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Decision Making Information: A Study of National Attitudes, 04/07/1983-04/10/1983
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Decision Making Information: A Study of National Attitudes, 04/07/1983-04/10/1983
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Michael Deaver's Political 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: Files
Folder Title: [Decision Making Information] A
Study of National Attitudes, 04/07/1983-
04/10/1983
Box: 65
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/
Decision/Making/Information@
Intelligent alternatives
for today's decision makers
6803 Poplar Place, Suite 300, McLean, Virginia 22101, (703) 556-0001
A STUDY OF NATIONAL ATTITUDES
April 7-10, 1983
RNC83-4
#29301
Decision/Making/Information
SURVEY SPECIFICATIONS
The following tables contain the aggregate results for questions asked
of the American public on behalf of the Republican National Committee
on the dates indicated below.
Project Director:
Richard B. Wirthlin
Internal Project Directors: Lori A. Forman
Elizabeth Hawkins
Universe:
Adult Americans
(persons aged 18 and over)
Mode of Interview:
Telephone
Date(s) of Interviews:
April 7-10, 1983
Sample Size:
1500
Confidence Interval:
+2.5 in 95 out of 100 cases
Decision/Making Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
POLITICAL CLIMATE
Right Direction/Wrong Track
2
Better Off/Worse Off
4
Average Man Getting Worse
5
Number One National Problem
6
PERCEPTIONS OF PRESIDENT REAGAN
Job Rating - General
9
Job Rating - Economy
13
Job Rating - Foreign Affairs
15
Job Rating - Inflation
18
Job Rating - Unemployment
20
Job Rating - Social Security
22
Job Rating - Nicaragua
24
Reagan's Characteristics - Excellent/Good
25
Reagan's Characteristics - Only Fair/Poor
26
Reagan's Characteristics - Improvement or Erosion
27
Like Most About Reagan
28
Like Least About Reagan
29
OTHER IMAGES
Congressional Job Rating
33
Thermometer Rating: Party
34
Thermometer Rating: White House and Cabinet People
35
Thermometer Rating: President Reagan
36
Thermometer Rating: Political and Others
37
THE ECONOMY
Status of the National Economy
39
Assessment of Economy
40
Status of Inflation
41
Assessment of Inflation
42
Status of Unemployment
43
Assessment of Unemployment
44
Status of Interest Rates
45
Assessment of Interest Rates
46
Responsibility for Last Year's High Interest Rates
47
Decision/Making/Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
PAGE
RONALD REAGAN'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM
Reagan Economic Program
49
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Help or Hurt the National
Economy
50
Effects of Economic Program
51
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Helpful or Not Helpful
52
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Fair or Unfair
54
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Reduce Inflation
55
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Increase Employment
57
Economic Program: Fair Chance
58
Economic Program: A Failure
59
Reduction of Federal Deficit
60
OTHER ISSUES
Federal Reserve Board
62
Hunger in America
63
Social Security Benefits -- Increased or Decreased?
64
Bipartisan Support for Social Security
65
No Quick Fix
66
Government Waste of Tax Money
67
NUCLEAR ARMS
Nuclear Weapons Strength
69
Defense Statements
70
Position on Nuclear Arms (Self)
71
Reagan on Nuclear Arms
72
DEFENSE SPENDING
Spending Preferences
74
PARTISANSHIP
Republicans vs. Democrats
78
Party Identification with Lean
79
Congressional Vote with Lean
81
TV Advertising/National Political Parties
82
Decision/Making/Information
POLITICAL CLIMATE
2
Decision/Making/Information
Right Direction/Wrong Track
"Generally speaking, would you say that things in this country are going in the
right direction, or have they pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track?"
Feb
Jun
Sep
Jan
June
Sep
20-22
12-14
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Right direction
42
41
46
50
32
33
Wrong track
51
51
47
45
62
63
No opinion
8
8
7
5
6
4
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Right direction
33
35
40
38
Wrong track
64
59
56
56
No opinion
3
7
4
6
RIGHT DIRECTION
OR WRONG TRACK?
PERCENT
100
RIGHT
DIRECTION
90
WRONG
TRACK
80
70
67
NO
OPINION
66
60
54
56
3
50
50
45
40
38
39
33
30
28
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
5
7.
6
5
3
0
1
1
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
4
Decision/Making/Information
Better Off/Worse Off
"How about you personally? Generally speaking, are you better or worse off now
than you were two years ago today?"
Jan
Apr
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
28-31
12-18
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
1983
Better off
43
33
*
36
40
44
Worse off
34
39
*
38
37
33
Same
11
28
*
25
23
23
No opinion
12
*
-
1
0
0
*
5
Decision/Making/Information
Average Man Getting Worse
"In spite of what some people say, the condition of the average man is getting
worse, not better." "
Feb
Jul
Sep
Jan
Jun
Jan
20-22
16-18
18-28
11-19
15-22
7-10
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1983
Agree
74
62
65
67
67
70
Disagree
24
36
33
32
31
27
No opinion
2
2
2
1
2
2
Jan
Mar
Apr
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
Agree
*
60
59
Disagree
*
38
38
No opinion
*
2
3
6
Decision/Making/Information
Number One National Problem
"What would you say is the single most important problem facing the United
States today, that is, the one that you, yourself, are most concerned about?"
