CBS News Monthly Poll #3 and Call-Back, January 1998

This poll, fielded January 18-21, 1998, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked for their opinions on President Bill Clinton and the United States Congress. Those queried were also asked what issue they felt the government should concentrate on in 1998, and how the potential budget surplus should be spent. A series of questions focused on Cuba, including respondents' opinions of Cuba and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, whether diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba should be reestablished, whether the trade embargo should remain in place, and whether they would travel to Cuba if the current travel restrictions were lifted. Regarding the upcoming papal visit to Cuba, respondents were asked what they believed Pope John Paul II's visit meant for the political future of Cuba. A subset of respondents agreed to participate in a call-back poll, conducted immediately following the January 27, 1998, State of the Union address, delivered by President Clinton. These respondents were asked to give their opinions of Clinton, and to comment on whether he shared the moral values of the American people, whether claims that he engaged in an affair with then-White House intern Monica Lewinsky would interfere with his ability to serve, and whether they watched the speech to hear Clinton's policy proposals or to hear his response to these allegations. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, race, political party, political orientation, voter registration and participation history, education, religion, age of children in household, and family income.