Volume 6, Issue 3 • March 2010

Honesty and Ethics in Politics Americans have long associated politics with corruption, but at some points, concern about it is greater than others. In a late 2009 Gallup question, a majority said the honesty and ethical standards of members of Congress were low or very low. This is the only time a majority has given this response since the question was first asked in 1976. In 1995, after a series of scandals that included the Keating Five, the related S&L crisis, and the House banking and post office scandals, the proportion saying low or very low was 46 percent. When Pew asked people in its mid-March 2010 poll to offer one word that best described Congress, all sorts of colorful adjectives were volunteered, but concerns about corruption were prominent. In Gallup’s early March survey, approval of the way Congress was handling its job was 16 percent, one of the lowest responses in the 35-year history of the question.

Q: It has been said that it is almost impossible for a man Q: Would you . . . ? to stay honest if he goes into politics. Do you . . . ? 1997 1943 Agree, people who go Agree, it is almost impossible into politics cannot for a man to stay honest remain honest 55% if he goes into politics 48% Disagree 37 Disagree 42 Source: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics, 1997. Source: National Opinion Research Center, 1943.

Q: Please tell me how you would rate the honesty and Q: Which political party has . . . ? ethical standards of people in these different fields . . . ? 2010 2009 The Democratic Party has Honesty and ethical standards higher moral and ethical of Congressmen/members standards 31% of Congress are very high/high 9% The Republican Party does 29 Low/very low 55 Both (vol.) 6 Note: The top five of the 22 professions in terms of very high or Neither (vol.) 22 high standards were nurses (83 percent), druggists (66 percent), Note: Vol. = volunteered response. medical doctors (65 percent), police officers (63 percent), and engi- Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, March 2010. neers (62 percent). Source: The Gallup Organization, November 2009.

Q: As you may know, there have been a number of alle- Q: Do you think . . .? gations of ethics violations and misconduct by members 2010 of Congress. Do you think . . . ? You personally could do a better 2010 job running the country than This Congress has had more ethical our government officials are problems than those in the past 30% presently doing 36% Fewer ethical problems 4 No, could not 64 About the same number 63 Source: CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, February 2010. Source: NBC News/Wall Street Journal, March 2010.

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org Business Ethics: Wall Street, The Sequel Perceptions of the honesty and ethical standards of people in business are only a little higher than views of members of Congress. A new poll from Harris Interactive about Wall Street shows that only around three in ten believe that most people there are as honest and moral as other people. In surveys taken by Gallup around the time of the Enron and WorldCom scandals, people said that the kind of practices that occurred at those corporations would not happen at their own workplaces.

Q: Please tell me how you would rate the honesty and Q: In general, do you think . . .? ethical standards of people in these different fields . . . . Most CEOs are honest and ethical Honesty and ethical stand- 2002 34% ards are high/very high 2009 22 (Top five) Source: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics, latest that of February 2009. Nurses 83% Druggists or pharmacists 66 Q: Please say if you tend to agree or disagree with the Doctors 65 following statements about Wall Street . . . . Police officers 63 Engineers 62 Agree, most people on Wall Street would be willing to break the law if Bankers 19 they believed they could make a lot Business executives 12 of money and get away with it 66% Disagree 29 (Bottom five) Note: The “tend to agree” response in 2009, 71%, was the highest Insurance salespeople 9 response on this question since Harris asked it for the first time in 1996. Stockbrokers 9 Members of Congress 9 Agree, in general, people on Wall Street HMO managers 8 are as honest and moral as other Car salespeople 6 people 31% Note: This question was asked for the first time in 1981. High con- Disagree 64 fidence in the honesty and ethical standards of business executives Note: The “tend to agree” response in 2009, 26%, was the lowest hovered around 20 percent in 20 askings of the question between response on this question since Harris asked it for the first time in 1981 and 2005. It has been below 15 percent in each yearly poll 1996. since 2006. Source: Harris Interactive, February 2010. Source: The Gallup Organization, November 2009.

