
agenda: economic competitiveness, the budget deficit, health insurance, and nuclear
arms control. The Republican Party is the preferred party to handle all but health
insurance.
Completing the list of issues tested, the voters rank in order of importance: the
economy, housing for the homeless, national defense, abortion, and taxes. The
Republican Party is the party of preference on national defense, the economy, and
taxes The Democratic Party is the party of preference on the homeless. The
Democrats are slightly preferred on the abortion issue, 36% to 33%.
Republicans and core Bush voters rank economic competitiveness and the budget
deficit as high on their agenda as they rank the environment and just behind their
ranking of education. Democrats and anti-Bush voters place health insurance as high
as the environment on their agenda, and they rank housing for the homeless close
behind health insurance. Health insurance and the homeless generate the largest
partisan differences in these priority rankings with Democrats rating them very high
and Republicans rating them relatively low.
The Deficit and Taxes
General support for a tax increase is the same as last April: 41 percent would support
a tax increase "as one part of an overall plan to reduce the federal budget deficit."
Fifty-five percent are opposed. Surprisingly, there is little difference between Republi-
cans and Democrats or core Bush and anti-Bush voters. All are opposed to a tax
increase by about the same moderate margins.
A 52% to 43% majority think it will be necessary, eventually, to increase taxes to
reduce the deficit, but a 55% to 38% majority do not think it will be necessary to
have such a tax increase in the next year. The majority acknowledging the in-
evitability of a tax increase has not grown in the past year. Instead, it is down slightly
from the previous results.
Increasing the gasoline tax, specifically, to reduce the deficit is met with about the
same result as an undefined tax increase although the wording is admittedly biased
toward a favorable response. By 53% to 45%, the voters disagree with the statement
that "an increase in the gasoline tax to reduce the deficit is a good idea because it
would encourage Americans to conserve gasoline and our gasoline prices would still
be lower than in most other countries." Again, the Republican and Democratic
coalitions are similarly divided in their responses to this issue.
The President's Education Goals
Forty-six percent of the public, over one-half of the core Bush voters and four-in-ten
anti-Bush voters, say they have read or heard about the national education goals
announced by the President in January.
Of the six goals, the public believes the most important one is making the schools
drug-free. They judge adult literacy and training as the next most important. The
other four goals are ranked as follows: ninety percent graduation rate, demonstrated
competency in core subjects, pre-school preparation, and reaching first place in math
and science.
Foreign Policy Issues
The President's current policy toward China is supported by a 58% to 33% majority.
In the context of a reminder of the events last June, the voters were asked to choose
between two policies: "deal with the current government leaders but apply political
pressure on them to introduce democratic reforms" or "don't deal with the current
government leaders and support those who want to establish a democracy in China."
Fifty-eight percent sided with the first policy.
On the issue of assisting the Soviet Union, over 70 percent majorities favor sending
them "economic advisors" and granting the Soviets the same trading rights as our
traditional trading partners, but over seventy percent oppose "direct economic aid" to
the Soviet Union.
President Bush: Job Performance
Do you approve or disapprove of the way George Bush is handling his job as President?
Would that be strongly (approve/disapprove) or just somewhat (approve/disapprove)?
Collapsed Responses
March
October
April
1990
1989
1989
Approve
77%
75%
70%
Disapprove
18
18
19
Full Responses
Strongly approve
33%
29%
27%
Just somewhat approve
44
45
43
Just somewhat disapprove
11
10
11
Strongly disapprove
6
8
8
Don't know/NA
6
7
11
Subgroups
Approve
Disapprove
Republicans
94%
4
Ticket-Splitters
79%
17
Democrats
58%
35
Men
78%
19
Women
76%
17
Blacks
62%
29
Right Direction
89%
8
Wrong Track
68%
25
Comment
The President continues to win increasing 'strong approval' marks from the public, a sign of
deepening satisfaction with his performance.
American women are especially approving of the President's performance: there is no gender
gap in approval despite the fact that women are significantly more Democratic in outlook than
men.
Report on American Public Opinion
1
Reasons for Bush Job Approval and Disapproval¹
APPROVAL
DISAPPROVAL
Selected Mentions
Selected Mentions
He's doing a good job
31%
Economic problems/policies
3%
Foreign affairs
9
Not decisive/not strong leader
3
Stand on drugs
8
Not doing a good job
2
Agree with his stands in general
8
Doesn't care about people
2
Decisive/strong leader
7
Not doing enough about drugs
2
Likes how he handled Panama
5
Not taking care of U.S. needs
2
Good man - I like him
5
Not keeping his promises
1
Hasn't done anything wrong
4
Doesn't like him
1
He's honest and sincere
4
Foreign Policy
1
Likes his (family/religious) values
3
Stand on education
1
Economy
3
He's a Republican
1
He is intelligent/educated/smar
2
Foreign aid
1
Education stands
2
Stands on environment
*
Abortion stand
2
Stand on abortion
*
Relations with Soviets
1
He's Republican
1
Military/defense stands
1
Stand on taxes
1
Environment
*
Others
4
Others
1
Don't know/NA
12
Don't know/NA
3
Comment
Americans tend toward general reasons for approving of the President's job: four-in-ten name
either a general policy areas or else personality reasons for their approval. In October, the
most often mentioned specific issue area was cited by 16% (for stand on drugs), while in this
study half that number mention the specific issue of drugs as a reason for approving of Bush.
Americans name 'decisive/strong leadership' as a reason for approval at twice the rate
'indecisive/weak leadership' is named as a reason for disapproval. This is likely an
improvement since October: at that time, Bush 'weakness' was mentioned more often as a
reason for disapproval than 'stands up for what he believes in' was mentioned as a cause for
approval.
1 Percentage based on total sample (N=1200)
Report on American Public Opinion
2
President Bush: General Feelings
51-100
50
0-49
Don't Know
Warm
Neutral
Cold
Ref./NA
Avg. 2
Trend
March, 1990
67%
19
13
1
67°
October, 1989
62%
20
17
1
64°
April
63%
16
19
2
64°
Jan., 1989
54%
17
26
3
58°
Nov. 6-7, 1988
48%
16
34
3
53°
Sept. 27-28
47%
16
34
3
54°
Aug. 22-24
56%
15
30
2
57°
Aug. 3-6
42%
17
38
3
50°
July
44%
17
37
2
50°
May
38%
22
38
2
48°
March
42%
16
36
6
49°
Intense Favorability
90-100°
March, 1990
13
October, 1989
20
April
19
January, 1989
13
2 Average on a 0-to-100 scale where 0=very cold, 50=not warm or cold, and 100=very warm
Report on American Public Opinion
3
Bush Style of Leadership
In general, do you think George Bush has been too bold, too cautious, or about right in
handling his responsibilities as President?
March
October
1990
1989
Too bold
6%
2%
Too cautious
22
31
About right
69
63
Don't Know/NA
4
5
Subgroups
Too
Too
About
Bold
Cautious
Right
Republican
3%
13
82
Ticket-Splitters
5%
22
69
Democrats
10%
31
54
Bush Core
2%
13
84
Swing
6%
20
72
Anti-Bush
11%
41
40
Comment
This Democratic attack theme has gained no acceptance from the American public.
Report on American Public Opinion
4
Volunteered Perceptions of President Bush's
Accomplishments and Disappointments
What has George Bush done so far that has impressed you the most?
What has George Bush done so far that has disappointed you the most?
Impressive
Disappointing
(Selected Mentions)
(Selected Mentions)
Handling of Panama/Noriega
16%
Not doing enough about poverty
5%
Action against drugs
14
His stand on abortion
4
General foreign policy
11
Stand on taxes
4
Policy toward Eastern Europe
9
Not doing enough about drugs
4
Doing good job
7
Not doing enough about budget
3
Decisive/strong leader
4
How he handled Panama
3
Communicates well
4
Not decisive/strong leader
3
Stand on abortion
3
Education
3
Stand on education
2
Hasn't done enough for hostages
2
Stands on issues generally
2
Foreign policy in general
2
Economic situation
2
Foreign aid
2
His honesty/sincerity
2
Environmental issues
2
Stand on taxes
2
China policies
2
Values/religious values
2
Help for elderly
2
Hasn't done anything wrong
1
Choice of Dan Quayle
2
I like him
1
Hasn't help unemployment
1
Stand on homelessness
1
Not doing enough for economy
1
He cares about people
1
Handling of South Africa
1
Working with the budget
1
Stand on Social Security
*
Intelligent
*
Others
5
Others
12
Nothing has impressed
14
Nothing has disappointed
26
Don't Know/NA
22
Don't know/NA
24
Comment
In October of last year, the President's messages and actions on drugs was first in peoples
minds and was mentioned by 32% of the public in response to this question. Now
Americans' impressions are more balanced between drug actions, Panama, and foreign policy
in general.
Report on American Public Opinion
5
Vice-President Quayle: General Feelings
51-100
50
0-49
Don't Know
Warm
Neutral
Cold
Ref./NA
Avg.
3
Trend
March, 1990
27%
28
40
4
44°
October, 1989
28%
24
40
9
44°
April
35%
20
38
8
46°
Jan., 1989
26%
24
43
7
41°
Nov. 6-7, 1988
22%
21
52
5
37°
Sept. 27-28
25%
19
46
9
40°
Aug. 22-24, 1988
38%
18
33
11
50°
Subgroups (March, 1990)
Warm
Neutral
Cold
Avg.
