CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll #1, October 2004

This poll 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 to give their opinions of the 2004 presidential campaign and the candidates, Republican incumbent George W. Bush and Democratic Senator John Kerry. Specific questions addressed the state of the national economy, the war in Iraq, the situation in North Korea, and terrorism/national security. Respondents were queried on their opinions of the September 30, 2004 Presidential Debate, the candidates' campaign strategies, and the candidates' ability to handle the issues surrounding the election. Participants were asked about their participation in past elections, what factors most influenced their electoral choices, and how closely they were following the 2004 presidential election. Background information on respondents includes voter registration status, whether the respondent voted in the 2000 presidential election, whether the respondent voted in the 2002 House elections, political party affiliation, political ideology, marital status, number of children in household, sex, religious affiliation, frequency of religious participation, education, age, ethnicity, income, and length of time living at current address.