Coming Soon: New AEI Public Opinion Studies on attitudes toward business and on the economic crisis

AEI POLITICAL REPORT CONTRIBUTORS Karlyn Bowman, Senior Fellow; John Fortier, Research Research Assistants: Jennifer Marsico, Editor; Andrew Fellow; Norman Ornstein, Resident Scholar; Rugg, Editor. Michael Barone, Resident Fellow. Interns: Nick Davis, Cameron Petty, Henrik Temp.

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 2 Obama Up Close and Personal In the latest polls, President Obama’s ratings have flatlined right below the 50 percent mark. He is still popular person- ally, although his ratings on this score have dropped, too. Strong majorities think he is honest and trustworthy, and sepa- rately, sincere. As a candidate in March 2008, 70 percent said he was inspiring. In Pew’s March 2010 poll, 61 percent gave that response. Pew notes that the changes in personal opinion of him have occurred across the board. Q: Now I’m going to read you the names of several public figures and groups and I’d like you to rate your feelings toward each one . . . ? Feelings about Barack Obama Positive Negative March 2010 50% 38% April 2009 64 23 Note: Eleven percent said they had “Neutral” feelings in March 2010. Source: NBC News/Wall Street Journal, latest that of March 2010.

Q: Thinking about the following characteristics and qualities, please say whether you think it applies or doesn’t apply to Barack Obama . . . Is honest and trustworthy 59% Does not apply to Obama 40 Is sincere in what he says 63% Does not apply to Obama 37 Source: CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, January 2010.

Q: As I name some traits, please tell me whether you think each one describes Barack Obama. First, do you think . . . ? Think of Barack Obama as Inspiring 61% Decisive 57 Arrogant 35 Detached 35 Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, March 2010.

Q: Does Barack Obama make you feel . . . ? Hopeful 54% Proud 49 Disappointed 44 Angry 30 Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, March 2010.

Q: Do you . . . ? Agree, President Obama Is open, honest, and trustworthy 54% Provides a fresh outlook with new ideas 56 Source: Harris Interactive online survey, January 2010.

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 3 Money, Money, Money: Personal Finances in a Recessionary Time In 2001, when most Americans were feeling good about the economy, and people were evenly divided about whether they were savers or spenders. Today, six in ten say they enjoy saving more than spending. Purchasing more generic brands is something many Americans have done in the past six months to save money. Six percent say they are stocking up on gold. Fewer people today than nine months ago are hearing mostly bad news about financial markets and the job situa- tion, but the proportion hearing mostly bad news about real estate values and prices has not changed. Many of those who consider themselves middle class are struggling to stay there. Q: Thinking about money for a moment, are you the type of person who . . . ?

80 I am the type of person who . . . 70 62% 60 More enjoys saving money

50

40 More enjoys spending money 35% 30 Jul. 2009 Jul. Apr. 2001 Apr. 2005 Apr. 2006 Apr. 2009 Apr. Feb. 2010 Feb. Dec. 2008 Dec.

Source: The Gallup Organization, latest that of February 2010.

Q: Have you . . . ? Done or considering doing any of the following over the past six months in order to save money Have done Have considered Have not done Purchasing more generic brands 63% 12% 18% Brown bagging lunch instead of purchasing it 45 8 13 Going to hairdresser/barber/stylist less often 39 8 31 Switched to refillable water bottle instead of purchasing bottle of water 34 10 21 Cancelled one or more magazine subscriptions 33 7 23 Cut down on dry cleaning 22 4 17 Cancelled or cut back cable TV service 22 20 41 Stop purchasing coffee in the morning 21 6 19 Cancelled newspaper subscription 19 9 31 Changed or cancelled cell phone service 17 14 52 Cancelled landline phone service and only using cell phone 15 21 45 Begun carpooling or using mass transit 14 8 31 Source: Harris Interactive online survey, January 2010. (continued on the next page)

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 4 (continued from the previous page) Q: Some people who are extremely concerned about the health of the U.S. economy have taken a number of actions. Please tell me if you have . . . ? Taken this action because of concern about the U.S. economy Taken money out of the stock market 20% Stocked up on food, bottled water, or other staples 18 Bought a gun or ammunition 11 Purchased gold 6 Source: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics, February 2010.