Republicans
47%
27
22
57°
Ticket-splitters
25%
30
40
44°
Democrats
14%
22
61
32°
Men
29%
25
43
43°
Women
26%
31
37
45°
18-29
19%
32
43
40°
30-39
28%
26
42
44°
40-64
32%
28
37
46°
65+
29%
26
40
45°
3 Average on a 0-to-100 scale where 0=very cold, 50=not very warm or cold, and 100=very warm.
Report on American Public Opinion
6
Vice-President Quayle: Job Performance
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Dan Quayle is handling his job as Vice-President?
Would that be strongly (approve/disapprove) or just somewhat (approve/disapprove)?
March
Oct
April
1990
1989
1989
Collapsed Responses
Approve
49%
38%
50%
Disapprove
23
22
22
Don't know/NA
28
41
22
Do you think Dan Quayle would or would not be able to handle the job of President if
something happened to President Bush?
Would be able
34%
34%
41%
Would not be able
52
52
49
Don't know/NA
14
14
10
Able to
Job Performance
Handle Presidency
Dis-
Don't
Would
Subgroups
Approve
approve
Know
Would
not
Republicans
63%
14
23
46%
40
Ticket-Splitters
50%
23
27
33%
55
Democrats
37%
33
30
26%
60
Men
52%
25
24
37%
51
Women
46%
22
32
31%
53
East North
Central
53%
24
23
37%
51
Mid Atlantic
43%
25
32
29%
55
Southern Whites
56%
18
26
38%
48
Comment
Nearly one in two 'Approvers' of the Vice-President's job handling fail to translate this attitude
into confidence in his ability to handle the job of president. These Americans may be thought
of as the first step for the Vice-President in winning the confidence of a majority of the public
to handle the job of president. If only half of this group were to see that what they approve
of in the job Quayle is doing demonstrates his capability to act as president, a clear plurality,
and very close to an overall majority of the public would hold confidence in the Vice-
President to handle the job.
Report on American Public Opinion
7
Congress: Job Performance
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job? Would that be strongly
(approve/disapprove) or just somewhat (approve/disapprove)?
Collapsed
March
Oct.
April
Nov.
Early
Oct.
Responses
1990
1989
1989
1984
1983
1983
1982
1979
Approve
48%
51%
50%
46%
34%
51%
37%
18%
Disapprove
40
34
39
33
32
33
39
67
Don't Know/
NA
12
15
11
21
34
16
42
15
Subgroups
Approve
Disapprove
Approve
Disapprove
Republicans
40%
49
Men
45%
46
Ticket-
Women
50%
34
splitters
48%
40
Democrats
57%
33
Pro-life
40%
46
In-between &
18-39 years
55%
32
somewhat
40-64 years
43%
46
pro-choice
55%
34
65+ years
38%
51
Strongly
pro-choice
46%
42
Comment
The increase in disapproval since October of last year comes almost entirely from Republicans.
At that time they approved of Congress' job by 50% to 40%.
Report on American Public Opinion
8
Generic Congressional Ballot
If the elections for the U.S. House of Representatives were being held today, would you be
voting for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate from your district?
Which way do you lean as of today -- toward the Republican candidate or the Democratic
candidate?
March
October
April
1990
1989
1989
Republican
40%
43%
38%
Democrat
41
47
46
Don't Know/NA
18
10
16
Subgroups
Rep
Dem
Rep
Dem
Republicans
87%
4
Men
43%
39
Ticket-
Women
38%
43
splitters
35%
39
Democrats
3%
90
Strongly
pro-life
45%
35
18-39 years
43%
40
Strongly
40-64 years
37%
44
pro-choice
35%
47
65+ years
41%
42
Bush Core Support
81%
6
Swing
21%
56
Anti-Bush
1%
88
Comment
More Republicans were found in this study than in October, so some improvement in the
generic ballot question is to be expected.
Ticket-Splitters were found in October to favor Republicans by five percentage points.
Report on American Public Opinion
9
Party Confidence
Do you have more confidence in the policies and programs of the Republican party or the
Democratic Party to solve the problems facing the country?
1990
1989
Nov.
1988
March
Oct.
April
Jan.
6-7
Sept.
May
Republican
41%
38%
43%
47%
43%
40%
35%
Democratic
29
30
33
33
49
41
39
Both/
Neither
22
22
19
16
11
12
16
Don't Know/
NA
9
10
5
4
8
7
10
GOP Margin
12
8
10
14
-6
1
-4
Subgroups
Rep
Dem
Both/Neither/
Party
Party
NA
Republicans
86%
3
11
Ticket-Splitters
35%
22
44
Democrats
5%
68
27
Men
44%
25
31
Women
38%
32
70
18-29 years
43%
33
24
30-39 years
43%
23
34
40+
39%
29
32
Blacks
13%
55
30
Right Direction
51%
34
26
Wrong Track
35%
33
33
Generic Vote for Congress
Republican
82%
4
15
Democratic
8%
60
31
Report on American Public Opinion
10
Trend in Which Party the Public Holds Confidence In
Since 1988
Percent
50 - -
45 - -
41
40 - 39
Republican
35
35 -
-
Democratic
30 -
-
29
25
May-88
Sep-88
Nov-88
Jan-89
Apr-89
Oct-89
Mar-90
Date
Source: US National Survey, March, 1990
RNC Survey Research
Party Issue Handling
Here are some issues and problems. For each one, please tell me whether you think the
Republican Party or the Democratic Party would do a better job of handling it.
Current
1989
Republican Democratic
GOP
GOP
Party
Party
Margin
Margin⁴
Maintaining a strong
national defense
61%
21
40
39
Reaching nuclear
arms control agreements
51%
25
26
27
Promoting growth
in the national economy
52%
27
25
n.a.
Making our country more competitive
with Japan and Europe
51%
27
24
22⁵
Avoiding a recession
48%
28
20
n.a.
Combatting the drug problem
42%
26
16
10
Reduce the federal
budget deficit
47%
32
15
14
Avoiding a tax increase
47%
33
14
n.a.
Doing the right thing
on the nation's abortion laws
33%
36
-3
-7
Improving public education
37%
40
-3
-10
Protecting the environment
26%
49
-23
-20
Making sure all Americans
have basic health care
21%
59
-38
n.a.
Providing housing for
the homeless
19%
59
-40
-40
4 Results are from studies conducted in January, April, and October of 1989. Results are averaged for issues asked
in more than one study.
5 1989 wording was 'Improving our competitive position in world markets'.
Report on American Public Opinion
11
Party Handling Trends for Drugs, Education and Environment
Net Republican
1990
1989
1989
1989
Advantage
March
Oct.
April
Jan.
Reducing the federal
budget deficit
+15
+12
+19
+11
Combatting the
drug problem
+16
+13
+12
+6⁶
Improving the quality of
public education
-3
-8
-6
-15
Protecting the
environment
-23
-21
-19
n.a.
⁶January wording: 'Solving the drug problem'
Report on American Public Opinion
12
Party Identification
1990
1989
Party Identification
March
October
April
January
Republican
48%
45%
44%
46%
Democratic
43
46
47
47
Independent
9
8
8
7
Other/NA
1
1
1
2
Subgroups
Party ID
Republican
Democratic
Men
52%
38
18-34 years
55%
35
35+ years
49%
41
Women
44%
48
18-34 years
48%
44
35+ years
42%
50
New Deal Groups
Northern Protestant
61%
31
Northern Catholic
52%
39
Northern Union
44%
46
Southern White
55%
36
Blacks
10%
80
Jews
19%
77
Comment
For the first time during the Bush Presidency, a plurality of Americans identify with the
Republican party over the Democratic party. This could signal a break in the GOP direction
after being mired in parity with the Democrats over the past two years.
This encouraging result comes in spite of the fact that the sample demographics in all
important ways match previous samples.
Report on American Public Opinion
13
National Direction
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?
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
March
Oct.
April
Jan.
Aug.
March
Right
Direction
39%
40%
46%
53%
48%
41%
39%
54%
Wrong
Track
54
51
41
37
44
49
53
34
Don't Know/
NA
7
9
13
10
8
10
8
12
Difference
-15
-11
5
16
4
-8
-14
20
Subgroups
Right
Wrong
Don't Know/
Direction
Track
NA
Republicans
47%
48
6
Ticket-Splitters
41%
54
6
Democrats
31%
63
6
Men
42%
54
5
Women
38%
55
7
18-39 years
42%
54
4
40-64 years
40%
54
6
65+
32%
57
11
Blacks
21%
75
4
Comment
Compared to January of 1989, partisanship no longer strongly drives Right Direction/Wrong
Track attitudes. At that time, almost three-quarters of Republicans said the country was going
in the right direction while Democrats held attitudes similar to what they hold today. This
trend bears watching for improvement once the GOP federal and state campaigns get in gear.
It should improve since in most other ways Republicans appear to be activated and hold
positive attitudes towards their party.
Previous open-ended follow-up questioning and focus group findings indicate that concern for
the problem of drugs is driving 'Wrong Track' attitudes.
Report on American Public Opinion
14
Right Direction or Wrong Track?
