Washington Post Poll, October 1995

This poll solicited public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions of President Bill Clinton, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and retired General Colin Powell. Those queried were asked whether the president, congressional Democrats, or congressional Republicans were most committed to the following: the economy, the needs of the middle class, protecting Social Security, reducing the deficit, handling crime, welfare reform, Medicare preservation, maintenance of military strength, education, and reform of the tax system. The 1996 presidential and congressional elections were addressed as well as the upcoming Republican primaries. Respondents were asked to identify the goals and characteristics of the Democratic and Republican parties, and to comment on the possible existence of a third political party, such as Ross Perot's "United We Stand" party. The characteristics of an effective president were addressed, and respondents were asked to identify which of the following leadership qualities were most important: being respected by foreign leaders, working well with members of opposing political parties, ability to unite the races, ability to set a moral example for the country, and experience in elected office. Finally, respondents were given a list of past and present political figures and were asked to rate their leadership qualities. The list included Harry Truman, Bob Dole, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jesse Jackson, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, George Washington, and others. Demographic variables include age, race, sex, education, religion, family income, political party, political orientation, and voter registration and participation history.