On October 7, 2023, in what many believe to be a breaking point between Israel and the Gaza Strip, Palestinian militant group Hamas led an invasion into Israel via the Gaza Strip, marking the first time direct contact was made on Israeli territory since the First Arab-Israeli War in 1948 and 1949. Following attacks on bordering communities and Israeli military bases, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally declared war resulting in what is now an ongoing ground and aerial invasion in Gaza. As one of Israel's allies, many have been debating the responsibility of the United States and whether it should increase its military support. As of December 2024, 17 percent of Americans supported an increase in U.S. military aid to Israel.

This special topic poll, conducted October 8, 2001, was undertaken to assess respondents' reactions to and feelings about the United States military action in Afghanistan. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way President Bush was handling the response to terrorist attacks in the United States, and whether they supported United States air strikes on Afghanistan and sending a significant number of United States ground troops into that country. Respondents were asked whether they believed that the United States government was doing all it reasonably could do to try to prevent further terrorist attacks and whether they supported United States military action against other countries supporting terrorism. Those polled expressed their level of concern about the possibility of further terrorist attacks (specifically biological and chemical) in America, and how confident they were in the abilities of the federal and local governments, police, and health agencies to respond effectively to a biological or chemical attack in the United States. A battery of questions focused on the Muslim religion and its believers, including whether respondents had a good basic understanding of Islam, how they viewed this religion, whether Arabs and Muslims had positive or negative opinions about the United States and reasons for these opinions, whether they thought the terrorists who attacked the United States in September were close in their views to the mainstream teachings of Islam, and whether they knew anyone who was a Muslim. Respondents also gave their opinions on whether the United States was doing enough to improve its image among Arabs and Muslims. Another subject of this survey was the Middle East. Those polled commented on whether they had more sympathy for Israel or for the Palestinian Authority, whether the United States should increase support for Israel or decrease support for Israel and recognize Palestine as an independent nation, and what was more important at this time--United States relations with Israel or with the Arab nations. Additional questions focused on the possibility of a broader war between the United States and its allies on one side and Arabs and Muslims on the other side, the efforts of the United States to avoid a broader war, and racial profiling and social consent for racial profiling as a tool against terrorism. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, race, Hispanic origin, religion, political party affiliation, political orientation, education, and objective size of community.

This study is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Each data file in this collection represents a distinct nationwide survey that was conducted during 1977-1979. Approximately 1,000-1,500 randomly selected adults were surveyed by telephone in each poll. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Jimmy Carter and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, and the economy, as well as their views on a range of current social and economic issues. The January 1977 Inauguration Poll (Part 1) asked respondents whether they believed newly inaugurated President Carter would be able to balance the federal budget, contain inflation, reduce unemployment, cut defense spending, restore trust in government, work effectively with Congress, and bring peace to the Middle East. Opinions were also elicited on other current issues, including capital punishment, amnesty for Vietnam draft evaders, building closer ties with China, and United States support for Black majority rule in South Africa. Part 2, June 1978 Education Poll, covered topics concerning the quality of public school education, school busing and racial integration of schools, the effects of single parents, working mothers, and television viewing on a child's education, standardized tests, classroom discipline, and homework. In Part 3, September 1978 Poll on Mid-East Summit Meeting, respondents were asked for their assessment of the chances for peace in the Middle East, their knowledge of the results of the Camp David summit with Egypt, Israel, and the United States, whether Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, or President Carter was most responsible for the agreements, and whether President Carter met their expectations with what he accomplished at the summit. Part 4, December 1978 Poll on China, focused on United States relations with China, the impact closer ties with China may have on relations between the United States and Taiwan, prospects for peace in the Middle East, and United States negotiations with the Soviet Union to cut back on military weapons. In the October 1979 Poll on Current Issues (Part 5) respondents were asked to identify what they believed to be the most important problems facing the country, and whether problems associated with rising prices and energy shortages had affected their lives directly. Background information on respondents includes voter participation history, political party affiliation, political orientation, age, race, religion, education, employment and household income.