National Direction Since 1986
Percent
55 - 54
54
50 -
Wrong Track
45 -
40 -
39
Right Direction
35 - 34
30
Nov '86
Jul '87
Mar '88
Jan '89 Apr
Oct
Mar '90
Date
Source: US National Survey, March, 1990
RNC Survey Research
Volunteered National Problems
What do you think are the most important problems facing the country at the present time?
1990
1989
1989
April
October
April
January
Drugs
49%
57%
31%
19%
Homelessness
23
18
16
15
Crime
15
8
8
5
Education
12
16
11
7
Budget deficit and national debt
12
10
20
32
Economy
11
5
16
15
Pollution/Environment
10
7
15
4
Abortion
7
4
5
2
Unemployment
6
9
9
11
Foreign Relations, unspecified
5
5
14
4
Poverty
3
5
3
3
Senior health care/costs/Soc. Security
3
4
2
2
Health care/insurance
3
4
5
5
AIDS
2
4
5
3
Taxes
2
4
3
3
Hunger
1
2
-
-
Racism
1
1
2
1
Don't know/NA
13
2
5
13
Comment
Four specific domestic issues dominate the public's agenda while the broad issue of prosperity
has rebounded some in importance since October.
Homelessness stands out among the most mentioned issues as lacking the same broad
agreement over its importance which other issues enjoy. It is ranked second by partisans of
both parties, but the Democrats are more than twice as likely to mention this problem than
Republicans (34% to 15%). Of all other issues, only unemployment draws such strong
disagreement over its importance between partisans. Women are also significantly more
concerned about homelessness than are men.
Notable in its absence is any mention of the problem of war and peace.
Report on American Public Opinion
15
Trends in Rating of Government Goals
For each goal:
1990
1989
1989
Average Rating⁷ and
March
October
April
Percent Rating Issue '9' or '10'
Combatting the drug problem
9.1
9.0
8.9
78%
75%
74%
Improving the quality of
8.9
8.9
8.6
public education
68%
69%
65%
Protecting the environment
8.7
8.6
8.6
68%
64%
62%
Making our country more economically
8.4
competitive with Japan and Europe
58%
Reducing the federal
8.4
8.1
8.3
budget deficit
58%
48%
58%
Making sure all Americans have basic
8.4
health insurance coverage
59%
Avoiding a recession
8.3
54%
Reaching nuclear arms
8.3
control agreements
54%
Promoting growth in
8.1
the national economy
46%
Providing housing for the homeless
8.0
8.0
51%
49%
Maintaining a strong national defense
7.7
44%
Doing the right thing on the
7.5
6.7
nation's abortion laws
47%
37%
Avoiding a tax increase
7.4
41%
Making child care services
7.3
more available and affordable
37%
7 Average on a 0-to-10 scale where 0=not at all important and 10=extremely important.
Report on American Public Opinion
16
How Important are the Following Goals
(Zero to Ten Scale)
Combat Drug Problem
9.1
Improve Public Educ.
8.9
Environment
8.7
Make US Competitive
8.4
Reducing Fed Budget
8.4
Health Insurance
8.4
Avoiding Recession
8.3
Arms Agreement
8.3
Promoting Growth
8.1
Homelessness
8
Strong Nat'l Defense
7.7
Abortion Laws
7.5
Avoid Tax Increase
7.4
I
0
2
4
6
8
Mean
March, 1990 study of 1200 U.S. Adults
RNC Survey Research, 4-90
How Important are the Following Things to
You and Your Family?
Staying Phys. Fit
62
Avoiding Crime
53
Obtaining Education
45
Raising Children
35
Treatment of Illness
34
Earning More Income
28
Saving for College
27
Saving for Retiring
26
More Time for Family
25
Cutting Living Exps.
23
Church Activities
21
Current Events
15
Finding a New Job
14
Saving for New Home
14
Learn New Job Skill
12
Following Politics
10
I
I
I
I
I
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Percent Extremely Important
March, 1990 study of 1200 U.S. Adults
RNC Survey Research, 4-90
How Closely Do You Follow the News on
Combatting Drugs
68
Crime in Your Area
65
Environment
52
Presidential Camp.
51
Action by Local Govt
46
Action by State Govt
45
The Abortion Issue
43
Action by Fed. Govt.
41
Local School Events
39
Homeless Problem
39
Changes in E. Europe
37
Nat'l Economic Data
32
Campaigns in State
28
I
I
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Percent Follow Very Closely
March, 1990 study of 1200 U.S. Adults
RNC Survey Research, 4-90
Tax Increases and Deficit Reductions
Would you support or oppose a tax increase as one part of an overall plan to reduce the
federal budget deficit?
1990
1989
March
October
8
April
Support
41%
53%
41%
Oppose
55
41
55
Don't know/NA
5
6
4
Do you think that it will or will not be necessary to have a tax increase in order to reduce the
deficit?
1990
1989
March
October
April
January
Will
52%
53%
60%
56%
Will Not
43
41
35
40
Don't know/NA
5
6
4
4
Do you think that it will or will not be necessary to have a tax increase IN THE NEXT YEAR to
reduce the deficit?
1990
1989
March
October
April
January
Will
38%
38%
39%
37%
Will Not
55
56
55
57
Don't know/NA
7
6
5
6
Comment
Republicans and Ticket-Splitters provide the margin of majority opposition to a tax increase as
a part of a deficit reduction plan as Democrats are evenly divided on this issue.
⁸October's responses were possibly affected by question positioning.
Report on American Public Opinion
17
The Rostenkowski Plan
Here is a plan to eliminate the deficit by 1995 that was recently proposed by a congressional
leader. After / read the five parts, please tell me if you would support or oppose the total
plan?
The five parts are:
1. A one year freeze in spending on most government programs,
2. No increase in social security cost of living benefits for one year,
3. A reduction in military spending,
4. An increase in the gasoline tax,
5. And, an increase in the income tax on upper income people
Would you support or oppose this TOTAL plan to eliminate the deficit?
1990
March
Support
47%
Oppose
48
Don't know/NA
5
Subgroups
Support
Oppose
Republicans
49%
46
Ticket-splitters
47%
49
Democrats
49%
46
18-29
55%
44
30-64
44%
51
65+
44%
53
Family income in 1989
$15,000 and less
39%
53
$15-$25,000
57%
40
$25-$50,000
48%
48
$50,000+
43%
54
General position on tax increase as
part of deficit reduction plan
Supports
60%
37
Opposes
39%
56
Report on American Public Opinion
18
Gas Tax Attitudes
Do you agree or disagree with this statement concerning an INCREASE in the GASOLINE TAX to
reduce the deficit: 'It is a good idea because it would encourage Americans to conserve
gasoline and our gasoline prices would still be lower than in most other countries?
Agree
45%
Disagree
53
Don't know/NA
3
Subgroups
Agree
Disagree
Republicans
46%
51
Ticket-Splitters
41%
56
Democrats
49%
48
18-29
50%
49
30-54
39%
58
55-64
44%
51
65+
52%
43
Family income in 1989
Less than $30,000
47%
50
$30-$50,000
37%
60
$50,000+
48%
51
General position on tax increase as
part of deficit reduction plan
Supports
57%
41
Opposes
35%
62
Comment
The $30,000-$50,000 income group, which stands out as so strongly disagreeing with a gas
tax increase, makes up a quarter of the public.
Report on American Public Opinion
19
The United States as a World Power
Who do you think is the world's number one economic power: Japan, Western Europe, or the
United States?
Japan
55%
Western Europe
4
United States
37
Don't know/NA
3
Which of one of these three statements do you most agree with?
It is important for the United States to be
the number one economic power in the world
32%
It is important for the United States
to be one of several world economic powers.
63
It is not important for the United States
to be a world economic power.
3
Don't know/NA
1
Which of one of these three statements do you most agree with?
It is important for the United States to be the
number one military power in the world.
38%
It is important for the United States
to be one of several world military powers.
55
It is not important for the United States
to be a world military power.
5
Don't know
1
Comment
There is about a 70% overlap in attitudes towards the importance of the U.S.'s economic and
military positions. Overall, just over one in five think that it is important for the U.S. to be
both the premier economic and military power in the world, one in four say that it is
important to be number one in either of the categories (most preferring military power), while
one in two Americans agree that is important to be only one of several economic or military
powers, or else think that the country's world position is unimportant.
Perceptions of the United States' position as an economic power vary significantly only across
age groups: the younger the voter, the less likely the U.S. is to be called the number one
world economic power.
Report on American Public Opinion
20
U.S. Foreign Policy towards China
Last June, as you may recall, the Chinese government used force against students and others
who were demonstrating on behalf of democratic reforms. Which ONE of the following two
choices do you think should be our country's policy toward the current Chinese leaders?
Deal with the current government leaders but
apply political pressure on them to
introduce democratic reforms
58%
Don't deal with the current government leaders
and support those who want to establish
a democracy in China.
33
Don't know/NA
8
Subgroups
Keep
Ignore
contacts
current leaders
Republicans
63%
30
Ticket-Splitters
61%
32
Democrats
54%
38
Men
63%
31
Women
54%
36
Conservatives
61%
32
Liberals
56%
39
Selected regions
Great Lakes
66%
29
South
49%
39
Pacific Coast
60%
31
Comment
The results to this question are confirmed by an Americans Talk Security poll conducted in
March which uses this identical question. That study found 59% favoring keeping contacts
open and 33% favoring no contacts with the Chinese leadership.
