ABC News/Washington Post Weapons of Mass Destruction Poll, February 2004

This special topic poll, fielded February 10-11, 2004, was undertaken to assess public opinion on the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Views were sought on President George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency and issues such as the economy, education, foreign affairs, and health insurance. Respondents were asked whether the war with Iraq was worth fighting, whether it contributed to the long-term security of the United States, whether the war was still justifiable if weapons of mass destruction were not found in Iraq, and whether the Bush administration intentionally exaggerated or lied about its evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq prior to the war. Those polled gave their opinions on whether weapons of mass destruction ever existed in Iraq, and whether the accuracy of the CIA's intelligence about Iraq or the way the Bush administration used this intelligence was a more important issue. Other topics addressed how closely respondents were following the 2004 presidential campaign, whether they would vote for President George W. Bush or Democratic candidate John Kerry, the strength of their support for this candidate, and which candidate would do a better job handling issues such as the economy, the situation with Iraq, the campaign against terrorism, education, and health insurance. Respondents were also asked whether questions about Bush's service in the National Guard during the Vietnam War and Kerry's fundraising while a United States senator were legitimate issues in the presidential election. Background variables include sex, age, education, ethnicity, political orientation, political party affiliation, and whether the respondent was registered to vote.