This series of interviews tracks public opinion regarding the Persian Gulf War from the period immediately prior to the initiation of bombing in January 1991 to the ensuing ground combat in February. In addition to monitoring the evolving war, these data also provide an ongoing evaluation of the Bush presidency during that time period. Part 1 (January 5-7) examines sending troops to Saudi Arabia vs. staying out, the likelihood of war, Bush's efforts to find diplomatic solutions, negotiating with Saddam Hussein vs. forcing Iraq to leave Kuwait, the possibility of terrorist attacks in the United States, how closely the respondent followed the news of the Persian Gulf situation, military action against Iraq vs. waiting for sanctions to work, requiring a congressional declaration of war, Congress voting on a declaration of war before or after the January 15 deadline for Iraq's withdrawal, the January 9 meeting between Secretary of State James Baker and Iraq's foreign minister, attempting to meet with Hussein before January 15, and what might happen in the Persian Gulf in the event of war or otherwise. Part 2 (January 11-13) poses questions identical to Part 1 and addresses new issues, including whether Bush had already decided prior to the January 15 deadline to send troops into battle, whether a Kuwaiti offer to trade part of its territory in exchange for Iraq's withdrawal would be an acceptable resolution to the crisis, whether congressional authorization of the use of force would increase the likelihood of war, how congressmen should vote concerning the authorization of force, what Bush should do if only one house of Congress votes in favor of the use of force, whether the failure of the meeting between Secretary Baker and Iraq's foreign minister on January 9 made war more likely, and more questions related to what might happen in the Persian Gulf in the event of war or otherwise. Part 3 (January 5-7, 17 Panel) replicates both Part 1, the January 5-7 survey, and Part 5, the January 17 survey. It also examines new issues, including whether the United States did the right thing in initiating military action against Iraq, whether the war would last weeks or months, the number of expected American casualties in the war, whether the United States should remove Saddam Hussein from power in addition to driving Iraqi troops out of Kuwait, bombing military targets in heavily populated civilian areas vs. targets not in heavily populated areas, impressions of how the war was proceeding for the United States, how the respondent first heard about the war, perceptions of the main reason why United States forces were fighting in the Persian Gulf, and the reliability of Israel as an ally of the United States. Part 4 (January 17-20 Combined) replicates questions from Part 3, the January 17 survey, and probes new areas, including whether the war to defeat Iraq would be worth the cost in human life and financial resources, whether news that the war had begun made the respondent feel more worried or relieved, whether members of Congress who voted against the use of military force were viewed more/less favorably, FBI interviews of Arab-American business/community leaders, Arab-American sympathy for Iraq, Israeli retaliation for future Iraqi missile attacks, opposition to the war via protest marches/rallies and their effect on the war effort, military/economic aid to Israel, whether the United States military was holding back information about the war, if following the war news had affected the respondent's schedule, and whether the United States was correct to enter the Vietnam War. Questions unique to Part 5 (January 17) include whether the respondent felt proud about the United States' actions in the Persian Gulf, and whether getting Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait or the outcome of the struggle for freedom in the Soviet Union was of more importance to the United States. Questions unique to Part 6 (January 18) include whether Israel should retaliate for future Iraqi missile attacks. Part 7 (January 19) repeats questions from Part 6. Questions asked in Part 8 (January 20) include whether military/economic aid to Israel should be increased. Questions unique to Part 9 (February 12-13) consider whether Iraqi troops could be forced out of Kuwait by continued bombing or if a ground war would be necessary, the timing of the start of a ground war, w