Report on American Public Opinion
21
U.S. Foreign Policy Towards the Soviet Union
Because of the changes occurring in the Soviet Union, some people have suggested that we
provide help to them. Here are three possible ways we could assist the Soviet Union. For
each one, please tell me if you favor or oppose it.
Don't Know/
Favor
Oppose
Refused
Send economic advisors to help
them restructure their economy.
78%
22
2
Remove trade restrictions so the
Soviets have the same trading rights
with us as do our traditional
trading partners.
71%
24
5
Provide direct economic aid to
the Soviet Union.
19%
78
3
Comment
All of these attitudes towards aid to the Soviet Union are broadly held.
Report on American Public Opinion
22
Awareness of the President's Goals for Education
Have you read or heard about the national education goals announced by President Bush last
January?
Yes
46%
No
51
Don't know/NA
3
Subgroups
Heard or
Had not
read
heard
Men
46%
51
Women
46%
51
Blacks
35%
62
Children under 18
42%
55
Children but none under 18
55%
41
No children
42%
57
Comment
Awareness of the President's education goals seems. high: just as many say they have heard of
his goals today, as said they were aware of the Education Summit in early October.
Attitudes towards ranking the President's goals do not vary by awareness as measured by this
question.
Report on American Public Opinion
23
Importance of the President's Education Goals
I'm going to read the six goals he announced and for each one please tell if you think it is
extremely important, very important, somewhat important, or not very important. Use
extremely important only when you think that goal should have the highest priority.
Of the six goals / just read, which ONE do you think is the most important to achieve by the
year 2000?
'Extremely' and
'Very Important'
Minus 'Somewhat'
Single Most
and 'Not Very Important'
Important
By the year 2000, every school
in America will be free of drugs
and violence and offer a disciplined
environment conducive to
learning
92
39%
By the year 2000, every adult
American will be literate and possess
the knowledge and skills necessary to
compete in a global economy and
exercise the rights and
responsibilities of
citizenship
70
21
By the year 2000, we will increase
the percentage of students
graduating from high school to at
least ninety percent
76
14
By the year 2000, American
students will leave grades four,
eight, and twelve having demonstrated
competency over challenging subject
matter, including English,
mathematics, science, history,
and geography
66
11
By the year 2000, all children
in America will start school
ready to learn
49
5
By the year 2000, U.S. students
will be the first in the world in
science and mathematics
achievement
42
5
(comments continued on next page)
Report on American Public Opinion
24
Importance of the President's Education Goals
Comment
The rank order importance of these goals generally does not vary by major demographic
group, though the emphasis on individual goals changes in some instances.
For example, nearly half of respondents with children under 18 put the goal of a drug and
crime free school environment as the President's most important. Blacks and other lower-end
status group whites also strongly emphasize a proper learning environment as a national goal.
The goal of universal adult literacy and citizenship skills in particular is viewed differently by
specific groups. Democrats overall tend to put more weight on this goal than do all voters.
At the same time, blacks do not take to this goal at all, and actually rank it just below 90%
graduation rates and student competency testing.
Report on American Public Opinion
25
Perceptions of Actions Towards Savings and Loan Problem
Do you think the actions begun a year ago to meet the problems facing savings and loan
institutions have or have not been successful?
Successful
22%
Not Successful
52
Don't know/NA
25
Subgroups
Successful
Not Successful
Republicans
24%
46
Ticket-splitters
20%
56
Democrats
23%
57
18-29
28%
43
30-64
22%
54
65+
16%
61
Men
24%
58
Women
21%
47
Report on American Public Opinion
26
03/12/90 19:06
1
002
wall Street tournal Polls
NOV. 1989
14.
be you fevor or oppose the United States providing economic assistance
to Hungary and Poland?
Favor
57 .1 (49)
Oppose
31 .2
Hot sure
12 -3
Dec. 1989
12.
Let me read you several ways in which the United States could aid the
Soviet Union's economy. For each one, please tell me whether you
favor or oppose this idea. (READ EACH ITEM ON LIST. REPEAT CHOICES.
RECORD SELOW.)
Not
Fevor
Oppose
Sure
#. Remove trade restrictions 60
the Soviets could sell more
goods and services in the
United States
51 -1 41 -2 8 -3 (29)
b. Allow American companies to
sell high technology products
to the Goviet Union even if
they have potential military
usage
17
.1
77
+2
6
in
(30)
C. Allow the Soviet Union to join
international lending insti-
tutions so they could borrow
more money from the West
45
-1
48
-2
7 -3 (31)
d. Provide direct economic aid
to the Soviets
26 -1 66 -2 8 .3 (32)
Jan. 1990
9a.
Do you think the United States should or should not provide
substantial economic assistance to (READ LIST SLOWLY) to help rebuild
its economy? (REPEAT CHOICES FOR EACH ITEM. ROTATE ORDER OF ITEMS ON
EVERY OTHER INTERVIEW.)
Should
should Not
Provide
Provide
Substantial
Substantial
Not
Assistance
Assistance
Sure
Panama
62 1
30 -2
8 -3 (72)
The Soviet Union
25 -1
66
-2
9 -3 (73)
East Germany
36 .1
55
-2
9
-3 (74)
Poland
46 1
44
-2
10 -3 (75)
Romania
39 .1
48
-2
13
-3 (76)
MARKET OPINION REPORTS
a monthly look at national attitudes on political and public policy issues
Published by:
MARKET OPINION RESEARCH
M
March, 1990
MARKET OPINION REPORTS
Market Opinion Reports summarizes a few key results of the March national voter attitude
survey conducted by Market Opinion Research (MOR). MOR's Political and Public Affairs
Group conducts national surveys on political and public policy issues each month. For more in-
formation on MOR's series of monthly surveys, contact Richard G. Reed, Vice President or
Dr. Jan van Lohuizen, Group Vice President in our Political and Public Affairs Group at:
M
Market Opinion Research
1400 L Street
Suite 650
Washington, D.C. 20005
Telephone: 202-289-0420
Fax: 202-289-0519
For information on survey methodology, see last page.
Market Opinion Reports is published by Market Opinion Research. Entire contents copy-
righted 1990 by Market Opinion Research. Permission is granted to quote this material with-
out written permission from the publisher, provided accurate citation of the source is made.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Right Direction Vs. Wrong Track
1
Bush/Quayle Job Approval
2
Expectations Of The Economy
3
Rostenkowski Plan
4
Sanctions Against South Africa
5
Importance Of Other Nations To U.S. Economic Interests
6
Approval of Civilian Space Program
7
Awareness and Support Levels For New Space Craft Technology
8
President Bush's Proposal For Space
9
Funding For Civilian Space Program
10
RIGHT DIRECTION VS. WRONG TRACK
Do you feel things in this country are going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty
seriously gotten off on the wrong track?
90
Right direction
80
Wrong track
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
*
Attitudes remain unchanged since late January. Currently, forty-four percent (44%) say "right direction,"
43% say "wrong track."
*
Demographic trends reported previously persist: Republicans, males, younger voters and whites are
more optimistic. Democrats, women, older voters and blacks are more pessimistic.
*
Gender differences continue to be especially pronounced. Only 36% of women say "right direction,"
51% say "wrong track." Of men, 52% say "right direction," 34% say "wrong track."
-1-
BUSH / QUAYLE JOB APPROVAL
Do you approve or disapprove of the way George Bush is handling his job as President?
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Dan Quayle is handling his job as Vice President?
80
Bush
Approve
72
Bush
71
Disapprove
66
Quoyle
Approve
Quayle
60
Disapprove
45
40
39
30
28
24
21
20
20
0
December '89
February '90
March '90
*
The President's job approval remains unchanged at 71% "approve" and 20% "disapprove".
*
Vice President Quayle's job approval (44% approve, 28% disapprove) is up from December (39% -
30%). Congressional job approval is low (46% approve, 43% disapprove).
*
Quayle shows a modest pick-up in approval across the board. Quayle's highest ratings come from
Republicans and conservatives. His lowest ratings come from Democrats, liberals and the youngest
voter groups (18 - 24). Male/female differences are small and largely a function of partisanship.
Comment:
So much for the 'broccoli' vote. Quayle bashing may be on its way out. Congressional
critics of the Veep should perhaps redirect their attention.
-2-
EXPECTATIONS OF THE ECONOMY
Thinking about a year from now, do you expect the national economy will be better, worse, or about
the same as it is now?
Compared to a year ago, do you think the economy has gotten better, gotten worse or stayed about
the same?
70
A Year From Now
Better
60
Worse
50
40
30
20
10
0
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
*
While still pessimistic, the public's views of the economy may be becoming somewhat less gloomy --
both retrospectively and prospectively.
*
Specifically:
Dec '89
Feb '90
March '90
A Year From Now
Better
22
21
22
Worse
32
34
30
Compared to A Year Ago
Better
14
10
11
Worse
27
36
32
Comment:
The changes are too small to draw definitive conclusions; stand by.
-3-
THE ROSTENKOWSKI PLAN
Another proposal has been made that would help balance the budget by cutting defense spending
and by freezing all other federal government spending including social security cost of living
increases; by increasing taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and on gasoline and by increasing taxes for
the highest income tax brackets. Would you favor or oppose this proposal?
