CBS News Monthly Poll #2, December 1998

This poll, fielded December 16, 1998, 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 President Bill Clinton and his handling of the presidency, foreign policy, the economy, and the situation with Iraq. Those queried were also asked for their opinions on the Clinton impeachment inquiry, including how they would like their representative to vote, whether Clinton's actions were serious enough to warrant impeachment, and what the best outcome would be for the country. A series of questions focused on the United States' use of the Air Force to bomb targets in Iraq after Iraq failed to comply with the agreement to allow United Nations weapons inspections. Topics covered whether the United States would ultimately use military force against Iraq, whether getting Saddam Hussein to cooperate was worth the potential loss of American lives, and whether the strikes, if used, should continue until Hussein complied or was removed from office. Respondents were asked for their opinions on the House of Representatives' decision to delay the start of the impeachment debate because of the situation with Iraq, and the timing of Hussein's refusal to comply with the United Nations agreement. Background information on respondents includes age, race, sex, education, political party, political orientation, Hispanic descent, and family income.