Feb
Jul
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
16-18
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Unemployment
5
6
7
24
28
36
Inflation
38
31
30
17
15
12
Economy/Other
33
26
33
29
19
22
Domestic/Social
7
13
11
5
5
6
Crime/Drugs/Morals
8
10
7
9
10
7
Foreign Affairs/Defense
6
10
8
10
15
9
Government leadership
3
3
3
3
4
4
No problems/No opinion
1
2
1
3
4
4
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Unemployment
51
48
37
34
Inflation
5
7
8
6
Economy/Other
18
18
18
19
Domestic/Social
7
7
7
7
Crime/Drugs/Morals
4
5
9
9
Foreign Affairs/Defense
11
7
14
17
Government leadership
1
4
4
4
No problems/No opinion
2
3
3
4
NUMBER ONE PROBLEM
(NATIONAL)
PERCENT
100
UNEMPLOYMENT
90
INFLATION
80
OTHER
70
ECONOMIC
60
7
FOREIGN
52
AFFAIRS
50
OTHER
40
39
ISSUES
34
30
28
24
27
24
20
18
17
19
15
13
14
17
Decision/Making/Informati
10
12
12
9
4
5
6
0
1/81
1/82
4/82
7/82
10/82
1/83
3/83
4/83
DATE
8
Decision/Making/Information
PERCEPTIONS OF PRESIDENT REAGAN
9
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating -- General
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling his job as
President?"
Feb
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
12-14
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Approve
70
67
60
60
52
51
Disapprove
14
27
33
33
40
43
No opinion
16
6
7
7
8
6
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
46
44
50
50
Disapprove
49
50
46
46
No opinion
5
5
4
4
10
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating -- General
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling his job as
President?"
Jan 7-10 Jan 27-29 Mar 17-21 Apr 7-10 Change
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Approve
46
44
49
50
+ 1
Disapprove
49
50
47
46
- 1
No opinion
5
5
4
4
0
REAGAN JOB RATING
GENERAL
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
60
11
49
50
50
50
47
45
46
44
44
40
30
33
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
7
7
8
6
4.
0
1
1
2
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
JOB RATING: REAGAN
STRNGLY APPRV VS. STRNGLY DSPPRV
PERCENT
100
STRONGLY
APPROVE
90
STRONGLY
DISAPPROVE
80
70
60
12
50
40
30
30
27
29
24
20
23
20
21
21
Decision/Making/Informati
10
/
1
1
2
2
3
4
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
2
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
13
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating
Economy
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling
?"
Mar
Jul
Oct
Jan
Jun
Sep
6-9
16-18
5-14
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Approve
63
61
66
57
45
44
Disapprove
23
33
28
40
51
52
No opinion
14
6
5
3
4
4
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
38
40
44
47
Disapprove
58
57
54
52
No opinion
4
3
2
1
REAGAN JOB RATING
THE ECONOMY
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
58
57
55
52
14
50
48
48
47
40
40
41
38
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
4
4
4
3
1
0
1
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
15
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating
Foreign Affairs
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling
?"
Mar
Jul
Oct
Jan
Jun
Sep
6-9
16-18
5-14
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Approve
60
56
65
59
56
46
Disapprove
19
27
23
33
34
43
No opinion
21
16
12
8
10
11
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
46
45
41
44
Disapprove
44
40
49
48
No opinion
10
14
10
8
16
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating
Foreign Affairs
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling foreign
affairs?"
Jan 7-10
Jan 27-29
Mar 17-21
Apr 7-10
Change
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Approve
46
45
41
44
+ 3
Disapprove
44
40
49
48
- 1
No opinion
10
14
10
8
- 2
REAGAN JOB RATING
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
59
56
17
49
50
48
50
47
44
44
40
41
37
34
30
33
20
13
Decision/Making/Information
10
10
10
9
8
8
0
1
2
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
18
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating
Inflation
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling
?"
Jan
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jan
Mar
11-19
15-22
23-27
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Approve
51
41
43
42
44
49
Disapprove
43
53
52
55
55
48
No opinion
6
6
5
3
3
3
Apr
7-10
1983
Approve
47
Disapprove
50
No opinion
3
REAGAN JOB RATING
INFLATION
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
57
55
19
51
50
50
48
47
47
40
43
42
38
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
6
5
5
3
3
0
1
3
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
20
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating
Unemployment
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling
?"