Don't Know 4
Neither 7
Favor 48
Oppose 40
*
Marginal support transcends political party affiliation. Receives support from 48% of Republicans, 48% of
Democrats, and 49% of Independents.
*
Strongest support comes from men under 45 (54%) and working women under 45 (also 54%) and voters
between the ages of 18 and 24, and people who think of themselves as 'very liberal'!
*
Strongest opposition comes from lower end voters (!) and women over 45.
Comments:
Something to make just about everyone unhappy; lots of people may be calling Rosty on
this one. The second Democratic proposal in two months to upset the social security
constituency.
-4-
SANCTIONS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA
Regarding U.S. foreign policy in South Africa, in view of Nelson Mandela's release from jail, would
you favor or would you oppose lifting U.S. economic sanctions against South Africa?
Neither 8
Don't Know 13
Oppose 43
Favor 35
*
By age, strongest opposition to lifting sanctions comes from those 18 to 24 years old (55% oppose, 33%
favor). The older one is, the less likely he/she is to support continued sanctions. Only 31% of those 65
and over are opposed to lifting sanctions.
*
In addition to younger voters, strongest opponents of lifting sanctions include Blacks (58%), men under
age of 45 (53%), strong Democrats (53%), and those who consider themselves "very" or "somewhat"
liberal (59% and 51% respectively).
-5-
RANKING IMPORTANCE TO U.S. ECONOMIC INTERESTS
On a zero to ten scale where zero means not at all important to the United States economic interests
and ten means that the country is extremely important to the United States economic interests, how
would you rate each of the following countries?
8
6
4
2
0
Japan
Eastern Europe
China
West Germany
Soviet Union
South Korea
*
Despite other perceptions of Japan that may exist, its rank of 7.4 means it is clearly established in the
minds of most voters as the country of greatest economic importance to the United States. Of those
tested, South Korea ranked last.
*
Perceived importance of Japan is up from 6.8 in 1986.
*
Perceived importance of Eastern Europe is quite high considering the fact that the question was focused
on economic interests rather than national security interests.
Comments:
While "economic nationalism" may be politically popular, the public is quite realistic about
the importance of trade relations with Japan, just as Japanese polling suggests that its
public may be more realistic about relations with the U.S. than its political leadership.
-6-
APPROVAL OF THE CIVILIAN SPACE PROGRAM
Agree or disagree with the following
/ approve of America's civilian space program so far.
America's civilian space program should be expanded.
America's civilian space program should be continued as is.
Expenditures for America's civilian space program should be cut back.
Support for Space Program
Time Trends
90
Approve so far
Expand
80
Continue as is
70
Cut back
60
50
40
30
Jan '86
Aug '86
July '88
March '89
Feb '90
Approve of program so far
Continue program as is
Expond program, Cut back program
*
Public approval of the civilian space program is at an all time high (79%) 1. Sub-groups more likely to
approve of the space program include younger voters, men, high income and more educated groups.
*
Compared to a year ago, voters are more likely to agree that the space program should be expanded.
*
'Technological' and 'medical' advances are mentioned most often as the important benefits of the space
program. The 'high cost' of the program is viewed as the most important disadvantage of the civilian
space program.
1 Questions regarding the space program are from a separate national survey or 1200 registered voters conducted in February.
The margin of error on this survey is +/- 2.8%. The survey was commissioned by Rockwell International.
-7-
NEW SPACE CRAFT TECHNOLOGY
Are you aware or not aware of a program to build a new re-usable space plane that unlike the
shuttle, would take off and land from a regular airport?
The federal government has started the development of new technologies that may lead to the con-
struction of a new MANNED SPACE CRAFT called the National Aerospace Plane that would fly into
space and could use commercial airports to take off and land. Do you view the idea of such a
program very favorably, somewhat favorably, somewhat unfavorably, or very unfavorably?
A third of the public is aware of the new space craft
80
proposal. Awareness tends to be higher among
66
those groups that traditionally support the space
60
program (younger, male and the more educated).
40
33
20
0
Awore
Not oware
50
Seventy percent supports the space plane.
42
40
30
27
20
17
11
10
3
0
Strongly fovor
Somewhot Somewhat
oppose
Strongly
oppose
Don't know
*
16% has 'seriously considered becoming an astronaut'; 40% would 'pay for a trip into space'; 2.5% of
the population would be willing to pay $50,000 or more for a trip into space!
-8-
PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROPOSAL
Are you aware or not aware of recent proposals by President Bush for new space missions?
Last July, the President proposed a program to use space satellites to monitor the Earth's environ-
ment and begin new manned missions to the Moon, followed by manned exploration of Mars. Do
you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this proposed program?
80
Thirty-three percent of the public is aware of Presi-
66
dent Bush's proposed space program. Awareness
60
of the proposal correlates with media and news
40
33
attentiveness as well as specific interest in the space
program.
20
0
Aware
Not aware
Once familiarized with the main points of President
50
Bush's proposal, 70% supports it. One of the primary
40
39
reasons for favoring the Bush program is the earth
31
30
observation function of the program. Increased con-
cern with environment finds an expression in support
20
13
13
for the space program. The main reason for
10
4
opposing the program is its cost.
0
Very fovor
Somewhat
Somewhot
unfavor
Very unfavor
Don't know
-9-
EXPENDITURES FOR THE CIVILIAN SPACE PROGRAM
About what percentage of the federal government's budget do you think is spent for civilian space
programs like satellites and space missions?
Approximately 1% of the annual federal budget is currently spent on the civilian space program.. It
has been estimated that the starting of new initiatives in space will require increasing NASA's bud-
get to about 2% of the total federal budget. Do you agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or
strongly disagree that this is a reasonable amount to spend?
5%-21%
Awareness of the space program's share of the fed-
eral budget is low. A majority of the public feels
1%-18%
10%-13%
NASA's share is substantially higher that it actually is
(Correct answer is 1%).
15%--8%
Don't Know-- 19%
20%-13%
50% or more--8%
Awareness of current
budget
When told what the actual share of the space pro-
Strongly agree-31%
gram's budget is, support for an increased budget is
substantial. Sixty-seven percent of the public would
Somewhat agree-36%
support increasing NASA's budget share to about
-Don't know--5%
2%.
Strongly disagree 15%
Somewhat disagree 13%
Funding increase
-10-
Survey Methodology
The parameters of this survey were as follows:
Based on 1200 telephone interviews
Probability-proportionate-to-size-sample of registered voters across continental
United States
Conducted March 16-25, 1990
Margin of error = plus or minus 2.8
Market Opinion Research is a diversified public opinion research company with offices in
Washington, D.C. and Detroit, Michigan. Market Opinion Reports is published by the Political
and Public Affairs Group in Washington, D.C. For further information contact Richard G.
Reed, Vice President or Dr. Jan van Lohuizen, Group Vice President at:
M
Market Opinion Research
1400 L Street, NW
Suite 650
Washington, D.C. 20005
Telephone: (202) 289-0420
Fax: 202-289-0519
Market Opinion Research--Corporate Headquarters
Market Opinion Research
Frederick P. Currier, Chairman, CEO
M
243 West Congress
Michael J. Carabio, President
Suite 1000
Group Vice Presidents
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Dr. Ronald Mulder, Newspaper & Health Care
Telephone: (313) 963-2414
Dr. James Leiman, Consumer & Government
Fax: (313) 963-6869
Gordon G. Goodrich, Automotive & Utilities
Market Opinion Research
Washington, D.C.
Detroit, MI
Monday, January 29, 1990 -- A-9
Balling
Global Changes Are Encouraging Democrats' Hope
The Democratic Party is without an identity, message or leader.
What it does have, albeit tentatively, is some new hope.
"By any fair accounting, the Democrats lost the 1980s,' said
Democratic pollster Geoffrey Garin. "As the 1990s begin, voters can see
that we're entering a new world, not just with the Russians, but with the
world economy. This gives Democrats a great opportunity to define our
competition with the Republicans in different terms. If there has ever
been a party that needed to declare the last game over and have the next
game start, it's the Democrats now."
"In the short run, the changes in the world are going to help Bush,"
said Stuart Eizenstat, a party strategist who was domestic policy adviser
to President Carter. "But in the long run, the Democrats should be the
beneficiaries. As the neo-isolationist party, we've been at a disadvantage
whenever the focus has been on international affairs. In a post-Cold War
era, the issue agenda should return to areas of traditional Democratic
strength, such as education and the environment, where it will be possible
to make an affirmative case for activist government."
(Paul Taylor, Washington Post, A1)
Washington Post-ABC News Poll
Which political party, the Democrats or the Republicans, do you trust
to do a better job:
a. Handling the nation's economy
Dems.- - 33%
Repub. -, 52%
b. Handling the crime problem
Dems.- - 31%
Repub. - 32%
C. Handling foreign affairs
Dems. - 29%
Repub. - 55%
d. Handling the homeless problem
Dems. - 56%
Repub. - 25%
e. Improving education & schools
Dems. - 45%
Repub. - 36%
f. Reducing the problem of drugs
Dems. - 28%
Repub. - 47%
g. Maintaining strong national defense
Dems. - 25%
Repub. - 62%
h. Helping the middle class
Dems. - 53%
Repub. - 32%
i. Holding taxes down
Dems.- - 37%
Repub. - 47%
j. Protecting the environment
Dems.- - 46%
Repub. - 31%
Overall, which party, the Democrats or Republicans, do you trust to
do a better job in coping with the main problems the nation faces over
the next decade?