Sample Adult residents of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Think it will be best for future of own country if take an active part/stay out of world affairs (1); how desirable is it that U.S. exert strong leadership in world affairs (1); how desirable is it that U.S./European Union exert strong leadership in world affairs (1); approve/disapprove of the way President of the United States George Bush is handling international politics (1); government spending (3); position about United States and European Union in international affairs (1); role for the European Union in international affairs (1); superpower status for the European Union (5); possible international threats to the United States/Europe in the next ten years (6); feelings toward some countries/institutions/people (18); United Nations does/does not need to be strengthened (1); overall opinion of the United Nations (1); Europe and the United States have grown closer/further apart/remained about the same in recent years (1); European Union/United States of America is more important to own country's vital interests today (1); war in Iraq was/was not worth the loss of life and other costs of attacking Iraq (1); would/would not support own government's decision to take part in military action against North Korea if North Korea acquired weapons of mass destruction (4); would/would not support own government's decision to take part in military action against Iran if Iran acquired weapons of mass destruction (4); what should be done when a country is harboring dangerous international terrorists (4); what should be done if a country is threatening with nuclear weapons a neighbor country (4); proposals to help resolve the Arab/Israeli conflict (12); agree/disagree that European Union is not as powerful militarily as the U.S. but can still have influence to solve world problems by other tools (1); agree/disagree that U.S. and Europe should act more independently in the world (1); agree/disagree that Israel deserves our support because it is the only democracy in the Arab world (1); agree/disagree that economic power is becoming more important in world affairs than military power (1); agree/disagree that war is necessary to obtain justice under some conditions (1); agree/disagree that when vital interests of own country are involved it is justified to bypass the U.N. if needed (1); agree/disagree that Europeans are too preoccupied with their own affairs and are unwilling to take responsibility for dealing with world problems (1); agree/disagree that Europeans and Americans have different social and cultural values (1); remember/do not remember some of the names of the five countries which have permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council (11).

This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, the economy, moral questions, and the situation in the Middle East. Opinions were also sought on the United States Congress, Vice President Al Gore, Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Leader Yassir Arafat, as well as South Korea and Egypt. A series of questions addressed the recent dismissal by a judge of former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones's sexual harassment lawsuit against the president, Starr's investigations into possible Clinton wrongdoing, the alleged affair between Clinton and former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and whether Clinton had engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct. Respondents were also asked for their opinions on federal spending on foreign aid, United States sympathies toward the Middle East, whether the United States had vital interests in Israel, the role of Jewish Americans in United States policy toward the Middle East, and the role of Irish Americans in United States policy toward Ireland. In light of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Israel, a series of questions addressed the current state of Israel and policies toward that country. Topics covered Israel's significance as the birthplace of Christianity and Judaism, its status as a democracy, United States aid to Israel, Israel as an ally to the United States, and Israeli influence over United States foreign policy. Additional subjects covered the PLO's commitment to peace, the role of Orthodox rabbis in Israel, interfaith marriages in the Jewish community, and the power of large industries in the business world. Background information on respondents includes age, race, ethnicity, sex, education, marital status, religion, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, family income, age of children in household, and personal visits to Israel.