Jan
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jan
Mar
11-19
15-22
23-27
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Approve
34
30
30
26
28
31
Disapprove
57
64
63
70
67
65
No opinion
9
6
7
4
5
4
Apr
7-10
1983
Approve
33
Disapprove
63
No opinion
4
REAGAN JOB RATING
UNEMPLOYMENT
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
70
70
NO
OPINION
63
57
60
21
50
40
34
33
30
26
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
9
4
4
0
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
22
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating
Social Security
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling
?"
Jul
Sep
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
16-19
23-27
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
40
36
35
35
33
35
Disapprove
52
55
57
58
60
60
No opinion
8
9
8
6
7
5
REAGAN JOB RATING
SOCIAL SECURITY
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
62
60
60
23
52
50
40
40
35
30
29
20
Decision/Making/Information
9
10
8
5
0
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
24
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating - Nicaragua
"Have you heard or read anything recently about Nicaragua? And do you approve
or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling the situation in Nicaragua?"
No
62%
Yes/Approve
14
Yes/Disapprove
24
25
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan's Characteristics -- Excellent/Good
"Would you say that this is an ... excellent, good, only fair, or poor
description of Reagan?"
May
Sep
.
Jan
Jun
Sep
Jan
12-17
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
7-10
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
1983
Cares about the needs of the
elderly and poor
47
*
40
37
33
32
Will start an unnecessary war
19
27
25
23
23
23
Effective in getting things done
78
71
69
51
52
45
Really knows what he is doing
*
*
*
45
43
40
Has the strong leadership qualities
this country needs
77
68
*
54
51
48
Is trustworthy
*
*
65
*
61
56
Shows too much business favoritism
*
*
*
*
*
*
Dangerous
*
*
*
*
*
*
Jan
Mar
Apr
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
Cares about the needs of the
elderly and poor
33
30
30
Will start an unnecessary war
20
22
24
Effective in getting things done
39
44
46
Really knows what he is doing
37
37
38
Has the strong leadership qualities
this country needs
45
45
47
Is trustworthy
54
53
54
Shows too much business favoritism
*
47
49
Dangerous
*
*
22
26
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan's Characteristics -- Only Fair/Poor
"Would you say that this is an
...
excellent,
good,
only
fair,
or
poor
description of Reagan?"
May
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
Jan
12-17
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
7-10
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
1983
Cares about the needs of the
elderly and poor
52
*
59
62
65
66
Will start an unnecessary war
70
70
73
72
70
73
Effective in getting things done
20
28
30
47
46
53
Really knows what he is doing
*
*
*
53
54
59
Has the strong leadership qualities
this country needs
21
23
*
44
47
51
Is trustworthy
20
*
33
*
35
41
Shows too much business favoritism
*
*
*
*
*
*
Dangerous
*
*
*
*
*
*
Jan
Mar
Apr
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
Cares about the needs of the
elderly and poor
67
69
69
Will start an unnecessary war
76
72
73
Effective in getting things done
59
55
53
Really knows what he is doing
60
61
60
Has the strong leadership qualities
this country needs
53
54
52
Is trustworthy
41
44
44
Shows too much business favoritism
*
47
47
Dangerous
*
*
75
27
Decision/Making, Information
Reagan's Characteristics
"Would you say that this is an ... excellent, good, only fair, or poor
description of Reagan?"
Excellent/Good
Only Fair/Poor
Jan
Apr
% Imprvmnt
Jan
Apr
% Imprvmnt
Net
27-29
7-10
or (Erosion)
27-29
7-10
or (Erosion)
Change
Positive
Characteristics
Cares about the
needs of the
33
30
( 3)
67
69
( 2)
( 5)
elderly and poor
Effective in
getting things
39
46
7
59
53
6
13
done
Really knows what
he is doing
37
38
1
60
60
0
1
Has the strong
leadership
45
47
2
53
52
1
3
qualities this
country needs
Is trustworthy
54
54
0
41
44
( 3)
( 3)
Negative
Characteristics
Shows too
much business
*
49
*
-
47
-
-
favoritism
Will start an
unnecessary war
20
24
( 4)
76
73
( 3)
(7)
28
Decision/Making Information
Like Most About Reagan
Jan
Jun
Aug
Jan
Jan
Mar
11-19
15-22
25-29
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Strong leadership
19
14
19
9
*
*
Other personal qualities
20
19
23
15
*
*
Job performance
14
16
29
16
*
*
Stand on economic issues
12
7
15
11
*
*
Stand on foreign affairs
5
6
6
5
*
*
Stand on other issues
4
5
7
3
*
*
General - Positive
3
7
9
5
*
*
Need more time - Neutral
7
7
8
8
*
*
General - Negative
16
19
21
26
*
*
Apr
7-10
1983
Strong leadership
11
Other personal qualities
17
Job performance
11
Stand on economic issues
10
Stand on foreign affairs
5
Stand on other issues
5
General - Positive
7
Need more time - neutral
12
General - Negative
22
29
Decision/Making/Information
Like Least About Reagan
Jan
Jun
Aug
Jan
Jan
Mar
11-19
15-22
25-29
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Uncaring attitude
14
13
16
14
*
*
Other personal qualities
9
13
17
16
*
*
Job performance
6
9
14
9
*
*
Stand on economic issues
11
11
20
14
*
*
Stand on foreign affairs
10
6
12
10
*
*
Stand on other issues
14
10
15
7
*
*
General - Positive
4
3
4
4
*
*
Need more time - Neutral
12
14
13
11
*
*
General - Negative
20
20
18
8
*
*
Resistance Ratio
13:10
10:10
9:10
5:10
*
*
Apr
7-10
1983
Uncaring attitude
14
Other personal qualities
13
Job performance
8
Stand on economic issues
13
Stand on foreign affairs
13
Stand on other issues
7
General - Positive
14
Need more time - Neutral
13
General - Negative
5
Resistance Ratio
6:10
32
Decision/Making/Information
OTHER IMAGES
33
Decision/Making Information
Congressional Job Rating
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way the U.S. Congress is handling its job?
