CBS News/60 Minutes/Vanity Fair National Poll, October #3, 2011

This poll, the last of three fielded October 2011, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on a range of political and social issues. Respondents were asked to disclose whether they voted for John McCain or Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, whether they would vote for George W. Bush if he could run for president against Obama, and whether they believe the country as a whole is headed in the right direction. Surveyors queried respondents on upcoming Thanksgiving celebration rituals and holiday related preferences. Details were also sought regarding respondents' personal habits, with topics including religious involvement, restaurant patronage, library visitation, and food preferences. Opinions were collected regarding the legalization of marijuana, the legitimacy of state medical marijuana programs, and the efficacy of alternative medicine (non-surgical treatments, herbal and homeopathic remedies). Furthermore, survey participants were asked whether they believe positive thinking could produce measurable improvement in one's life in general, assist in landing a job, or aid in overcoming serious illness. Demographic information includes sex, age, race, marital status, education level, household income, religious preference, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), political party affiliation, political philosophy, number of phones, voter registration status, whether respondents were members of the Tea Party movement, and whether the respondents thought of themselves as born-again Christians.