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Decision Making Information: A Study of National Attitudes, 05/27/1983-05/30/1983
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Decision Making Information: A Study of National Attitudes, 05/27/1983-05/30/1983
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
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, 05/27/1983-
05/30/1983
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
May 27-30, 1983
RNC83-6
#29501
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
Senior Analyst:
Lori A. Forman
Universe:
Adult Americans
(persons aged 18 and over)
Mode of Interview:
Telephone
Date(s) of Interviews:
May 27-30, 1983
Sample Size:
1000
Confidence Interval:
+3.1 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
Number One National Problem
5
Average Man Getting Worse
7
PERCEPTIONS OF PRESIDENT REAGAN
Job Rating - General
9
Job Rating - Economy
12
Job Rating - Foreign Affairs
14
Job Rating - E1 Salvador
16
Job Rating - Inflation
17
Job Rating - Unemployment
19
Job Rating - Social Security
21
Job Rating - Education
23
Like Reagan and his Policies
24
Reagan's Characteristics - Excellent/Good
25
Reagan's Characteristics - Only Fair/Poor
26
THE ECONOMY
Status of the National Economy
28
Status of Inflation
29
Status of Unemployment
30
Status of Interest Rates
31
RONALD REAGAN'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM
Reagan's Economic Program - Help/Hurt
33
Effects of Economic Program
35
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Fair/Unfair
36
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Helpful/Not Helpful
37
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Reduce Inflation
39
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Increase Employment
41
Rating Reagan's Economic Program - Balance the Federal Budget.
42
Economic Program: Fair Chance
43
Economic Program: A Failure
44
Decision/Making/Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
PAGE
OTHER ISSUES
Importance of Balanced Budget
46
Cause of Federal Debt
47
Rationale for Increasing Taxes
48
Tax Increases
49
Definition of Welfare State
51
Welfare State: Impression
52
Spending Preferences
53
Spending Preferences (Over Time)
54
Spending Preference -- Defense
55
EDUCATION
Job Rating -- Education
57
Responsible for Education
58
Status of American Education: Students and Schools
59
Status of American Education: Teachers
60
Department of Education
61
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Job Rating -- E1 Salvador
63
E1 Salvador
--
Military Advisors
64
E1 Salvador -- Solve Problems
65
E1 Salvador -- Another Vietnam
66
E1 Salvador
--
National Elections
67
E1 Salvador
--
Extreme Rightists
68
E1 Salvador -- Killings/Communists
69
PARTISANSHIP
Congressional Job Rating
71
Thermometer Ratings (Political and Others)
72
Thermometer Ratings (White House and Cabinet People)
73
Thermometer Ratings (Organizations)
76
Party Identification with Lean
77
Thermometer Ratings (Party)
79
Party of the Future
80
Endorsements
81
Democratic Telethon
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Right direction
33
35
40
38
40
42
Wrong track
64
59
56
56
56
52
No opinion
3
7
4
6
4
6
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
RIGHT DIRECTION
OR WRONG TRACK?
PERCENT
100
RIGHT
DIRECTION
90
WRONG
TRACK
80
NO
70
67
OPINION
64
60
59
52
3
50
50
42
40
45
33
34
28
30
20
Decision/Making/Information
10
6
5
5
5
3
0
1
1
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
4
5
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
*
May
27-30
1983
Better off
46
Worse off
32
Same
21
No opinion
1
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
5
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
Unemp loyment
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Unemp loyment
51
48
37
34
36
29
Inflation
5
7
8
6
8
7
Economy/Other
18
18
18
19
15
16
Domestic/Social
7
7
7
7
9
9
Crime/Drugs/Morals
4
5
9
9
8
10
Foreign Affairs/Defense
11
7
14
17
16
21
Government leadership
1
4
4
4
4
4
No problems/No opinion
2
3
3
4
4
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
NUMBER ONE PROBLEM
(NATIONAL)
PERCENT
60
UNEMPLOYMENT
52
50