Would that be strongly (approve/disapprove) or just somewhat (approve/
disapprove)?"
Jan 30 Jan
Feb 3
11-19
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
1981
1982
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Approve
36
38
35
34
42
41
Disapprove
48
50
60
59
52
54
No opinion
16
12
5
7
6
5
34
Decision/Making/Information
Thermometer Ratings
(Party)
Jan
Jul
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
30-3
16-18
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Republ icans
64
62
55
56
54
52
Democrats
57
56
58
59
60
60
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Republ icans
49
52
50
50
Democrats
61
63
63
61
35
Decision/Making/Information
Thermometer Ratings
(White House and Cabinet People)
Jan
May
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
30-3
12-17
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
Ronald Reagan
72
77
64
63
58
57
George Bush
56
66
*
*
*
54
Bill Brock
*
55
*
*
*
*
James Watt
*
53
39
*
40
*
A1 Haig
*
59
*
*
*
*
Caspar Weinberger
*
61
*
*
*
*
William Casey
*
*
*
*
*
*
Sandra O'Connor
*
*
*
*
*
*
Drew Lewis
*
*
*
*
*
*
Richard Allen
*
*
*
*
*
*
David Stockman
*
*
*
*
*
*
Paul Volcker
*
*
*
*
*
*
Robert Packwood
*
*
*
*
*
*
Anne Gorsuch Burford
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Ronald Reagan
55
54
54
54
George Bush
*
*
*
55
Bill Brock
*
*
*
*
James Watt
*
*
35
*
A1 Haig
*
*
*
*
Caspar Weinberger
*
*
*
50
William Casey
*
*
*
*
Sandra O'Connor
*
*
*
*
Drew Lewis
*
*
*
*
Richard Allen
*
*
*
*
David Stockman
*
*
*
*
Paul Volcker
*
*
51
*
Robert Packwood
*
*
*
*
Anne Gorsuch Burford
*
*
43
*
REAGAN THERMOMETER
RATING
100
90
80
70
63
60
55
36
54
50
40
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
0
1
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
37
Decision/Making/Information
Thermometer Ratings
(Political and Others)
Jan
May
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
9-12
12-17
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Jimmy Carter
50
*
*
*
*
*
John Glenn
*
*
*
*
*
*
Ted Kennedy
49
56
50
49
51
51
Walter Mondale
51
58
55
52
50
51
Tip O'Neill
*
*
53
*
50
*
Menachem Begin
*
*
50
*
49
36
Margaret Thatcher
*
*
*
*
*
*
Jose Duarte
*
*
*
*
*
*
Fidel Castro
*
*
*
*
*
*
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Jimmy Carter
*
*
*
*
John Glenn
61
62
61
59
Ted Kennedy
*
*
*
*
Walter Mondale
52
54
54
52
Tip O'Neill
53
57
58
56
Gary Hart
*
*
*
50
Raymon Donovan
*
*
*
42
Donald Regan
*
*
*
49
Menachem Begin
*
*
*
*
Margaret Thatcher
*
*
*
*
Jose Duarte
*
*
*
*
Fidel Castro
*
*
*
*
38
Decision/Making/Information
THE ECONOMY
39
Decision/Making/Information
Status of the National Economy
"Compared to a year ago, do you think the national economy has gotten better,
gotten worse, or stayed about the same? Thinking about a year from now, do you
think the national economy will get better, get worse, or stay about the same?"