Jan. 16, 1990: Democrats - 38%
Republicans - 50%
Aug. 21, 1989: Democrats - 42%
Republicans - 43%
(Washington Post, A8)
-more-
Thursday, January 25, 1990 -- A-10
BENTSEN SUGGESTS VARYING GAINS TAXES
New Element Injected Into Debate
Ignited By Moynihan Proposal
Sen. Bentsen (D.-Tex.) said Wednesday he is exploring the
possibility of raising taxes on short-term capital gains while cutting the
levy on assets held for a longer time
While Moynihan's move "takes the edge off" President Bush's proposal
to reduce capital gains taxes, Bentsen told reporters over breakfast, some
form of capital gains tax cut will probably be approved this year --
although not necessarily in the form Bush seeks.
As one option, Bentsen said Congress might cut taxes on assets held
for long-term gains while increasing the rate now paid on those that are
purchased for quick profits, thereby discouraging "churning" of assets
and encouraging long-range investment and growth
Bentsen emphasized that he was not committed to a tax increase for
short-term gains and declined to discuss details, including how he would
define a short-term gain
Asked about Bentsen's suggestion, Rep. Rostenkowski (D.-III.) said
he opposes any cut in capital gains taxes but said a higher rate on the
sale of short-term assets is "something I'd look at."
Bush has adamantly opposed any increase in taxes, but some
congressional Republicans acknowledge that he may have to consider some
increases as part of the price for a capital gains tax cut from the
Democratic-controlled Congress. (Helen Dewar, Washington Post, A18)
TAX-CUTTING PLANS ARE LESS THAN POPULAR
This election year, Congress and the White House are vying for
tax-cutting honors. But a national poll done this week for the Boston
Globe shows that voters do not care for either of the two tax cuts the
politicians are offering.
One of the two, President Bush's call for a cut in the capital gains
tax, is more popular than the other. And if it passes, Bush's standing
with the electorate may have something to do with it: This week's Boston
Globe/WBZ-TV poll found his popularity and job approval ratings to be at
their highest levels since he took office a year ago this week.
By a ratio of more than 7-2, voters interviewed this week
disapproved of Sen. Moynihan's proposal to roll back Social Security taxes
by $52 billion. After being told Moynihan's argument for cutting the tax
and President Bush's argument against it, 72 percent said the Social
Security taxes should not be cut. Just 20 percent supported the cut.
By a margin of 49 percent to 37 percent, voters also disapproved of
Bush's proposal to cut the capital gains tax.
(Walter Robinson, Boston Globe)
-more-
Thursday, January 25, 1990 -- A-11
RAISING EPA TO CABINET DEPARTMENT:
BUSH, IN POLICY SHIFT, ENDORSES IDEA
President Bush Wednesday endorsed the idea of elevating the EPA to
Cabinet status, saying that environmental challenges are "so important that
they must be addressed from the highest level of our government."
The announcement marks a shift in thinking by Bush, who initially
balked at such proposals an unnecessary bureaucratic tinkering. But
creating a Cabinet-level Department of the Environment, as proposed by
measures in both chambers in Congress, is a longtime goal of
environmentalists, who in recent weeks have become increasingly skeptical
of whether Bush will fulfill his campaign pledge to be the "environmental"
president
Announcing his support for the legislation at his news conference
Wednesday, Bush said that creating a Cabinet position would "help
influence the world's environmental policy."
But aside from the symbolic value of elevating the environment as an
issue, making the EPA a Cabinet department would have little practical
effect. EPA Administrator Reilly already attends Cabinet meetings and
goes to international meetings as the top U.S. environmental official.
(Michael Weisskopf, Washington Post, A25)
BUSH'S BUDGET FOR HUD WILL EMPHASIZE
HOMEOWNING BY LOW-INCOME PEOPLE
The Bush Administration's proposed budget for HUD will emphasize
home ownership for low-income and moderate-income people.
Under the proposal, the department would shift $59.9 million
currently allocated for rental programs to fund housing certificates that
2,000 low-income families could use to help purchse public-housing units,
according to a government source
But the budget's emphasis on home ownership could fuel criticism by
low-income housing advocates who argue that these programs are funded
at the expense of renters.
(Joe Davidson, Wall Street Journal, A16)
ENERGY DEPT. TO DROP CONTRACTOR SHIELD
Government Will No Longer Indemnify
Nuclear Plants' Losses
Energy Department officials who are fined for violating environmental
laws, who damage or lose government property or lose negligence lawsuits
will no longer be reimbursed by the federal government, Energy Secretary
Watkins announced Wednesday.
Under rules to be published this spring, the department will abandon
a practice that the government has followed for more that 40 years of
indemnifying contractors for virtually any loss incurred in operation of
nuclear plants
The new rules, Watkins said, will reflect his "commitment to
accountability and the safe and environmentally sound accomplishments of
the DOE mission."
(Thomas Lippman, Washington Post, A25)
-more-
Folling
Text of the Boston Globe story:
"Tax-Cutting Plans Less than Popular"
by Walter V. Robinson
This election year, Congress and the White House are vying
for tax-cutting honors. But a national poll done this week
for the Boston Globe shows that voters do not care for
either of the two tax cuts the politicians are offering.
One of the two, President Bush's call for a cut in the
capital gains tax, is more popular than the other. And, if
it passes, Bush's standing with the electorate may have
something to do with it: This week's Boston Globe/WBZ-TV
poll found his popularity and job approval ratings to be at
their highest levels since he took office a year ago this
week.
By a ratio of more that 7-2, voters interviewed this week
disapproved of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan's proposal to
roll back Social Security taxes by $52 billion. After being
told the New York Democrat's argument for cutting the tax
and Bush's argument against it, 72 percent said Social
Security taxes should not be cut. Just 20 percent supported
the cut.
By a margin of 49 percent to 37 percent, voters also
disapproved of Bush's proposal to cut the capital gains tax.
That measure won support only among Republicans and among
those earning the highest incomes, the group that would
receive most of the benefits of such a cut.
The poll of 1,005 registered voters was conducted on Sunday,
Monday and Tuesday evenings by KRC/Communications Research,
Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It has a margin of error
of plus-or-minus three percentage points.
In the poll, Bush exceeded the extraordinarily high approval
ratings he has been receiving over the last several weeks.
This week, 84 percent of those polled expressed a favorable
opinion of the President, with just 11 percent expressing an
unfavorable view.
As for his job performance, 66 percent said they believe he
is doing an excellent or above-average job. His previous
high was 60 percent. This week, just 13 percent said his
performance was below average or poor. Eighteen percent
rated his performance as average.
The President also won high marks for his handling of
foreign policy: 56 percent said his handling of those
issues was excellent or above average; 23 percent rated him
below average or poor.
On his handling of the economy, however, Bush did not fare
as well. Just 38 percent gave him excellent or above
average grades, while 37 percent gave him negative marks.
of
MARKET OPINION REPORTS
a monthly look at national attitudes on political and public policy issues
Published by:
MARKET OPINION RESEARCH
M
February, 1990
MARKET OPINION REPORTS
Market Opinion Reports summarizes a few key results of the January national voter attitude
survey conducted by Market Opinion Research (MOR). MOR's Political and Public Affairs
Group conducts national surveys on political and public policy issues each month. For more in-
formation on MOR's series of monthly surveys, contact Richard G. Reed, Vice President or
Dr. Jan van Lohuizen, Group Vice President in our Political and Public Affairs Group at:
M
Market Opinion Research
1400 L Street
Suite 650
Washington, D.C. 20005
Telephone: 202-289-0420
Fax: 202-289-0519
For information on survey methodology, see last page.
Market Opinion Reports is published monthly by Market Opinion Research. Entire contents
copyrighted 1990 by Market Opinion Research. Permission is granted to quote this material
without written permission from the publisher, provided accurate citation of the source is made.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Right Direction Vs. Wrong Track
1
Bush Job Approval -- Up 5 Points From December
2
Expectations Of The Economy -- Pessimism Increasing
3
Dole Foreign Aid Proposal -- Strong Support
4
Peace Dividend -- Where Should Any Money Go?
5
U.S. Women In Combat -- Popular With Both Men and Women
6
Social Security -- Perceptions Of The System's Financial Health
7
Social Security Taxes And The Budget
8
Privatize Social Security -- Strong Appeal Among Younger Voters
9
Proposal To Cut Social Security Taxes
10
Partisan Mood Index
11
RIGHT DIRECTION VS. WRONG TRACK
Do you feel things in this country are going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty
seriously gotten off on the wrong track?
90
Right direc tion
80
Wrong track
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
90
*
Overall, voters are slightly more pessimistic than in December. Currently, 43% believe things are "going
in the right direction". Forty-two percent (42%) believe things are "off on the wrong track". In December,
45% said "right direction", 40% said "wrong track".
*
Women continue to be more pessimistic than men.