INFLATION
OTHER
ECONOMIC
40
39
9
FOREIGN
29
AFFAIRS
30
23
OTHER
ISSUES
24
21
20
18
17
16
12
14
10
9
7
Decision/Making/Informati
5
2
0
1/81
1/82
4/82
7/82
10/82
1/83
3/83
4/83
4/83
5/83
DATE
7
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
Apr
May
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Agree
*
60
59
*
57
Disagree
*
38
38
*
41
No opinion
*
2
3
*
2
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
46
44
50
50
50
55
Disapprove
49
50
46
46
44
41
No opinion
5
5
4
4
6
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
GENERAL
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
60
55
51
54
10
50
50
40
40
44
41
42
30
33
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
7
7
6
6
4
0
1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 1 1 3 4 4 5
1982
MONTH
1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
INTENSITY OF RESPONSE
PERCENT
100
STRONGLY
APPROVE
90
STRONGLY
DISAPPROVE
80
70
60
11
50
40
30
30
30
27
24
20
20
23
21
19
Decision/Making/Informati
10
0
1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 1 2 3 4 4 5
1982
MONTH
1983
12
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
38
40
44
47
49
50
Disapprove
58
57
54
52
49
48
No opinion
4
3
2
1
2
2
RNC83-6:
May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
THE ECONOMY
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
50
57
50
13
50
50
48
48
48
40
40
46
38
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
4
3
4
4
2
0
1
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
14
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
46
45
41
44
46
47
Disapprove
44
40
49
48
46
44
No opinion
10
14
10
8
8
9
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
59
56
15
50
47
44
40
33
34
30
20
8
10
Decision/Making/Informati
10
9
0
1
2
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
16
Decision/Making Information
Reagan Job Rating -- E1 Salvador
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling the
situation in E1 Salvador?"
Apr
May
27-28 27-30
1983 1983
Approve
36
29
Disapprove
44
53
No opinion
20
18
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
17
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Approve
47
*
50
Disapprove
50
*
47
No opinion
3
*
3
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
INFLATION
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
57
18
50
51
49
50
48
47
40
43
38
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
6
5
3
3
0
1
3
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
19
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Approve
33
*
34
Disapprove
63
*
62
No opinion
4
*
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
UNEMPLOYMENT
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
70
NO
70
OPINION
62
60
57
20
50
40
34
34
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
5
1982
MONTH
1983
21
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
Apr
May
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
Approve
43
42
Disapprove
52
51
No opinion
5
7
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN JOB RATING
SOCIAL SECURITY
PERCENT
100
APPROVE
90
DISAPPROVE
80
NO
70
OPINION
62
60
22
52
51
50
42
40
40
29
30
20
Decision/Making/Information
10
8
9
7
/
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
23
Decision/Making Information
Reagan Job Rating: Education
"Now, a little more specifically. I am going to read you a list of issues.
For each, I would like you to tell me whether you strongly approve ... somewhat
approve somewhat disapprove ... or strongly disapprove of the way Ronald
Reagan is handling each of these issues: Education."
Strongly approve
18%
Somewhat approve
31
Somewhat disapprove
20
Strongly disapprove
23
No opinion
8
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
24
Decision/Making Information
Like Reagan and his Policies
"Let's talk for a moment how you feel both about Ronald Reagan personally and
about his policies. Generally speaking, do you like or dislike Ronald Reagan
personally?"
Apr
Sept
Oct
May
12-18
23-27
14-16
27-30
1982
1982
1982
1983
Like personally
75
77
73
72
Dislike personally
17
17
22
22
"Generally speaking, do you approve or disapprove of his policies?"
