ABC News/Washington Post Government Shutdown Poll #3, January 1996

This special topic poll sought respondents' views on the recent federal government shutdown and the role that President Clinton and congressional Republicans played in the dispute over the federal budget. Those queried were asked for their opinions of President Bill Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and the United States Congress. The importance of balancing the budget was addressed, including the willingness of the public to cut social programs, education, and defense to meet that end. Respondents were asked to describe how the three-week government shutdown affected them, whether they considered the shutdown a crisis, and whether the shutdown showed that many government services were nonessential. Respondents were also asked whether they intended to vote in the Democratic and/or Republican primary elections. Background variables include age, sex, race, education, religion, family income, political party, political orientation, and voter registration and participation history.