*
Pessimism also increases with age. Of 18-24 year olds, 54% believe things are going in "right direction"
while 38% believe thing are "off on the wrong track". Of those age 65 and over, 36% said "right direc-
tion" while 50% said "wrong track".
*
Partisan differences remain. 56% of Republicans believe things are going in the "right direction". Only
33% of Democrats agree.
Comments: Most of the increased pessimism can be traced to Republicans. While President Bush's
popularity increased due to the Panama action, pessimism about the national economy
appears to be spreading to Republicans.
-1-
BUSH JOB APPROVAL
Do you approve or disapprove of the way George Bush is handling his job as President?
Somewhat approve
Strongly approve
Somewhat disapprove
Strongly disapprove
December '89
(24)
66
February '90
(21)
71
(40)
(20)
0
20
40
60
80
100
*
The President's job approval rating improved to 71% from December's mark of 66%.
*
Those giving the President his highest marks include Republicans (89%) and those voters between 18
and 24 years old (75%).
*
Those most critical are still more likely to approve than disapprove of the President's performance. They
include "strong Democrats" (50% approve, 39% disapprove), those who believe the economy will be
worse one year from now (52%-34%), and Blacks (57%-34%).
Comments: At 71% President Bush's popularity is extremely high, but already lower than the 80%
approval figures immediately following the Panama invasion.
-2-
EXPECTATIONS OF THE ECONOMY
Compared to a year ago / thinking about a year from now, do you think the national economy has
gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same?
70
A Year From Now
Better
60
Worse
50
40
30
20
10
0
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
*
Most voters continue to have a mixed-to-negative view of the economy. The percentage of those who
believe the economy has gotten worse compared to a year ago is up 10 points from December. Cur-
rently, 36% believe things are worse than a year ago. Only 10% believe they are better.
*
Expectations about the future of the economy declined as well. Thirty-four percent (34%) believe things
will be worse a year from now compared to 32% last December. Only 21% believe things will be better.
40% don't expect any change.
*
Those most pessimistic are Democrats (only 18% think things will improve), those between the ages of
25 and 39 (18%), Blacks (17%) and housewives over the age of 45 (19%).
*
Those most optimistic include those between the ages of 18 and 24 (33% expect things to be better a
year from now), and Republicans (29%).
Comments:
There is a notable contrast between foreign policy successes of the Bush administration
and the increasing pessimism of the voters regarding the domestic economy. Nineteen-
ninety could prove to be a bad year for incumbents.
-3-
DOLE PROPOSAL
Currently the countries that receive the most foreign aid from the U.S. are Israel, Egypt and Pakistan.
A proposal has been made to reduce our foreign aid commitment to these countries so that the U.S.
can send more foreign aid to the countries in Eastern Europe. Would you favor or oppose such a
proposal?
Favor 55
DK 7
Oppose foreign aid 9
Oppose 29
*
Those most supportive include high income voters (68%), Catholics (66%), those between the ages of
18 and 24 (63%) and Republicans (60%).
*
Those most likely to oppose the proposal include Blacks (54%), strong Democrats (41%) and those who
consider themselves "very conservative" (44%).
Comments: Given the massive amount of news attention devoted to developments in Eastern Europe
in the last 6 months, 55% does not seem very high. The 9% that volunteered that they
oppose all foreign aid is high since this option was not read to survey respondents,
-4-
PEACE DIVIDEND
As you may have heard the federal government is considering significant cuts in the defense bud-
get. If this were the case, of the following three choices, what do you think should be done with the
savings from the defense cuts?
Balance budget 47
Other 5
Cut taxes 21
Social programs 26
*
Those most inclined to balance the budget with any "peace dividend" include Republicans (59%), high
income voters (57%), active Protestants (57%), and men over the age of 45 (54%). Those least inclined
to balance the budget include Blacks (28%), those who consider themselves "very liberal" (30%), and
those between 18-24 years old (31%).
*
Those most likely to favor more spending on social programs include those who consider themselves
"very liberal" (44%), Blacks (43%), strong Democrats (39%) and those living in the Pacific region (36%).
Those least likely to support spending any "peace dividend" on social programs include those who con-
sider themselves "very conservative" (13%), strong Republicans (12%), those between the ages of 55
and 64 (20%), and lower-end voters (21%).
*
Those most likely to support cutting taxes with any peace dividend include Blacks (28%), lower-end
voters (28%), and those between the ages of 18 and 24 (28%).
Comments: Balancing the budget is a higher priority than either social spending or cutting taxes. Only
one percent of the sample volunteered that it did not want to see defense spending cut.
-5-
U.S. WOMEN IN COMBAT
On a different subject, during the invasion in Panama American women were in involved in active
combat for the first time. Do you approve or disapprove of this?
Disapprove 30
Depends 6
DK/R 2
Approve 63
*
Both women and men approve by margin of better than 2 - 1.
*
71% of working women under the age of 45 approve.
*
67% of housewives under the age of 45 approve; 50% of housewives over the age of 45 approve.
*
By age, strongest approval comes from those between the ages of 18 and 24 (70%), while the highest
disapproval comes from voters over 65 (48% approve, 44% disapprove).
Comments: Age is a much more important determinant of attitudes than gender. Differences among
women are greater than between men and women. We've all come a long way.
-6-
SOCIAL SECURITY
On the whole, would you say that the Social Security System / the people on the Social Security
System are better off or worse off than they were five years ago?
DK 13
Better 31
Better 33
Same 14
DK 10
Same 8
Worse 45
Worse 46
Social Security System
People on Social
Security
*
Overall, more voters believe the social security system is in "worse" shape than five years ago (45%)
than think it's in "better" shape (34%).
*
However, 45% of voters age 55 and over believe the system is in "better" shape. Only 25% of this same
group believes it is in "worse" shape.
*
By significant margins, younger voters are more likely to believe the system is in "worse" shape. For
those voters between the ages of 18 and 39 years of age, 58% believe it is in "worse" shape. Only 25%
think it is better.
*
When asked if the people on social security were "better" off or "worse" off than they were five years
ago, results were similar. Of those age 65 and over, 45% said "better", 25% said "worse". Conversely, of
those between 18 and 24 years of age, only 30% said "better" and 53% said "worse". Of those between
25 and 39 years of age, 21% said "better", 56% said "worse".
*
Compared to MOR results obtained in 1986, attitudes have changed slightly. At the time, 60% felt the
system was in worse shape (45% now) and 58% felt people on social security were in worse shape
(46% now).
Comments: While, on balance, voters are pessimistic about the financial health of both the social
security system are those who receive social security benefits, that pessimism has
declined since measures taken three years ago.
-7-
SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES AND THE BUDGET
And to the best of your knowledge are Social Security taxes being used to pay for other federal pro-
grams, or are they not being used to pay for other federal programs?
100
80
60
56
40
22
21
20
0
Are
Are not
Don't know
*
Most voters, (56%), believe their social security taxes are being used to pay for other federal programs.
*
The older a voter is, the more likely he/she is to believe this. Of voters between the ages of 18-24, for
example, 43% believe their social security taxes are being used to pay for other federal programs, 36%
do not. Among those 65 years and over on the other hand, 63% do and 15% don't believe that is the
case.
-8-
PRIVATIZE SOCIAL SECURITY
A proposal has been made to give people the choice to divert some of the Social Security taxes
they pay into savings plans that are similar to IRAs where they could direct their own investments.
Under this proposal, the Social Security system would continue to meet its current obligations and
meet the needs of the poor. From what you have heard, would you favor or oppose this proposal?
100
80
68
60
40
22
20
10
0
Favor
Oppose
Don't Know/Ref
*
Although popular in all age groups, this proposal is highly popular among younger voters (18 - 25: 87%
favor; 25-39: 78% favor).
*
The proposal is equally attractive to Republicans as it is to Democrats, to liberals as it is to conserva-
tives.
Comments: Privatizing social security is a concept with great appeal to the younger age groups con-
cerned about getting back the money they are paying in to system now.
-9-
PROPOSAL TO CUT SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES
Because the social security system is currently raising more tax money than it is spending in bene-
fits, some people have proposed cutting social security taxes. Would you favor or oppose such a
cut in social security taxes?
DK/R 7
Oppose 59
Favor 34
*
All voter groups oppose the Moynihan proposal by similar margins. Age, party and ideological differ-
ences are not important.
Comments: The public is fundamentally conservative on social security. Since many members of the
public still believe the program is in worse shape than it was five years ago, the inclination
not to cut taxes is understandable. Republicans, for the first time in a decade, may have
an opportunity to turn the issue on the Democrats.
-10-
PARTISAN MOOD INDEX
The Partisan Mood Index (PMI) is gauged to measure the national climate of public opinion. "the national mood". It is
a composite measure that takes into account a variety of indices, including expectations of the national economy,
Presidential performance, and evaluations of political party preference.
The PMI can assume a range of values running from zero (0) to one hundred (100). The baseline measure was taken
in December 1989 at the time of the Bush-Gorbachev summit in Malta, but prior to the American military action in Pan-
ama.
December '89
51.7
Jan/Feb '90
56.2
0
20
40
60
Comments:
George Bush's personal popularity drove the PMI up, in spite of increased pessimism
about the national economy. Look for a downturn in the near future.
