CBS News Monthly Poll #1, October 2001

This poll, conducted on October 8, 2001, 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 George W. Bush and his handling of the presidency, the national economy, and the attacks of September 11th on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as their views and feelings on the military attacks by the United States against targets in Afghanistan. Respondents also expressed their confidence in the ability of the United States government to capture Osama Bin Laden, to maintain the international alliance of the countries supporting United States military efforts, to achieve its military goals without significant civilian casualties among the Afghan people and without significant United States military casualties, and to protect its citizens from future terrorist attacks. Those queried also presented their views on the likelihood of another terrorist attack in the United States within the next few months, the expected length of time a war against countries that harbor terrorists would last, and any feelings they might have toward Arab people due to the attacks. Additional questions polled respondents on whether the United States was in an economic recession or was near an economic recession, whether there were any unemployed adults in their household, and their concerns about future unemployment in the household. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, race, political affiliation, religion, current and past military service, and marital status.