Approve of policies
47
50
46
50
Disapprove of policies
45
44
49
45
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
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
*
*
*
*
*
Knowledgeable
*
*
*
*
*
*
Is delivering on what he promised
*
*
*
*
*
*
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Cares about the needs of the
elderly and poor
33
30
30
30
36
Will start an unnecessary war
20
22
24
23
27
Effective in getting things done
39
44
46
47
49
Really knows what he is doing
37
37
38
*
42
Has the strong leadership qualities
this country needs
45
45
47
49
48
Is trustworthy
54
53
54
*
57
Shows too much business favoritism
*
47
49
*
47
Dangerous
*
*
22
*
22
Knowledgeable
*
*
*
*
57
Is delivering on what he promised
*
*
*
*
39
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
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
*
*
*
*
*
*
Knowledgeable
*
*
*
*
*
Is delivery on what he promised
*
*
*
*
*
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Cares about the needs of the
elderly and poor
67
69
69
69
63
Will start an unnecessary war
76
72
73
73
68
Effective in getting things done
59
55
53
52
49
Really knows what he is doing
60
61
60
*
57
Has the strong leadership qualities
this country needs
53
54
52
49
50
Is trustworthy
41
44
44
*
39
Shows too much business favoritism
*
47
47
*
47
Dangerous
*
*
75
*
75
Knowledgeable
*
*
*
*
41
Is delivery on what he promised
*
*
*
*
60
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
27
Decision/Making/Information
THE ECONOMY
28
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
No opinion
2
4
1
*
1
1
Now/Future
Get better
48
43
46
*
47
56
Get worse
25
20
22
*
20
15
Stay the same
23
34
29
*
31
26
No opinion
4
3
3
*
2
3
Apr
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
39
*
44
Gotten worse
32
*
28
Stayed the same
28
*
27
No opinion
1
*
1
Now/Future
Get better
53
*
56
Get worse
13
*
14
Stay the same
31
*
28
No opinion
3
*
2
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
29
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
41
*
41
Gotten worse
30
*
34
Stayed the same
29
*
24
No opinion
0
*
1
Now/Future
Get better
41
*
42
Get worse
22
*
22
Stay the same
35
*
34
No opinion
2
*
2
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
30
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
18
*
27
Gotten worse
57
*
48
Stayed the same
24
*
24
No opinion
1
*
1
Now/Future
Get better
57
*
57
Get worse
18
*
16
Stay the same
23
*
25
No opinion
2
*
2
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
31
Decision/Making/Information
Status of Interest Rates
"Compared to a year ago, do you think the Thinking interest rates year have from gotten now, BATTON. do you ,
31
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Year Ago/Now
Gotten better
66
*
64
Gotten worse
20
*
21
Stayed the same
11
*
14
No opinion
3
*
1
Now/Future
Get better
44
*
40
Get worse
19
*
21
Stay the same
34
*
35
No opinion
3
*
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
32
Decision/Making/Information
RONALD REAGAN'S I ECONOMIC PROGRAM
33
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Help
51
52
60
56
54
59
Hurt
43
41
34
39
36
35
No opinion
6
7
6
5
10
6
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM
HELP OR HURT THE NAT'L ECONOMY?
PERCENT
100
HELP
90
HURT
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
60
59
59
34
50
47
47
40
45
42
35
30
32
34
20
11
Decision/Making/Informati
9
10
8
6
6
0
1
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
35
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Less than one year
36
*
*
34
*
*
One year
27
*
*
24
*
*
More than one year
32
*
*
38
*
*
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
36
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Fair
48
49
52
50
*
56
Unfair
46
44
43
45
*
39
No opinion
6
6
5
5
*
5
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
37
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Helpful
32
36
41
41
*
45
Not helpful
58
58
54
55
*
50
No opinion
5
6
5
4
*
5
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM
HELPFUL TO YOU?
PERCENT
100
HELPFUL
90
NOT
HELPFUL
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
58
50
38
50
50
45
45
40
37
30
20
Decision/Making/Informati
10
5
5
5
0
1
3
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
39
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Will reduce
55
53
58
57
*
58
Will not reduce
40
41
37
38
*
38
No opinion
5
6
5
5
*
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN ECONOMIC PROGRAM
WILL IT REDUCE INFLATION?
PERCENT
100
WILL
REDUCE
90
WILL NOT
REDUCE
80
NO
70
OPINION
60
59
59
58
52
40
50
42
40
36
38
35
30
20
10
Decision/Making/Informati
5
6
6
4
0
1
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
1
1
3
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
41
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
Apr
May
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Will increase
47
53
51
*
55
Will not increase
47
42
45
*
40
No opinion
6
5
4
*
5
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
42
Decision/Making Information
Rating Reagan's Economic Program -- Balance the Federal Budget
"How would you rate Reagan's proposed economic program? For instance, do you
feel the program ...?
