CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll, January 1989

This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluates the Reagan presidency and solicits opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include a retrospective evaluation of Ronald Reagan's presidency, the death penalty, pay increases for congressional representatives, federal defense spending, crime, the national economy, ethics in government, poverty, abortion, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and important problems facing the nation such as homelessness, nuclear war, unemployment, drugs, and the problems of farmers. In addition, respondents were asked if they were optimistic or pessimistic about the Bush presidency, if Bush would ask Congress to increase taxes, and if Bush would be able to accomplish his goals of significantly improving the environment, education, and relations with the Soviet Union, reducing drug problems in the country, balancing the federal budget, and alleviating the problem of homelessness. Background information on individuals includes party affiliation, age, marital status, income, sex, religious preference, education, and race.