Q: Please tell me if you are . . . ? Hearing mostly Hearing mostly A mix of good and good news about bad news about bad news about The financial markets Mar. 2010 11% 26% 59% Jun. 2009 9 43 45 Real estate values Mar. 2010 8 45 42 Jun. 2009 11 45 40 Prices for food and consumer goods Mar. 2010 9 34 50 Jun. 2009 9 39 46 The job situation Mar. 2010 5 59 35 Jun. 2009 1 71 27 Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, latest that of March 2010.

Q: Would you describe yourself as . . . ? Q: (If middle class) Would you say you are . . . ? Worse off than working class (vol.) 2% Working class 36 Middle class 45 Upper middle class 11 Struggling to remain Better off than that 3 in the middle class 41% Source: ABC News/Washington Post, February–March 2010. Comfortable in it 52 Moving up beyond it 6

Q: Over the past twelve months, has there . . . ? Q: Thinking now about job opportunities where you live, would you say . . . ? Been a time when you or someone in your household has been without Plenty of jobs available where you live a job or looking for work March 2010 54% March 2010 11% February 2009 39 February 2009 10 Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, latest that of March 2010. Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, latest that of March 2010.

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 5 Taxing Times From 1993 to 2004, in 16 askings of the question, the Republican Party had an advantage over the Democratic Party in the NBC News/Wall Street Journal question as the party that would do a better job dealing with taxes. We show here the responses to the question since November 2005, when the Democrats led the Republicans for the first time. The Republi- can Party has now regained its edge. Nearly six in ten now say their taxes will go up under the Obama administration. In January 2009, half expected them to stay the same. There is a chasm in the preferences of self-identified Democrats and Republicans on what should be done about taxes. Q: When it comes to dealing with taxes, which party do you think would do a better job . . . ? Dealing with taxes 10 8 D+10 6 D+9 D+9 4 2 D+5 D+1 0 -2 -4 -6 D–7 -8 -10 D–11 12 2005 2006 2007 2008 2008* 2009 2010 Democratic Party 40% 35% 36% 36% 37% 28% 25% Republican Party 30 26 27 31 36 35 36 Note: In a December 2009 bipartisan Battleground poll, 55 percent said the Republicans in Congress would better handle the issue of “holding taxes down,” and 28 percent the Democrats in Congress. *Asked of registered voters. Source: NBC News/Wall Street Journal, latest that of March 2010.

Q: Under the Obama administration, do you think your taxes will go up or down, or do you think they will stay about the same? Jan. 2010 Jan. 2009 Up 59% 35% Down 5 13 Stay about the same 35 50 Source: Gfk/Roper, latest that of January 2010.

Q: I’d like to ask you some questions about priorities for President Obama and Congress this year. As I read from a list, tell me if you think the item that I read should be a . . . ? Top priority for the President and Congress Strengthening the nation’s economy 83% (top priority of 21 examined) Reducing federal income taxes for the middle class 42 (17 of 21) Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, January 2010. (continued on the next page)

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 6 (continued from the previous page) Q: Which statement comes closest to your view? —–––—–——Responses of——–––——— National Democrats Republicans Independents Federal income taxes should be cut for everyone, regardless of income 38% 6% 76% 44% Federal income taxes should be cut for all except families earning more than $250,000 per year 25 41 12 19 Given the federal deficit and the cost of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the federal government can’t afford any income tax cuts 30 47 9 30 Source: Zogby International, February 2010.

The Environment and Global Warming Americans are less worried about most environmental problems than they were two decades ago, and most see environment improvements. Around eight in ten say they feel they understand global warming well or fairly well, up from 53 percent in 1992. Today, although people believe that global warming is real, they are more likely than in the past to think its seri- ousness is exaggerated.