Feb
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
June
25-6
20-29
1-2
12-18
20-26
15-22
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
Will balance the federal budget
32
33
31
33
35
31
Will not balance the federal budget
61
59
63
61
57
63
No opinion
7
8
6
6
8
6
Nov
May
23-24
27-30
1982
1983
Will balance the federal budget
28
32
Will not balance the federal budget
63
62
No opinion
9
6
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
43
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
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
23-24
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
1982
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
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
*
May
27-30
1983
Agree strongly
28
Agree somewhat
29
Disagree somewhat
22
Disagree strongly
17
No opinion
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
44
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
Jan
Jan
Mar
23-27
14-16
23-24
7-10
27-29
17-21
1982
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Agree strongly
24
25
23
*
27
27
Agree somewhat
15
15
15
*
16
16
Disagree somewhat
26
23
23
*
24
24
Disagree strongly
32
35
37
*
32
32
No opinion
3
2
2
*
1
1
Apr
Apr
May
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Agree strongly
28
*
*
Agree somewhat
15
*
*
Disagree somewhat
23
*
*
Disagree strongly
33
*
*
No opinion
1
*
*
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
45
Decision/Making/Information
OTHER ISSUES
46
Decision/Making/Information
Importance of a Balanced Budget
"How important do you feel it is that the Congress and the President adjust
spending and taxes so that the federal budget will be 'balanced by 1988'
...
extremely important ... somewhat important ... or not important at all?
Sept*
Sept*
Feb**
Nov**
Jan
May
9-15
18-28
13-14
4-8
7-9
27-30
1981
1981
1982
1982
1983
1983
Extremely important
57
55
53
58
65
59
Somewhat important
35
37
38
33
27
34
Not important at all
7
7
7
7
5
5
No opinion
1
1
2
2
2
2
* 'balanced by 1984.
**... 'balanced by 1985. I
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
47
Decision/Making/Information
Cause of Federal Debt
"From what you've heard and read, who or what do you think is the main cause of
our present federal debt?"
Government/Spending
25%
Congress
10
Past administrations
8
Government/Generally
7
Reagan/Republicans
6
Trade/Balance of payments/
Foreign factors
5
Inflation
3
Carter/Democrats
3
Present administration
1
Government/taxes
1
Poor economy/Generally
1
Business/Industry
1
High interest rates
-
Other
6
No main cuase
3
No opinion
20
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
48
Decision/Making/Information
Rationale for Increasing Taxes
"Now on another topic, I'd like to read you the opinions of an imaginary Mr.
Smith and Mr. Jones about taxes. No one likes to pay more in taxes, but
sometimes they have to be increased. Please tell me whether your own opinion
about tax increases is just like Smith more like Smith than Jones ... more
like Jones than Smith ... or just like Jones.
Mr. Smith says we should only raise taxes if we are going to increase
spending on new or existing government programs.
Mr. Jones disagrees. He says we should only increase taxes to reduce the
national debt, not to fund new or bigger government programs."
Is your opinion
...
Just like Smith
14%
More like Smith than Jones
19
More like Jones than Smith
28
Just like Jones
33
No opinion
6
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
49
Decision/Making/Information
Tax Increases
"Let's suppose that taxes had to be increased. I'm going to read you several
options that exist, and I'd like you to rate each one on a scale where a minus
5 means you strongly oppose that plan, while a plus 5 means you strongly favor
the plan. A zero therefore means that you neither favor nor oppose the plan,
but are neutral about it. Of course, you may use any number between minus 5
and plus 5 to indicate how much you personally favor or oppose each proposed
tax increase."
No
-5
-4 to -1
Zero
+1 to +4
+5
Opinion
Impose a consumption tax
on individuals (x = -2)
39
10
28
9
8
6
Impose a sales tax on
businesses (x = 0)
25
12
18
19
25
1
Improve compliance with
existing tax laws (x = +2)
10
6
20
21
40
3
Impose taxes on energy
consumption such as
44
17
17
12
9
1
excise taxes on oil and
taxes on gasoline (x = -2)
Reduce the amount of
deductions individuals
can take off their
34
12
20
15
18
1
federal income taxes
for consumer interest and
state tax payments (x = -1)
Tax fringe benefits such
as excessive employer
30
10
22
13
23
2
contributions for medical
and life insurance (x = 0)
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
50
Decision/Making Information
Tax Increases
"Let's suppose that taxes had to be increased. I'm going to read you several
options that exist, and I'd like you to rate each one on a scale where a minus
5 means you strongly oppose that plan, while a plus 5 means you strongly favor
the plan. A zero therefore means that you neither favor nor oppose the plan,
but are neutral about it. Of course, you may use any number between minus 5
and plus 5 to indicate how much you personally favor or oppose each proposed
tax increase."
