CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll #1, January 2006

This poll, conducted January 5-8, 2006, 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 on the current direction of the country, the most important problem the country is facing, the national economy, the war in Iraq, abortion, and affirmative action. Respondents were also asked about the way President George W. Bush was handling certain issues, such as the economy, the war in Iraq, and terrorism and whether or not they approved of the overall job performance of President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and the United States Congress. The survey queried respondents about the ethics and corruption in political parties and their confidence in the government to protect them from terrorism. The survey also contained questions about the Supreme Court, and the nomination of Samuel Alito. The next section of the survey addressed the Patriot Act, wiretapping by government agencies, airport security, and immigration. Additional questions solicited opinions on foreign and domestic automobiles and television viewing habits. Background information on respondents includes military service, voter registration status, party identification, marital status, sex, religious preference, education record, age, ethnicity, and income.