CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll, August 1988

This data collection is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that evaluates the Reagan presidency and solicits opinions on a variety of political and social issues. Topics covered include nuclear arms treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union, the constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget, the law requiring companies to give workers 60 days notice of plant closings, attention paid to the Democratic National Convention, the Equal Rights Amendment, organized prayer in public schools, and federal money spent on AIDS education. In addition, respondents were queried about their views on the candidates and campaigns for the 1988 presidential election. Questions asked of respondents include whether they had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, whether Bush or Dukakis would be more competent at managing the federal government and whether the respondent had any worries about electing either as president, whether Jesse Jackson should have a major role in the Democratic presidential campaign, and whether George Bush was hiding something the public should know concerning the Iran-Contra affair. Background information on individuals includes party affiliation, age, union membership, income, sex, religious preference, education, and race.