Q: Thinking about the issue of global warming, how well Q: Which of the following statements reflects your views do you feel you understand this issue—would you say on when the effects of global warming will begin to you . . . ? happen . . . ? Mar. 2010 Jan. 1992 Mar. 2010 Nov. 1997 Understand global warming Already begun/Within a few years 53% 51% very well/Fairly well 82% 53% Within your lifetime 10 14 Not very well 15 22 Not within lifetime, but affect future 16 19 Not at all 3 22 Will never happen 19 9 Source: The Gallup Organization, latest that of March 2010. Source: The Gallup Organization, latest that of March 2010.

Q: Do you think . . . ? Q: Do you believe that . . . ? Global warming will pose New environmental and a serious threat to you energy laws designed to or your way of life in reduce global warming your lifetime Definitely/Probably hurt the economy 49% Mar. 2010 32% No effect 18 Nov. 1997* 25 Probably/definitely will help Note: *Asked of a half sample. the economy 30 Source: The Gallup Organization, latest that of March 2010. Source: The Gallup Organization, March 2010.

(continued on the next page)

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 7 (continued from the previous page) Q: Thinking about what is said in the news, in your view is the seriousness of global warming . . . ?

Global warming is . . . Generally Generally exaggerated underestimated

Generally correct

Source: The Gallup Organization, latest that of March 2010.

Global warming is generally exaggerated ——-Party——- —-Ideology—- ——-Age——- 2010 2008 2010 2008 2010 2008 Republicans 66% 59% Conservatives 67% 51% 18–29 36% 31% Democrats 25 18 Liberals 26 13 30–49 53 36 Independents 52 33 Moderates 40 34 50–64 47 37 65+ 52 33

Q: I’m going to read you a list of environmental problems. As I read each one, please tell me if you personally worry about . . . ? ——Worry a—— ——Worry a—— Great Fair Great Fair deal amount deal amount Quality of the environment Air pollution 2010 34% 34% 2010 38% 32% 2001 42 35 1989 63 24 Pollution of drinking water The loss of tropical rain 2010 50 27 forests 1990 65 22 2010 33 33 Pollution of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs 1989 42 25 2010 46 32 Extinction of plant and 1989 72 19 animal species Maintenance of the nation’s 2010 31 30 supply of freshwater 2000 45 33 for household needs Global warming 2010 45 30 2010 28 24 2000 42 31 1989 35 28 Contamination of soil and Source: The Gallup Organization, latest that of March 2010. water by toxic waste 2010 44 33 1989 69 21 (continued on the next page)

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 8 (continued from the previous page) Q: What do you think . . . ? Is the most important problem facing this country today Unemployment/jobs 31% (top response) Environment/pollution 2 Global warming * Note: * indicates less than 1 percent. Source: The Gallup Organization, March 2010.

Q: I’d like to ask you some questions about priorities for President Obama and Congress this year. As I read from a list, tell me if you think the item that I read should be a . . . ? Top priority for the President and Congress Strengthening the nation’s economy 83% (top priority of 21 examined) Dealing with global warming 28 (21 of 21) Note: “Dealing with the U.S. energy problem” was mentioned as a top priority by 49 percent. Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, January 2010.

Q: Do you think . . . ? Handling protecting the Improving the nation’s nation’s environment energy policy Barack Obama is doing a good job 52% 43% A poor job 33 44 Source: The Gallup Organization, March 2010.

Q: Would you . . . ? Feb. 2010 Sept. 2005 Favor the government promoting the increased use of nuclear power 52% 39% Oppose 41 53 Note: In an early March Gallup poll, 62 percent said they favored “the use of nuclear energy as one of the ways to provide electricity for the U.S.” This is the highest percentage recorded on this question since it was first asked in 1994. Source: PSRA/Pew Research Center, latest that of February 2010.