This dataset covers ballots 247-78, 250-52, and 254, spanning March, May, July, September-November 1956. The dataset contains the data resulting from these polls in ASCII. The ballots are as follows: 247 - March This Gallup poll aims to collect the opinions of Canadians on such issues as politics, current events, trends and habits. Some of the questions also inquire about topics like the Trans-Canada Pipeline, marriage and funerals. Respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic, demographic and social variables. Topics of interest include: the 30 hour work week; the Academy awards; awareness towards Australia; broadcasting regulation; the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC); dining out; doctors; federal elections; a two party electoral system; funerals; government competition; health care; hospital problems; husbands' faults; marriage; movies; phone ownership; preferred political parties; price trends; the Quebec provincial election; television's influence; the Trans-Canada pipeline; union membership; voting behaviour; and wives faults. Basic demographics variables are also included. 248 - May This Gallup polls seeks the opinions of Canadians on current events in Canada and around the world, the continuing development of industry and communities in Canada, and some lighter topics including holidays. Respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic, demographic, and social variables. Topics of interest include: American influence over Canada; American investment in Canada; the conflict between Israel and the Arabs; arms sales in Canada; bilingualism and unity; the British commonwealth; federal elections; fluoridation of water; gender issues; how to spend holidays; major development of Canada; preferred political parties; prevention of war; standards of living; union membership; the United Nations; and voting behaviour. Basic demographics variables are also included. 250 - July This Gallup poll seeks to collect the opinions of Canadians on issues of importance to the country. Questions relating to such issues as politics, health, highways and Russia are included in this survey. Respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic, demographic and social variables. Topics of interest include: the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC); car ownership; cremation; drivers license possession; exercise and walking; family budget; federal elections; highway speed limit; hospital costs; St. Laurent's performance as Prime Minister; phone ownership; preferred political parties; Russia's desire to dominate; smoking habits; speed limit; Stalin affecting Russian policy towards to west; television ownership; Trans-Canada pipeline; union membership; voting behaviour; and world leaders. Basic demographics variables are also included. 251 - September This Gallup poll seeks to collect the opinions of Canadians on a variety of subjects. The main topics of discussion are politics and elections, children, and the average Canadian. In addition, there are several current events topics, with subjects that include income taxes, obesity, and sports. Respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic, demographic, and social variables. Topics of interest include: the American election; the average Canadian; car ownership; child pampering; donating to a political campaign; drivers license possession, the Duke of Windsor; the federal election; federal office; government problems; the Grey Cup, opinions on what happiness is; how happy the respondents are; income tax rates; the lifespan of obese people; mandatory military service; whether obese people are more prone to heart attacks; population predictions; preferred political parties; traffic tickets; the Suez Canal dispute; Union membership; voting behaviour; and how world relations are affected by the Olympics. Basic demographics variables are also included. 252 - October This Gallup Poll aims primarily to seek the political opinions of Canadians. The majority of questions concern either politicians or policy, both in Canada and/or abroad. Respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic, demographic, and social variables. Topics of interest include: the airforce's manpower; American foreign policy; the army's manpower; British foreign policy; Canadian premiers; car ownership; careers to bring fame; church attendance patterns; Conservative party leader; economic depression predictions; the federal election; the next Governor General; income tax authorities; the main role of labour unions; the navy's manpower; preferred political parties; price changes; politicians; the quality of the past year for farmers; union membership; and voting behaviours. Basic demographics variables have also been included. 254 - November This Gallup poll seeks the opinions and awareness levels of Canadians on issues of political and legal importance. There are also several questions relating to the United Nations and international affairs. The respondents were also asked questions so that they could be grouped according to geographic, demographic and social variables. Topics of interest include: American foreign policy; British foreign policy; danger of losing personal rights; federal elections; laws regarding arrest warrants; personal goals for 1957; preferred political parties; protection of personal rights; rights of arrested people; success of family life; the Suez Canal dispute; television ownership; union membership; and voting behaviour. Basic demographics variables are also included. The codebook for this dataset is available through the UBC Library catalogue, with call number HN110.Z9 P84.

Respondents' opinions on various issues were solicited in this survey, conducted before the vice-presidential debate on October 5, 1989. Respondents were asked their opinions of the Democratic and Republican presidential and vice-presidential candidates, how likely they were to vote in the 1988 presidential election, how they would vote, their choice if they were only voting for president or for vice-president, and which candidate did the best job in the first presidential debate. Their opinions were sought on the presidential candidates' judgment and ability to deal with an international crisis, and on the influence that groups such as labor unions, big business, pro-Israel groups, and groups that support the contras have on United States policy. Other topics included space exploration and travel, aid to Israel, negotiating with the Palestine Liberation Organization, the national economy, the American Civil Liberties Union, respondents' previous voting behavior, and the first presidential debate. Respondents were asked whether Dan Quayle being in his 40s made him better able to represent people under 45, whether they would worry if Quayle or Bentsen had to become president, and whether Quayle and Bentsen understood the problems that confront a president. Background information on individuals includes party affiliation, liberal to conservative identification, armed forces membership, age, marital status, income, ethnicity, religious preference, employment status, farm employment, and education.