Feb
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jan
Mar
13-14
15-22
23-27
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
11
12
20
*
19
39
Gotten worse
56
51
51
*
54
30
Stayed the same
31
33
28
*
26
30
2
4
1
*
1
1
No opinion
Now/Future
Get better
48
43
46
*
47
56
Get worse
25
20
22
*
20
15
Stay the same
23
34
29
*
31
26
4
3
3
*
No opinion
2
3
Apr
7-10
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
39
Gotten worse
32
Stayed the same
28
No opinion
1
Now/Future
Get better
53
Get worse
13
Stay the same
31
No opinion
3
8/1968 8 - CBS-
NBC ABC - Evening
6/81 - pre
12/82
Uandelit TV News archeris
Uanderbilt helvey
Adm -
Names B lbington 615-322-2927
Poverty index
Particil -
execut. -
40
Decision/Making/Information,
Assessment of Economy
Feb
June
Sept
Jan
Jan
Mar
13-14
15-22
23-27
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Optimists
9
11
15
*
16
33
Mild Optimists
22
19
19
*
16
19
Rebounders
20
18
16
*
16
9
Status Quoers
7
12
9
*
9
12
Mild Pessimists
17
19
19
*
22
13
Pessimists
21
17
18
*
17
11
Don't know
5
4
4
*
3
3
Apr
7-10
1983
Optimists
29
Mild Optimists
21
Rebounders
10
Status Quoers
12
Mild Pessimists
14
Pessimists
10
Don't know
4
41
Decision/Making/Information
Status of Inflation
"Compared to a year ago, do you think inflation has gotten better, gotten
worse, or stayed about the same? Thinking about a year from now, do you think
inflation will get better, get worse, or stay about the same?"
Feb
June
Aug
Jan
Jan
Mar
13-14
15-22
25-29
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
23
26
29
*
33
43
Gotten worse
50
42
43
*
42
26
Stayed the same
26
31
28
*
24
30
No opinion
1
1
0
*
1
1
Now/Future
Get better
36
45
39
*
35
46
Get worse
31
21
25
*
25
18
Stay the same
29
31
34
*
37
34
No opinion
4
3
2
*
2
2
Apr
7-10
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
41
Gotten worse
30
Stayed the same
29
No opinion
0
Now/Future
Get better
41
Get worse
22
Stay the same
35
No opinion
2
42
Decision/Making/Information
Assessment of Inflation
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
Optimists
*
16
26
22
Mild Optimists
*
20
24
23
Rebounders
*
11
7
9
Status Quoers
*
10
14
14
Mild Pessimists
*
19
11
12
Pessimists
*
21
15
17
Don't know
*
3
3
3
43
Decision/Making/Information
Status of Unemployment
"Compared to a year ago, do you think unemployment has gotten better, gotten
worse, or stayed about the same? Thinking about a year from now, do you think
unemployment will get better, get worse, or stay about the same?"
Feb
Jun
Aug
Jan
Jan
Mar
13-14
15-22
25-29
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
4
4
4
*
4
17
Gotten worse
80
83
82
*
86
61
Stayed the same
14
12
13
*
9
21
No opinion
2
1
1
*
1
1
Now/Future
Get better
40
43
44
*
51
58
Get worse
35
30
29
*
24
16
Stay the same
21
24
26
*
23
24
No opinion
4
2
1
*
2
2
Apr
7-10
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
18
Gotten worse
57
Stayed the same
24
No opinion
1
Now/Future
Get better
57
Get worse
18
Stay the same
23
No opinion
2
44
Decision/Making/Information
Assessment of Unemployment
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
Optimists
*
3
15
15
Mild Optimists
*
7
15
18
Rebounders
*
41
28
25
Status Quoers
*
2
6
6
Mild Pessimists
*
21
19
17
Pessimists
*
23
14
16
Don't know
*
3
3
3
45
Decision/Making/Information
Status of Interest Rates
"Compared to a year ago, do you think the interest rates have gotten better,
gotten worse, or stayed about the same? Thinking about a year from now, do you
think the interest rates will get better, get worse, or stay about the same?"
Feb
Jun
Aug
Jan
Jan
Mar
25-6
15-22
25-29
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
17
19
51
*
60
65
Gotten worse
51
37
29
*
24
17
Stayed the same
29
42
18
*
14
14
No opinion
3
2
2
*
2
4
Now/Future
Get better
41
45
49
*
43
45
Get worse
22
18
17
*
19
16
Stay the same
34
34
31
*
34
36
No opinion
3
3
3
*
3
3
Apr
7-10
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
66
Gotten worse
20
Stayed the same
11
No opinion
3
Now/Future
Get better
44
Get worse
19
Stay the same
34
No opinion
3
46
Decision/Making/Information
Assessment of Interest Rates
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
Optimists
*
31
33
34
Mild Optimists
*
24
29
26
Rebounders
*
7
6
6
Status Quoers
*
6
7
5
Mild Pessimists
*
10
5
8
Pessimists
*
17
14
16
Don't know
*
5
6
5
47
Decision/Making/Information
Responsibility for Last Year's High Interest Rates
"From what you've heard and read, who or what do you think was primarily
responsible for last year's high interest rates?"
RNC 83-4
April 7-10, 1983
(%)
Government/Generally
9
Government Spending
4
Government Deficit/Debt
2
Federal Reserve System
7
President/Reagan
10
Congress
2
Democrats
3
Republicans
1
Lending Institutions (Banks & S&L's)
8
Business/Industry
6
Economy/General
4
Inflation
5
No One Person/Thing
4
Other
6
No opinion
29
48
Decision/Making/Information
RONALD REAGAN'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM
49
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan's Economic Program
"From what you've heard and read, do you feel that, on the whole, Reagan's
economic program will help or hurt the economy?"
