Washington Post Starr Report Poll, September 1998

This special topic poll, fielded September 11-13, 1998, sought respondents' views on Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr's ongoing investigation of President Bill Clinton and the resulting "Starr Report," submitted to the United States Congress on September 10, 1998. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of Clinton and his handling of the presidency and the economy, as well as their views on the United States Congress, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Starr, and the direction of the country. Those queried were asked whom they trusted to handle the problems of the nation and for whom they would be voting in the upcoming November 1998 congressional elections. A series of questions addressed the investigation into Clinton's relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Topics covered whether respondents believed that Clinton had explained enough, whether Clinton had apologized enough, and whether Clinton had done anything illegal. Respondents were asked if they believed, based on the Starr Report, that Clinton should resign, be impeached, or be censured. Additional questions covered the evidence contained in the Starr Report, the amount of detail regarding Clinton's sexual relationship with Lewinsky included in the report, and whether this scandal would impact Clinton's ability to serve effectively as president. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, education, political party affliation, and voter registration and participation history.