Negative
Neutral
Positive
(%)
(%0
(%)
Impose a consumption tax
on individuals (Mean: -2)
39
28
17
Impose a sales tax on
businesses (Mean: 0)
37
18
44
Improve compliance with
existing tax laws (Mean: +2)
16
20
61
Impose taxes on energy
consumption such as
61
17
21
excise taxes on oil and
taxes on gasoline (Mean: -2)
Reduce the amount of
deductions individuals
can take off their
46
20
33
federal income taxes
for consumer interest and
state tax payments (Mean: -1)
Tax fringe benefits such
as excessive employer
40
22
36
contributions for medical
and life insurance (Mean: 0)
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
51
Decision/Making/Information
Definition of Welfare State
"When you hear the phrase 'welfare state,' what do you think of?"
Welfare abuses/Corruption
14%
People receiving welfare benefits
11
Poor people/Poverty
8
Unemp loyment
8
Too much welfare
7
Specific states
6
Government spending/Give-away programs
6
Big government/Government control
6
Socialism
5
On the Dole/No incentive/No effort
5
Workingman supporting those who
refuse to work
3
Welfare/Generally
3
Taxes/Taxpayers
3
General negative
2
No opinion
12
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
52
Decision/Making/Information
Welfare State: Impression
"Generally speaking, would you say you have a positive or negative impression
when you hear the phrase 'welfare state?'"
Positive impression
20%
Negative impression
75
No opinion
5
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
53
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)
64
60
20
31
Spend more (no tax increase)
15
17
7
9
Spend less
12
12
59
41
Spend same
8
9
11
16
No opinion
1
2
3
3
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
54
Decision/Making/Information
Spending Preference (Over Time)
"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."
Jan
Jan
Nov
Mar
Apr
May
9-12
28-31
4-8
17-21
7-11
27-30
1981
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Spend More (Even if Own Taxes Increased)
Education
*
53
61
61
62
64
Defense
55
37
33
28
36
31
Spend More (No Tax Increase)
Education
*
14
11
15
14
15
Defense
21
13
6
7
7
9
Spend Less
Education
*
16
16
13
12
12
Defense
13
30
44
46
41
41
Spend Same
Education
*
15
9
9
9
8
Defense
8
17
13
14
13
16
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
55
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
Ma
Apr
May
9-12
11-19
4-8
17-21
7-10
27-30
1981
1982
1982
1983
1983
1983
Spend more
76
50
39
35
43
40
Spend less
13
30
44
46
41
41
Spend same
8
17
13
14
13
16
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
56
Decision/Making/Information
EDUCATION
57
Decision/Making/Information
Reagan Job Rating: Education
"Now, a little more specifically. I am going to read you a list of issues.
For each, I would like you to tell me whether you strongly approve ... somewhat
approve
...
somewhat disapprove
...
or strongly disapprove of the way Ronald
Reagan is handling each of these issues: Education."
Strongly approve
18%
Somewhat approve
31
Somewhat disapprove
20
Strongly disapprove
23
No opinion
8
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
58
Decision/Making/Information
Responsible for Education
"And from what you've heard and read, which level of government should have the
primary responsibility for elementary and secondary education; that is, should
it be the federal, state or local government?"
Federal
12%
State
46
Local
38
All
1
No opinion
3
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
59
Decision/Making/Information
Status of American Education: Students and Schools
"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)?"
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
No
Strongly
Somewhat
Somewhat
Strongly
Opinion
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
In order to improve the quality
of American education, we should
require either a longer school
25
22
22
30
1
day, or a longer school year,
or both.
Before receiving a high school
diploma, students should be
required to take 4 years of
55
25
11
7
2
English, a half year of computer
science and 3 years each of math,
science and social studies.
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
60
Decision/Making/Information
Status of American Education: Teachers
"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)?"
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
No
Strongly
Somewhat
Somewhat
Strongly
Opinion
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
College students who want to
become teachers should be
required to pass competency
78
15
3
2
2
tests before being allowed to
teach in our nation's schools.
Grants and loans should be made
to encourage outstanding students
to become teachers, particularly
53
28
9
8
2
in those areas of critical
teacher shortages.
We will never have enough high
quality teachers unless we pay
40
24
18
16
2
those teachers higher salaries
than average teachers receive.