Feb
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
12-14
9-13
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Help
78
60
71
59
51
56
Hurt
13
29
21
32
41
37
No opinion
8
11
8
9
8
7
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Help
51
52
60
56
Hurt
43
41
34
39
No opinion
6
7
6
5
REAGAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM
HELP OR HURT THE NAT'L ECONOMY
PERCENT
100
HELP
90
HURT
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
59
56
50
47
47
50
45
40
42
39
30
32
20
11
Decision/Making/Informati
10
9
8
5
0
1
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
51
Decision/Making/Information
Effects of Economic Program
"Just generally, how long from now do you think it will be before we would
begin to see either the helpful or harmful effects of Reagan's economic
program?"
Feb
Jul
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
16-18
9-13
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Less than one year
16
21
22
31
31
29
One year
31
30
31
31
23
27
More than one year
53
47
47
36
40
40
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Less than one year
36
*
*
34
One year
27
*
*
24
More than one year
32
*
*
38
52
Decision/Making/Information
Rating Reagan's Economic Program
Helpful/Not Helpful?
"How would you rate Reagan's proposed economic program? For instance, do you
feel the program is ...?"
Feb
May
Oct
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
12-17
5-14
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Helpful
63
61
52
45
40
39
Not helpful
28
35
44
50
56
57
No opinion
9
4
4
5
4
4
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Helpful
32
36
41
41
Not helpful
58
58
54
55
No opinion
5
6
5
4
REAGAN'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM
HELPFUL TO YOU?
PERCENT
100
HELPFUL
90
NOT
HELPFUL
80
70
NO
OPINION
60
55
53
53
50
50
45
41
40
40
30
20
Decision/Making/informati
10
7
5
4
0
1
3
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
54
Decision/Making/Information
Rating Reagan's Economic Program
Fair or Unfair?
"How would you rate Reagan's proposed economic program? For instance, do you
feel the program is ...?"
Feb
May
Oct
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
12-17
5-14
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Fair
74
71
63
60
45
54
Unfair
17
25
33
35
48
41
No opinion
10
4
4
5
7
5
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Fair
48
49
52
50
Unfair
46
44
43
45
No opinion
6
6
5
5
55
Decision/Making/Information
Rating Reagan's Economic Program
Reduce Inflation?
"How would you rate Reagan's proposed economic program? For instance, do you
feel the program will ...?"
Feb
May
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
12-17
9-13
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Will reduce
70
69
65
59
52
55
Will not reduce
20
26
30
36
42
40
No opinion
10
6
5
5
6
5
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Will reduce
55
53
58
57
Will not reduce
40
41
37
38
No opinion
5
6
5
5
REAGAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM
WILL IT REDUCE INFLATION?
PERCENT
100
WILL
REDUCE
90
WILL NOT
REDUCE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
59
59
57
56
50
38
40
36
35
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
5
6
5
0
1
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
57
Decision/Making/Information
Rating Reagan's Economic Program
Increase Employment?
"How would you rate Reagan's proposed economic program? For instance, do you
feel the program will ...?"
Feb
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
Jan
20-22
9-13
11-19
15-22
23-27
7-10
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
1983
Will increase
56
53
48
43
43
44
Will not increase
33
41
47
52
53
52
No opinion
11
6
5
5
4
4
Jan
Mar
Apr
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
Will increase
47
53
51
Will not increase
47
42
45
No opinion
6
5
4
58
Decision/Making/Information
Economic Program: Fair Chance
Here are some statements people have made to us about the country. As I read
each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said.
"The Democrats want to change the Reagan economic program even before it has
had a fair chance to work."
Nov
23-24
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
1982
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
Agree strongly
31
*
34
27
41
Agree somewhat
26
*
31
28
28
Disagree somewhat
19
*
18
22
14
Disagree strongly
21
*
14
19
13
No opinion
3
*
4
4
4
59
Decision/Making/Information
Economic Program: A Failure
Here are some statements people have made to us about the country. As I read
each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said.
"Reagan has had enough time to fix the economy but hasn't; his economic program
is a failure."
Sept
Oct
Nov
23-27
14-16
23-24
Jan
Jan
Mar
1982
1982
1982
7-10
27-29
17-21
24
25
23
*
Agree strongly
27
27
Agree somewhat
15
15
15
*
16
16
Disagree somewhat
26
23
23
*
24
24
32
35
37
*
Disagree strongly
32
32
No opinion
3
2
2
*
1
1
Apr
7-10
1983
Agree strongly
28
Agree somewhat
15
Disagree somewhat
23
Disagree strongly
33
No opinion
1
60
Decision/Making/Information
Reduction of Federal Deficit
"To reduce the federal deficit, we don't want or need higher taxes, we need
economic growth.' "
Agree strongly
65%
Agree somewhat
24
Disagree somewhat
7
Disagree strongly
2
No opinion
2
61
Decision/Making/Information
OTHER ISSUES
62
Decision/Making Information
Federal Reserve Board
"Here are some statements people have made to us about the country. As I read
each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said.' =
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly
Somewhat
Somewhat
Strongly
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
If a president had more control
over the activities of the Federal
Reserve Board, then it would be
24
29
19
18
easier to coordinate economic
policy, bring down inflation,
and create more jobs.