Power Projections

Q: Just your best guess, in terms of the dominant role in Q: Do you think . . . ? ____, do you think the 21st century will be more of an . . . ? The United States is No. 1 in the world militarily 64% Twenty-first century will be more of an Only one of several leading military powers 34 American Chinese Source: The Gallup Organization, January 2010. century century In world affairs 38% 43% Q: In 20 years, do you think . . . ? The United States will be No. 1 in the world militarily 36% In the world economy 40 41 Only one of the several leading military powers 56 Note: Question asked of a half sample. Not among the leading military powers in the world 6 Source: ABC News/Washington Post, February 2010. Source: The Gallup Organization, January 2010.

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 9 Keeping an Eye on Iran

Q: Do you think . . . ? Iran currently has nuclear weapons 71% Does not 26 Source: CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, February 2010.

Q: What do you think the United States should do to get Iran to shut down its nuclear program . . . ? Feb. 2010 Apr. 2006 Take military action against Iran now 23% 13% Use economic and diplomatic efforts but do not take military action right now 63 63 Take no action against Iran at this time 12 21 Source: CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, latest that of February 2010.

Q: I’d like your overall opinion of some foreign countries. What is your overall opinion of . . . ? Favorable opinion of Iran 10% (21 out of 21 countries) Unfavorable 85% Source: The Gallup Organization, February 2010.

Time to End the Cuban Embargo?

Q: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Agree Disagree It is too soon for normal relations to be restored with Cuba 44% 38% The embargo towards Cuba should remain in effect 40 36 Now that Fidel Castro is no longer in power, Cuba has changed for the better 39 29 If possible, I would like to visit Cuba 38 49 Source: Harris Interactive online survey, January 2010.

Advancing in Afghanistan?

Q: Do you think . . . ? U.S. is doing the right thing in fighting the war in Afghanistan 55% U.S. should not be involved 37 Note: Seventy-two percent of Republicans, 57 percent of independents, and 38 percent of Democrats answered “right thing.” Source: Quinnipiac, March 2010.

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 10 Poll Potpourri

Job Joy

Q: Would you say that . . . ? Q: Now I’m going to read you a list of items, and I’d like you to rate your feelings for each one. Would you say you Your job is the ideal are . . . ? job for you 70% Fed up/tired of < $12,000* 57 Partisan bickering in Washington 82% $120,000 or more 77 The growing federal budget deficit 81 No, it’s not ideal 29 Government spending 73 Note: *= household income. The health reform debate 67 Source: The Gallup Organization, January 2010. Poor customer service 57 People having loud cell phone conversations 53 Snowstorms 36 Your job 9 Source: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics, February 2010.

Parent Traps

Q: Please tell me at what age you think . . . ?

Parent’s response: Parent’s response: Activities appropriate Activities appropriate only after age 17 only after age 17 Have a glass of beer or wine with For a boy to go on a date unsupervised 22 the family at dinner or a special event 76% For a girl to wear make-up regularly 16 Have their own limited-balance credit card Have a cell phone 14 linked to a parent’s account 71 Walk or bike beyond the immediate Attend a party where there will be no neighborhood without adult adults supervising 69 supervision 11 For a girl to stay out past 11 p.m. For a girl to get her ears pierced 10 with friends, without adult supervision 54 Get a part-time job 6 For a boy to stay out past 11 p.m. with For a boy, at what age do you think friends, without adult supervision 49 it’s appropriate to have a Have their own social networking account, comprehensive talk about sex 5 such as on Myspace or Facebook 43 For a girl, at what age do you think Use the internet unsupervised 37 it’s appropriate to have a See an R-rated movie with a parent 36 comprehensive talk about sex 5 For a girl to go on an unsupervised date 28 Note: Asked of parents only. Hang out at the mall without adult Source: ABC News/Good Morning America, February 2010. supervision 27 At what age would you talk to your child about financial problems you may be having 26

1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 202.862.5800 www.aei.org 11