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
61
Decision/Making Information
Department of Education
"Ronald Reagan believes that the Department of Education should be abolished.
Others disagree. How about you? Do you think the federal Department of
Education should be abolished, or not?"
Abolish
22%
Do not abolish
71
No opinion
7
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
62
Decision/Making/Information
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
63
Decision/Making Information
Reagan Job Rating -- E1 Salvador
"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ronald Reagan is handling the
situation in E1 Salvador?"
Apr
May
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
Approve
36
29
Disapprove
44
53
No opinion
20
18
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
64
Decision/Making/ Information
E1 Salvador -- Military Advisors
"How far should the United States go to save E1 Salvador from being taken over
by communist rebels? In your opinion, should the U.S. increase the number of
its military advisors in E1 Salvador?"
Oct
Mar
May
17-26
17-21
27-30
1981
1983
1983
Yes
42
35
34
No
47
59
60
No opinion
11
6
6
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
65
Decision/Making/Information
E1 Salvador -- Solve Problems
"The problems in E1 Salvador have been very much in the news recently. I'm
going to read you a series of statements others have made about the situation
there and our relations with the Salvadoran government. For each statement,
again tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said: We should let
those who live in E1 Salvador solve their problems without any help from the
United States."
Mar
Mar
Mar
Apr
May
6-9
25-29
17-21
27-28
27-30
1981
1982
1983
1983
1983
Agree strongly
27
30
33
28
29
Agree somewhat
22
21
24
18
23
Disagree somewhat
29
24
25
25
25
Disagree strongly
17
18
15
25
18
No opinion
5
7
3
4
5
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
66
Decision/Making Information
E1 Salvador -- Another Vietnam
"The problems in E1 Salvador have been very much in the news recently. I'm
going to read you a series of statements others have made about the situation
there and our relations with the Salvadoran government. For each statement,
again tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said: The kind of
help we are now providing E1 Salvador could easily get us into another
Vietnam."
Mar
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
6-9
13-14
17-21
27-28
27-30
1981
1982
1983
1983
1983
Agree strongly
37
36
45
35
43
Agree somewhat
28
32
30
28
30
Disagree somewhat
17
16
11
14
12
Disagree strongly
11
9
9
17
8
No opinion
7
7
5
6
7
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
67
Decision/Making/Information
E1 Salvador -- National Elections
"The fact that the leftist guerrillas in E1 Salvador refuse to take part in
national elections is strong evidence that they, themselves, believe that most
of the citizens of E1 Salvador do not support their cause and they must
continue to resort to violence rather than to the ballot box."
Apr
Apr
May
7-11
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
Agree strongly
25
27
24
Agree somewhat
33
24
30
Disagree somewhat
15
16
15
Disagree strongly
11
17
10
No opinion
16
16
21
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
68
Decision/Making/ Information
E1 Salvador -- Extreme Rightists
"The problems in E1 Salvador have been very much in the news recently. I'm
going to read you a series of statements others have made about the situation
there and our relations with the Salvadoran government. For each statement,
again tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said: Most of the
killings in E1 Salvador have been done by extreme rightists."
Mar
Mar
May
6-9
17-21
27-30
1981
1983
1983
Agree strongly
11
18
17
Agree somewhat
21
27
26
Disagree somewhat
17
19
22
Disagree strongly
6
8
5
No opinion
45
28
30
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
69
Decision/Making/Information
E1 Salvador - -- Killings/Communists
"The problems in E1 Salvador have been very much in the news recently. I'm
going to read you a series of statements others have made about the situation
there and our relations with the Salvadoran government. For each statement,
again tell me whether you agree or disagree with what is said: Most of the
killings in E1 Salvador have bee done by Communists."
