ABC News/Washington Post Persian Gulf/Stock Drop Poll, October 1987

The United States' military presence in the Persian Gulf and the sharp drop in stock market prices in mid-October 1987 were the central topics of this poll. Respondents' opinions were sought on the presence of American military forces in the Gulf and its possible ramifications, Reagan's handling of the situation, United States Naval forces escorting Kuwaiti oil tankers, and the United States attack on an Iranian oil platform on the morning of October 19, 1987. With regard to the drop in stock prices, respondents were asked if it had affected them personally, if it signalled a downturn in the nation's economy and the possibility of a Depression like that of the 1930s, if they owned stocks, and if they were planning to sell because of the decline. Demographic data on respondents are included.