ABC News/Washington Post Poll, June 1986

This survey focuses on a variety of national issues with an emphasis on patriotism and United States foreign policy. Respondents were asked to rate Reagan's performance as president and to describe the state of the economy. Questions on patriotism ranged from flag ownership, participation in the rededication of the Statue of Liberty, and feelings about the Fourth of July to whether the United States strike against Libya made respondents feel more or less pride in the United States. Respondents were also questioned about the Supreme Court, whether they thought it was too liberal or too conservative, and what they thought of Rehnquist's being nominated as chief justice. Foreign policy items included whether the United States was giving too much aid to Israel and the respondents' opinions on the SALT II treaty, Soviet leader Gorbachev, aid to the Nicaraguan contras, arms control, and United States relations with South Africa. Additional questions probed for respondents' attitudes toward televising Senate sessions and tax reform measures that would reduce tax rates but eliminate many of the current tax deductions. Demographic characteristics were also recorded.