ABC News START Talks Poll, January 1985

This survey was conducted just prior to Secretary of State George Shultz's meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko in Geneva to discuss arms control. Respondents were asked if they approved of Ronald Reagan's handling of foreign affairs and relations with the Soviet Union in particular, if they felt the United States or the Soviet Union was ahead in military power, and if the United States should strive for military superiority. They also were asked whether they approved of the United States' entering into a new round of arms control talks, how they would rate the chances of success of the talks, and whether they felt the Soviet Union would cheat on an agreement if one were reached. In addition, respondents were queried for their opinions on the new defensive weapons that use lasers to shoot down enemy missiles and the impact of this technology on the arms race.