Now that Federal Reserve Board
Chairman Paul Volcker's term is
almost up, Ronald Reagan should
22
23
15
10
appoint someone new as chairman
rather than reappointing Volcker.
63
Decision/Making/Information
Hunger in America
"Here are some statements people have made to us about the country. As I read
each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said."
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly
Somewhat
Somewhat
Strongly
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Many people who receive food assis-
tance from the federal government
53
22
13
10
really are not eligible.
The federal government's food
assistance programs do not adquately
39
29
18
10
serve needy Americans.
There are more hungry people in
America today than there were two
55
21
12
8
years ago.
"Do you personally know anyone who is hungry and unable to get food
assistance?"
No
80%
Yes
20
(IF "YES," ASK:) "Why are they unable to get food assistance?"
Yes/Don't qualify for benefits
11%
Yes/Don't want to accept welfare
1
Yes/No transportation
0
Yes/Other
8
64
Decision/Making/Information
Social Security Benefits -- Increased or Decreased?
"In regard to social security payments, is it your impression that Ronald
Reagan has increased or reduced social security benefits?"
Feb
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jan
Mar
25-6
15-22
23-27
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Increased
12
17
27
20
*
*
Reduced
54
49
50
45
*
*
No change
26
34
18
25
*
*
No opinion
8
-
5
10
*
*
Apr
7-10
1983
Increased
19
Reduced
60
No change
15
No opinion
6
65
Decision/Making/Information
Bipartisan Support for Social Security
"Here are some statements people have made to us about the country. As I read
each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said.
Would that be strongly (agree/disagree) or just somewhat (agree/disagree)?
Ronald Reagan got the leaders of both parties together, and they came up with
the answer to the problems of Social Security."
Mar 17-21
April 7-10
(%)
(%)
Agree strongly
10
12
Agree somewhat
23
24
Disagree somewhat
27
29
Disagree strongly
32
27
No opinion
8
8
66
Decision/Making/Information
No Quick Fix
"People are now going back to work because Ronald Reagan didn't go for the
quick fix."
March 17-21
April 7-10
(%)
(%)
Agree strongly
15
16
Agree somewhat
23
23
Disagree somewhat
25
26
Disagree strongly
27
27
No opinion
10
8
67
Decision/Making Information
Government Waste of Tax Money
"Do you think that people in the government waste a lot of money we pay in
taxes, waste some of it, or don't waste very much of it?"
Waste a lot of money
77%
Waste some money
21
Don't waste very much money
2
68
Decision/Making/Information
NUCLEAR ARMS
69
Decision/Making/Information
Nuclear Weapons Strength
"At the present time, which nation do you feel is stronger in terms of nuclear
weapons (ROTATE) the United States ... or the Soviet Union ... or do
you think they are about equal in nuclear strength?"
United States
14%
Soviet Union
40
About equal
42
70
Decision/Making/Information
Defense Statements
"Here are some statements people have made to us about the country. As I read
each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said.' =
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly
Somewhat
Somewhat
Strongly
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Never before has the United States
engaged in so many efforts to limit
20
27
26
19
the instruments of war.
The nuclear freeze proposals would
preserve the Soviet's advantage of
22
24
22
17
nuclear forces, and, by so doing,
reduce Soviet incentives to nego-
tiate for real reductions.
Even if they had all the resources
they needed, American scientists
14
18
22
33
will not be able to come up with
a really effective way to destroy
Soviet nuclear missiles from space.
71
Decision/Making/Information
Position on Nuclear Arms
(Self)
"I'm going to read you two opinions about nuclear weapons. Some people favor
the first opinion, others like the second. Please tell me which one is closest
to your opinion.
POSITION A
We must build as many nuclear weapons as quickly as we can so that
we won't be pushed around by the Russians any more.
POSITION B
Once the Soviets and the United States have about the same
strength in nuclear weapons then nuclear weapons must be reduced
dramatically to assure lasting peace and security.
March
Apr
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
(%)
(%)
Position A
20
20
Position B
72
71
Neither/No Opinion
8
9
72
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan on Nuclear Arms
"From what you've heard and read, which of the following two positions best
describes the way Ronald Reagan feels about nuclear weapons?"
POSITION A
Ronald Reagan believes that we must build as many nuclear weapons as
quickly as we can so that we won't be pushed around by the Russians any
more.
POSITION B
Ronald Reagan believes that once the Soviets and the United States have
about the same strength in nuclear weapons then nuclear weapons must be
reduced dramatically to assure lasting peace and security.