Public opinion poll on: Animals; Asia; Business; China; Communications Technology; Congress; Consumer; Economics; Elections; Energy; Environment; Europe; Family; Finances; Foreign Policy; Future; Government; Groups and Organizations; Health; Ideology; India; Information; Japan; Latin America; Local; Media; Mood; Notable People; Nuclear; Participation; Political Partisanship; Presidency; Regulation; Religion; Science; Social Media; Spending; States; Taxing; Technology; Television; Transportation.

As part of an ongoing data collection effort, CBS News and The New York Times conducted a series of interviews. The substantive common denominator in the surveys was a continuing evaluation of the Reagan presidency. Each survey also raised questions of topical relevance and/or broader social concern, including the following: Part 1: Government figures and race relations in New York City. Part 2: The space program, 1988 presidential candidates, the Iran-Contra matter, economic problems, and the Strategic Defense Initiative. Part 3: The Tower Commission Report and the Iran-Contra matter. Part 4: Ronald Reagan's speech of March 4, 1987 and the Iran-Contra matter. Part 5: Television evangelists, focusing on the PTL and Jim Bakker. Parts 6 and 7: Israeli involvement in the Jonathan Pollard spy case and the Iranian arms sale, and relations between the United States and Israel. Part 8: The Iran-Contra matter and 1988 presidential candidates with special emphasis on Gary Hart. Part 9: The Constitution, examining the operation, characteristics and relations among the three branches of the federal government. Part 10: The Iran-Contra hearings and testimony and actions of Oliver North. Part 11: The Iran-Contra hearings and testimony of Oliver North, Robert McFarlane, and John Poindexter. Part 12: Aid to the contras, the Iranian arms sale, the Bork nomination to the Supreme Court, and l988 presidential candidates focusing on George Bush. Part 13: Pope John Paul the Second and moral, social, and political issues facing the Catholic Church. Part 14: The role of parish priests and the current moral, social, and political issues facing the Catholic Church. Part 15: Arms control and Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork. Part 16: Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork and United States Navy ships in the Persian Gulf. Part 17: Business and industry in the United States. Part 18: l988 presidential candidates, social and economic problems facing the United States, and a comparison of the the two major political parties. Part 19: The campaigns of l988 Presidential candidates from each party, social and economic problems facing the United States, and Iowa's caucus system. Part 20: The Ginsburg nomination to the Supreme Court and his withdrawal, and respondents' opinions of factors that might disqualify someone from serving in public office. Part 21: The federal budget deficit, foreign trade, 1988 presidential candidates, and United States-Soviet arms control negotiations. Part 22: 1988 presidential candidates, and the re-entry of Gary Hart into the race. All surveys contain demographic information on respondents.

This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of how President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency and the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as their views of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Bernard Law. Those polled were asked whether they believed it was the responsibility of the United States to establish peace in the Middle East, and whether the United States should publicly support Israel. A series of questions addressed allegations against the Catholic Church of sexual abuse of children. Topics covered the Vatican's handling of the charges, who respondents believed should decide what is done with accused priests, and whether church leaders should be held responsible for the way they handled the allegations. Respondents were asked how often their religious beliefs guided their everyday choices, whether the Pope had too much or too little control over the Catholic Church, and their views on abortion. Respondents were asked whether they believed the Catholic Church was in touch with their needs, whether women should be ordained as priests, and about the prevalence of homosexuality among priests. Additional topics sought respondents' views on the death penalty and whether they had changed their travel plans in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Background information includes age, gender, race, religion, education, political party, political orientation, marital status, number of children in the household, and household income.