Mar
Mar
May
6-9
17-21
27-30
1981
1983
1983
Agree strongly
24
27
30
Agree somewhat
22
25
23
Disagree somewhat
15
19
19
Disagree strongly
9
8
5
No opinion
30
21
23
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
70
Decision/Making/Information
PARTISANSHIP
71
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
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
Feb 3
11-19
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
1981
1982
1983
1983
1983
1983
Approve
36
38
35
34
42
*
Disapprove
48
50
60
59
52
*
No opinion
16
12
5
7
6
*
Apr
May
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
Approve
*
46
Disapprove
*
50
No opinion
*
4
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
72
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
*
Paul Volcker
*
*
*
*
*
*
Anne Gorsuch Burford
Menachem Begin
*
*
50
*
49
36
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Jimmy Carter
*
*
*
*
*
*
John Glenn
61
62
61
59
*
60
Ted Kennedy
*
*
*
*
*
*
Walter Mondale
52
54
54
52
*
54
Tip O'Neill
53
57
58
56
*
*
Paul Volcker
*
*
51
*
*
*
Anne Gorsuch Burford
*
*
43
*
*
*
Gary Hart
*
*
*
50
*
*
Menachem Begin
*
*
*
*
*
*
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
73
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
56
66
*
*
*
George Bush
54
55
*
*
*
*
Bill Brock
*
James Watt
*
53
39
*
40
*
*
59
*
*
*
*
A1 Haig
Caspar Weinberger
*
61
*
*
*
*
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Ronald Reagan
55
54
54
54
*
60
*
*
*
55
*
George Bush
57
*
*
*
*
*
*
Bill Brock
*
*
35
*
*
*
James Watt
*
*
*
*
*
*
A1 Haig
Caspar Weinberger
*
*
*
50
*
*
*
*
*
42
*
*
Raymon Donovan
*
*
*
Donald Regan
49
*
*
RNC83-6:
May 27-30, 1983
REAGAN THERMOMETER
RATING
100
90
80
70
63
60
60
54
53
74
50
40
30
20
Decision/Making/Information
10
0
1
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1
1
3
4
5
1982
MONTH
1983
76
Decision/Making/Informati
Thermometer Ratings -- Organizations
Sep
Dec
May
Nov
Jan
Jan
9-13
18-22
20-26
4-8
7-10
27-29
1981
1981
1982
1982
1983
1983
The Supreme Court
60
*
*
*
*
*
Labor Unions
45
*
*
*
*
*
White House Staff
62
55
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Reagan Cabinet
62
Federal Reserve Board
*
*
48
48
*
*
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
The Supreme Court
*
*
*
*
Labor Unions
52
*
*
*
White House Staff
*
*
*
55
Reagan Cabinet
*
*
*
*
Federal Reserve Board
53
*
*
*
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
77
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
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Republican
36
33
32
36
*
37
Independent
12
16
14
12
*
15
Democrat
52
51
54
52
*
48
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
PARTY IDENTIFICATION
(with lean)
Percent
100
Republican
90
Independent
80
70
Democrat
60
54
78
53
48
50
45
40
37
37
34
32
30
18
20
14
.15
13
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 4 5
1982
Month
1983
79
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
Republicans
64
62
55
56
54
52
Democrats
57
56
58
59
60
60
Jan
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
May
7-10
27-29
17-21
7-10
27-28
27-30
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
Republ icans
49
52
50
50
*
54
Democrats
61
63
63
61
*
61
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
80
Decision/Making/Information
Party of the Future
"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)?"
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
No
Strongly
Somewhat
Somewhat
Strongly
Opinion
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
The Republican Party is the
party of the future -- it has
13
27
24
30
6
the fresh ideas to deal with
America's problems.
The Democratic Party is the
party of the future -- it has
20
26
25
22
7
the fresh ideas to deal with
America's problems.
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
81
Decision/Making/Information
Endorsements
"Now let's think about the 1984 presidential elections for a moment. As you
know, many things determine how we vote. I'd like to read you the names of some
persons and groups. Please tell me whether you would be more likely or less
likely to vote for a presidential candidate who, before the primary elections,
was endorsed by each person or group I mention. Here's the first one. Would
you be more likely or less likely to vote for a presidential candidate endorsed
by:"
More
Less
No
No
Likely
Likely
Difference
Opinion
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
The AF of L-CIO
27
48
18
7
The National Education
62
18
15
5
Association (NEA)
The Chamber of Commerce
51
26
18
5
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983
82
Decision/Making/Information
Democratic Telethon
"This weekend on television, have you seen or heard any of the telethon
sponsored by the Democratic party? (IF "YES," ASLO ASK:) Have you contributed,
or do you intend to contribute, any money to the Democratic party telethon?"**
No/have not seen or heard
79%
Yes/contributing
6
Yes/Not contributing
15
**asked of 457 respondents only
RNC83-6: May 27-30, 1983