CBS News/New York Times Poll, October 21-24, 1988

In this survey respondents were asked about their previous voting behavior and about their opinions of the Democratic and Republican presidential and vice-presidential candidates. They also were asked how likely they were to vote in the 1988 presidential election, how they would vote if the election were held the day of the survey, if their minds were made up, how strongly they favored the candidates they chose, and who they thought would win the election. Other topics included whether respondents thought issues or personal characteristics were more important in choosing a president, what their thoughts were on the campaign process and the candidates' commercials, how often respondents watched television or read the newspaper, and how they thought candidates would handle crime, appointment of judges, the economy, the deficit, defense, the environment, keeping the United States out of war, and helping the middle class. In addition, respondents' opinions were sought on the death penalty, how well Ronald Reagan did his job, how much Dukakis or Bush would help Blacks, and how they would vote if other candidates were running against Bush or Dukakis.