This poll is a part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the economy, and the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Respondents also expressed their views on the United States campaign against terrorism, the situation regarding Osama bin Laden, and the support given to the United States by Muslim people around the world. In addition, respondents voiced their concerns about more future terrorist attacks on the United States, their feelings toward Israel and the Palestinians, and their views on the role of the United States in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. The poll elicited respondents' views on the influence of Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to the Middle East on the prospects for peace, the negotiations and actions taken by Israel and the Palestinians, the responsibility of the leader of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat for terrorist attacks against Israel by Palestinians, the support of the United States for Israel, and the United States efforts in the war on terrorism. Respondents also answered a set of questions regarding the Catholic Church, its handling the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests, the level of trust respondents felt toward the Church in handling this issue in the future, their opinions of Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, who was accused of mishandling the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests, and the outcome of the American cardinals' meeting at the Vatican. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, political party, education, religion and religious activities, Hispanic origin, race, and household income.

This poll, conducted August 3-6, 2006, is part of a continuing series of monthly polls that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked whether they approved of the way President George W. Bush was handling the presidency and issues such as the situation in Iraq and the economy. Those registered to vote were asked how closely they were following the upcoming congressional elections in November, whether they would vote for a Democrat or Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives if the election were held that day, and which issue was most important in their vote. All respondents were polled on which political party they trusted to handle issues such as the United States campaign against terrorism, which party was more concerned with the needs of people like themselves, whether they approved of the way the United States Congress was handling its job, and whether the Democrats were offering a clear direction that was different from that of the Republicans. Views were also sought on the war in Iraq, whether Iraq was in a state of civil war, and whether the Bush Administration and the Democrats in the United States Congress had a clear plan for handling the situation. A series of questions regarding the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon asked which group was to more to blame, whether Israel was justified in bombing Hezbollah targets in civilian areas, whether Israel should agree to an immediate, unconditional cease-fire in Lebanon, whether the conflict would make Israel more secure from attacks, and whether it would help or hurt the situation for the United States in Iraq. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, household income, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voter registration status, religious preference, and whether respondents considered themselves born-again or evangelical Christians.

This poll, conducted October 25-28, 2001, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, the economy, the war on terrorism, the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the anthrax outbreaks, as well as their views on Congress and its handling of the anthrax outbreaks. Respondents were asked for their opinions on the direction the nation was headed, the state of the economy, the size of the federal government, whether the government wasted money, and whether they felt they could trust the federal government. A series of questions addressed the ongoing war on terrorism. Topics covered the goal of the war, whether the Bush administration had adequately explained the United States mission, and what the main goal should be, as well as whether respondents approved of the military attacks on Afghanistan. Those queried were asked whether they were confident that the United States government could capture/kill Osama bin Laden while maintaining the international alliance currently supporting their military efforts, how long they expected the attacks to last, whether this war was worth losing several thousand American troops, whether the United States should provide food and humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, whether the military action would become more widespread, and whether those who opposed the operation should be permitted to hold protest marches and rallies. Respondent views were also sought on the political situation in the Middle East. Opinions were elicited on Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the reasons for the United States' problems in the region, whether respondents supported the establishment of a Palestinian homeland, whether their sympathies lay with Israel or the Arab nations, whether the United States had explained the war on terrorism to the Arab world, and whether Saudi Arabia was considered an ally of the United States. Regarding the anthrax attacks, respondents were asked how closely they had followed the news about the anthrax outbreaks, whether the government would be able to catch the people responsible, whether the government was sharing the right amount of information with the public, whether public health officials were right to discourage doctors from prescribing the drug Cipro unnecessarily, whether respondents were concerned about a biological/chemical attack where they lived, and whether they were confident in the government's ability to protect its citizens from such attacks. Respondents also described their reactions to the recent terrorist attacks, including whether they had experienced nervousness and/or sleeplessness, lost a substantial portion of their income and/or their job, canceled any scheduled trips, and whether they were now spending more time with family and friends. Additional questions addressed the topic of airline safety. Survey items focused on whether the federal government and the airline industry had done enough to improve airline safety and exactly who should be responsible for airport security personnel. In addition, respondents indicated whether they were rooting for the New York Yankees or the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the World Series. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, marital status, political party, religion, employment status, children in household, education, race, Hispanic descent, and household income.