Nov
23-24
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
1982
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
Position A
39
*
35
56
54
Position B
51
*
58
36
40
Neither
2
*
3
3
2
No opinion
8
*
4
5
4
73
Decision/Making/Information
DEFENSE SPENDING
74
Decision/Making/Information
Spending Preference -- Defense
"Let's talk for a few minutes about government spending on various programs.
I'm going to read you a list of programs. For each one just tell me, in your
opinion, whether the federal government should spend more or should spend less
on each program."
Jan
Jan
Nov
March
April
9-12
11-19
4-8
17-21
7-10
1981
1982
1982
1983
1983
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Spend More
76
50
39
35
43
Spend Less
13
30
44
46
41
Spend Same
8
17
13
14
13
75
Decision/Making/Information
Spending Preference
"Let's talk for a few minutes about government spending on various programs.
I'm going to read you a list of programs. For each one just tell me, in your
opinion, whether the federal government should spend more or should spend less
on each program. (NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: IF RESPONDENT SAYS "SPEND MORE," ASK:)
And would you be willing to have your own taxes increased to support this
program?"
RNC
RNC
Eagle I RNC 2 RNC 16 83-3 83-4 Change
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Spend More (even if own taxes
increased)
Education
*
53
61
61
62
+ 1
Defense
55
37
33
28
36
+ 8
Spend More (no tax increase)
Education
*
14
11
15
14
- 1
Defense
21
13
6
7
7
0
Spend Less
Education
*
16
16
13
12
- 1
Defense
13
30
44
46
41
- 5
Spend Same
Education
*
15
9
9
9
0
Defense
8
17
13
14
13
- 1
76
Decision/Making/Information
Spending Preferences
"Let's talk for a few minutes about government spending on various programs.
I'm going to read you a list of programs. For each one just tell me, in your
opinion, whether the federal government should spend more or should spend less
on each program. (NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: IF RESPONDENT SAYS "SPEND MORE," = ASK:)
And would you be willing to have your own taxes increased to support this
program?"
Crime
Education
Prevention
Welfare
Defense
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Spend more (even if own
taxes increased)
62
61
24
36
Spend more (no tax increase)
14
16
8
7
Spend less
12
11
52
41
Spend same
9
8
12
13
No opinion
3
4
4
3
78
Decision/Making/Information
Republicans vs. Democrats
"I am going to read you a list of words and phrases. Please tell me for each
whether you think it better describes ... Ronald Reagan and the Republicans
77
Decision/Making/Information
PARTISANSHIP
79
Decision/Making/Information
Party Identification With Lean
"Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a
Democrat, an Independent, or something else? (IF REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT, ASK:)
Would you call yourself a strong (Republican/Democrat) or a not-so-strong
(Republican/Democrat)? (IF INDEPENDENT/OTHER/NO PREFERENCE, ASK:) Do you think
of yourself as closer to the Republican or the Democratic party?"
Feb
Jun
Sep
Jan
Jun
Sep
20-22
12-14
18-28
11-19
15-22
23-27
1981
1981
1981
1982
1982
1982
Republican
37
38
34
37
35
35
Independent
27
19
16
18
14
14
Democrat
37
43
49
45
51
51
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1983
1983
1983
1983
Republican
36
33
32
36
Independent
12
16
14
12
Democrat
52
51
54
52
PARTY IDENTIFICATION
(WITH LEAN)
PERCENT
100
REPUBLICAN
90
INDEPENDENT
80
70
DEMOCRAT
60
80
52
50
46
45
40
37
35
36
30
18
19
20
12
Decision/Making/Informati
10
0
1
1
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
1982
MONTH
1983
81
Decision/Making/Information
Congressional Vote with Lean
"Thinking about the 1984 elections for a moment ... if the 1984 elections for
U.S. Congress were being held today, would you be voting for (ROTATE) ... the
Republican candidate ... or ... the Democratic candidate ... in your district?"
(IF "DON'T KNOW" OR "REFUSED/N.A., = ASK:) "Which way do you lean as of today --
towards the Republican candidate ... or ... the Democratic candidate?".
Republican candidate
34%
Democratic candidate
54
Don't know
8
Refused
4
82
Decision/Making/Information
TV Advertising/National Political Parties
"Within the last few weeks, have you seen any television advertising done by
the national political parties? That is, commercials done for the national
parties in general, not for specific candidates? (IF "YES," ASK:) Which
party? (IF "REPUBLICAN," ALSO ASK:) Were you favorably or unfavorably
impressed with the commercial (s) ?"
RNC 10 RNC 11 RNC 14 RNC 83-3 RNC83-4
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Yes/GOP/Favorably
3
3
4
2
1
Yes/Gop/Unfavorably
5
9
5
2
2
Yes/GOP/No opinion
0
1
2
1
1
Yes/Democrat
2
2
4
2
2
Yes/Other
0
1
2
0
0
Yes/Both (Democrat and GOP)
2
1
11
1
1
No/Haven't seen any
87
83
72
92
93