CBS News/New York Times Monthly Poll, December 2001

This poll is part of a continuing series of surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. The survey examined respondents' views about changes made by the Bush administration since the terrorist attacks of September 11th in the way government agencies seek, investigate, and prosecute suspected criminals and, in particular, suspected terrorists. Those polled gave their opinions on the ways in which people suspected of involvement in the terrorist attacks against the United States should be dealt with, public and military court procedures, immigration, civil liberties, and constitutional rights. Respondents also expressed their views on the military campaign led by the United States in Afghanistan, United States humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and the ability of the United States government to capture Osama Bin Laden and protect its citizens from future terrorist attacks. The survey also queried respondents on the most important problems for the government, the condition of the national economy, layoff expectations, the situation in the Middle East, President Bush's handling of the campaign against terrorism, foreign policy, and the economy, and the way Congress was handling its job. Those polled were asked which party was more likely to make the right decisions in terms of protecting people's rights and dealing with terrorism. Respondents also gave their opinions of Attorney General John Achcroft, indicated whether they would support a possible United States attack against Iraq, and commented on whether they were going to spend more or less money on gifts during the holiday season. Background information on respondents includes age, gender, education, religion, race, Hispanic descent, political party affiliation, political orientation, marital status, number of children in the household, and household income.