This survey dealt primarily with foreign policy issues and the congressional check-writing scandal. Respondents were asked whether President George Bush had been spending too much of his time on foreign policy, whether the United States was in decline as a world power, how closely they followed news about foreign policy issues, which part of the world the president should focus his attention on and whether it was important enough to warrant taking attention away from problems at home, whether the United States was more respected in the world than it was ten years ago, if any country posed a serious military threat to the United States, how likely nuclear war was within the next ten years, and which country would be the number one economic power in the world in the next century. The survey also explored other foreign policy issues, including United States-Soviet relations in light of the break-up of the Soviet Union into different republics with separate governments, the war against Iraq, the involvement of the United States in establishing democracy in other countries, federal spending on military and defense programs, the nature of the changes in East-West relations brought about by recent world events, the relevance of a strong United States military and the maintenance of NATO, United States military intervention in trouble spots around the world, the funding and role of the Central Intelligence Agency, the future of nuclear weapons policy involving the United States and Soviet Union, circumstances under which the United States should give economic aid to the Soviet Union, the number of American troops stationed in Europe, United States relations with China, Israeli settlements on the West Bank, and the influence of Israel and Saudi Arabia on United States foreign policy. Respondents were also asked about the amount of attention they had given to the news of United States representatives writing bad checks, whether they thought the bad checks were written deliberately or by mistake, whether the congressional representative from the respondent's own district had knowingly written bad checks, if the respondent would vote for someone else if his/her congressman had knowingly written bad checks or had been slow in paying large bills at the congressional restaurant, and whether respondents considered the various free services received by members of Congress to be mostly unjustifiable privileges.

This survey focuses on a variety of national issues with an emphasis on patriotism and United States foreign policy. Respondents were asked to rate Reagan's performance as president and to describe the state of the economy. Questions on patriotism ranged from flag ownership, participation in the rededication of the Statue of Liberty, and feelings about the Fourth of July to whether the United States strike against Libya made respondents feel more or less pride in the United States. Respondents were also questioned about the Supreme Court, whether they thought it was too liberal or too conservative, and what they thought of Rehnquist's being nominated as chief justice. Foreign policy items included whether the United States was giving too much aid to Israel and the respondents' opinions on the SALT II treaty, Soviet leader Gorbachev, aid to the Nicaraguan contras, arms control, and United States relations with South Africa. Additional questions probed for respondents' attitudes toward televising Senate sessions and tax reform measures that would reduce tax rates but eliminate many of the current tax deductions. Demographic characteristics were also recorded.

This poll is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, the situation in the Middle East, and the campaign against terrorism, as well as their views of Secretary of State Colin Powell, Pope John Paul II, Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat, and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. A series of questions addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Respondents were asked whether they sympathized with Israel or the Palestinians, whether Israel should alter its military presence in the occupied territories, and whether the United States should publicly support either side. Respondents were questioned as to whether they believed Colin Powell's trip to the Middle East would be successful, whether the United States government has a responsibility to establish peace in the Middle East, and whether they believed involvement in the conflict would increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks against America. Those polled were questioned about the sexual abuse allegations against Catholic priests. Respondents were asked what they believed to be the greatest problem facing the Catholic Church, whether the child sex accusations harmed the reputation of the Catholic Church, whether celibacy increased the likelihood of child sex abuse, and whether they believed the Pope was aware of the abuse before the allegations were made public. Lastly, respondents were asked whether they believed surveillance cameras on city streets reduced crime or invaded people's privacy, and whether they approved of the placement of surveillance cameras on sites that are important to the country's history. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, race, religion, education, political party, political orientation, marital status, number of children in the household, and household income.