-11-
Survey Methodology
The parameters of this survey were as follows:
Based on 1200 telephone interviews
Probability-proportionate-to-size-sample of registered voters across continental
United States
Conducted January 25-31, 1990
Margin of error = plus or minus 2.8
Market Opinion Research is a diversified public opinion research company with offices in
Washington, D.C. and Detroit, Michigan. Market Opinion Reports is published by the Political
and Public Affairs Group in Washington, D.C. For further information contact Richard G.
Reed, Vice President or Dr. Jan van Lohuizen, Group Vice President at:
M
Market Opinion Research
1400 L Street, NW
Suite 650
Washington, D.C. 20005
Telephone: (202) 289-0420
Fax: 202-289-0519
Other divisions based at MOR's Detroit offices include the following:
Automotive Group
Media Group
Health Group
GORDON G. GOODRICH
DR. RONALD MULDER
DR. JAMES LEIMAN
Group Vice President
Group Vice President
Group Vice President
243 West Congress Detroit, Michigan 48226
Telephone: (313) 963-2414
Fax: (313) 963-6869
Market Opinion Research
M
Washington, D.C.
Detroit, MI
of
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE:
3-15-90
FROM THE PRESIDENT
To:
Brent/Bob Gates
Some interesting foreign
policy data on this new
Teeter poll taken for WSJ/NBC-
bran new
Interesting on Germany
Interesting on who our friends are.
Interesting on For.Aid recipients.
gb .
cc: Sununu
03/15/90 16:50
002
WSJ/NBC National Survey
March 10-13, 1990
N=1003
General Attitudes
All in all, do you think things in the nation are generally headed
in the right direction, or do you feel that things are off on the
wrong track?
3/90
1/90
11/89
9/89
Right direction
44%
49%
41%
42%
Wrong track
31
29
35
34
Mixed (VOLUNTEERED)
20
17
19
19
Don't know
5
5
5
5
In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job George Bush is
doing
3/90
1/90
11/89
9/89
as President
Approve
69%
71%
67%
67%
Disapprove
19%
19
22
17
Don't know
12
10
11
16
handling the economy
Approve
53%
54
52
61
Disapprove
35
31
33
24
Don't know
12
15
15
15
handling foreign affairs
Approve
67%
69
59
58
Disapprove
22
21
27
26
Don't know
11
10
14
16
03/15/90
16:50
003
Attitudes toward National Economy
Do you think there will or will not be an economic recession during
the next twelve months?
3/90
1/90
Will be an economic recession
30%
31%
Will not be an economic recession
56
56
Don't know
14
13
Over the past year, do you think the national economy has gotten
better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same?
3/90
1/90
11/89
9/89
Better
13%
12%
15%
18%
Worse
37
29
34
23
About the same
48
57
49
57
Don't know
2
2
2
2
During the next year, do you think the national economy will get
better, get worse, or stay about the same?
3/90
1/90
11/89
9/89
Get better
21%
22%
21%
25%
Get worse
30
28
33
23
Stay about the same
44
44
39
43
Don't know
5
6
7
9
During the next year, do you think your family will be financially
better off than it is today, worse off, or about the same?
3/90
1/90
11/89
9/89
Better off
27%
30%
31%
34%
Worse off
16
9
14
13
About the same
55
59
53
51
Not sure
2
2
2
2
03/15/90 16:51
004
I'd like to read you a list of economic issues. As of right now,
which one do you feel is the (most/second most) important issue
facing the country?
First/Second
Choice
3/90
1/90
9/89
Federal budget deficit
48%
49%
51%
Unemployment
38
39
38
U.S. trade deficit
34
38
37
Inflation
30
28
26
Federal taxes
19
18
21
Interest rates
12
11
11
03/15/90
16:51
005
Foreign Policy
Do you think the most important foreign policy problems for the
United States over the next few years will be dealing with the
threat of war or economic competition?
Which do you think is a greater threat to the United States' future
competition? security--the threat of communist expansion or foreign economic
Future
Future
Problems
Threat
Threat of war/Expansion
8%
6%
Foreign econ. competition
87
85
Both/Neither (VOL)
3
6
Not sure
2
3
Do you think the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet
Union is still going on, or is it mostly over?
3/90
12/89
11/89
Cold War still going on
41%
46%
46%
Cold War mostly over
51
40
46
Not sure
8
14
8
Let me read you a list of some countries around the world. For
each, please tell me whether you think that country is a strong
ally and friend of the United States, a basically friendly nation,
a neutral country which is neither an ally nor an enemy of the
U.S. or an enemy of the United States.
Neutral/
Strong
Basically
Neither
Ally/
Friendly
Ally Nor
Not
Friend
Nation
Enemy
Enemy
Sure
Great Britain
66%
19%
85%
11%
11
35%
1%
3%
Egypt
24
44
5
16
China
4
16
20
50
21
9
Japan
18
30
48
33
14
5
The Soviet Union
4
18
44
29
to
26
8
West Germany
31
22
23
45%
28
4
8
Israel
30
13
12
03/15/90 16:52
006
Currently, 47% of all United States foreign aid goes to five
countries, including Israel, Egypt, and the Philippines. Recently,
it has been suggested that we take 5% of the money going to these
five countries and use it to help emerging democracies in Eastern
Europe and Panama. Would you approve or disapprove of this plan?
3/90
Approve
63%
11
Disapprove
24
Disapprove of all foreign
aid (VOL)
4
Depends on what other two
countries are (VOL)
5
Not sure
4
03/15/90 16:52
007
German Reunification
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about East Germany and
West Germany reunifying. In general, do you think the idea of the
two Germanies becoming one nation again is a good idea or a bad
idea?
3/90
Good idea
72%
Bad idea
12
Some of both (VOL)
5
Not sure
11
Why do you feel this would be a (good idea/bad idea) ?
Good Idea
Bad 1dea
it is only right; they belong
Every time they are together they
together; they are all Germans;
start a war
5
it is about time they reunited
22
Good for economic reasons; their
They will become too strong
3
economy will improve
15
It was inevitable; there was no
Bad idea for economic reasons;
reason for them to be apart;
West Germany can't withstand
they were one nation once
11
the financial burden
3
Good for the German people, a
They are too nationalistic;
morale-builder for them
9
they discriminate
2
Families will be reunited
8
Don't trust them; together they spell
trouble; they haven't changed
2
03/15/90 16:52
008
Regardless of whether you think the reunification of Germany is a
good idea or a bad idea, is this something that concerns you a lot,
concerns you some, or concerns you very little?
3/90
A lot
22%
Some
43
Very little
34
Not sure
1
Which would concern you more about a united Germany--its military
strength or its economic strength?
A lot/Some
Total
Concerned
Military strength
33%
34%
r
Economic strength
51
50
Both equally (VOL)
8
10
Neither (VOL)
5
4
Not sure
3
2
Do you think the United states should or should not demand any
conditions before agreeing to a reunification of Germany--or don't
you think we have any right to demand conditions?
3/90
The United States should demand conditions
45%
The United States should not demand conditions
15
The United States does not have any right
47
to demand conditions
32
Not sure
8
03/15/90 16:53
0
009
Here are a few conditions some Americans have suggested should be
in place before they would allow East and West Germany to reunite.
For each, please tell me whether you would favor or oppose this
condition.
Total
US Demand Conditions
Favor
Oppose
Favor
Oppose
Have them remain
a part of the
European
Economic
Community
78%
13
85%
8
Have them sign a
pact to remain
part of NATO and
an ally of the
United States
75
17
85
10
Have them agree
not to keep
nuclear weapons
74
21
83
15
Have them limit
the size of
their army
66
27
83
13
Have them disarm
34
58
40
54
If there is a reunification between East and West Germany, do you
think there would or would not be a serious risk of Germany
becoming a military aggressor?
3/90
Would be
33%
Would not be
53
Not sure
14
03/15/90 16:53
1010
European Troop Levels
Currently, the United States has about 300,000 troops in Europe.
President Bush has proposed that both the United States and the
Soviet Union reduce their troops to just under 200,000. Others in
Congress favor reducing troops to 100,000. What is your
preference--keeping troops at 300,000, reducing troops to 200,000,
or reducing American forces to 100,000?
3/90
Staying at 300,000
16%
Reducing to 200,000
38
Reducing to 100,000
37
Increase troops (VOL)
1
Remove all troops (VOL)
2
Not sure
6
Do you think that over the next several years the goal of the
United States should be to remove almost all its troops from
Europe, or do you think in will be important that we always
maintain at least some troops there?
U.S. should remove almost all its troops
18%
U.S. should always maintain some troops
76
Depends (VOL)
4
Not sure
2
03/15/90 16:53
011
Nicaragua
Do you think the United States should or should not provide
substantial economic assistance to Nicaragua to help rebuild its
economy?
Should provide substantial assistance
44%
Not Good.
Should not provide substantial assistance
43
Not sure
13
I'd like to read you several possible reasons for the results of
the recent Nicaraguan election. For each reason, please tell me
whether you think it was extremely important, fairly important,
only somewhat important, or not important.
only
Extremely
Fairly
Somewhat
Not
Not
Important
Important
Important
Important
Sure
The desire
for a change
in government
on the part
of the
Nicaraguan
people
61%
19
12
3
5
The actions and
policies of
leaders of
other Central
American
countries
28
27
26
8
11
The U.S. policy
of funding the
contras
23
22
25
20
10