Gallup's Pulse of Democracy
Terrorism
|
Guidance for Lawmakers
|
- Americans' personal concern about terrorism remains significant, though it is much lower now than after 9/11. Forty-four percent of Americans are very or somewhat worried about being victims of terrorism, a level that has been stable since late 2005.
- Americans generally favor many of the government actions that have been taken to protect the nation against terrorists, both in terms of international military action and domestic law enforcement, but they oppose some of the more intrusive steps the government could take.
- Americans believe the measures taken to secure airports have been effective and should be continued. They also favor increased screening of checked luggage and airport workers and, by a slim majority, favor profiling of terrorist suspects. They also favor increased security at office buildings and public places.
- In terms of the broad trade-off between protecting citizens from terrorism versus respecting civil liberties, the public comes down on the side of civil liberties by a better than 2-to-1 margin. Shortly after 9/11, the public was more divided on this question.
|
|
Fine Print
|
The prevalence of terrorism in the news greatly influences concern about terrorism and views on the likelihood of terrorist attacks. When terrorist events occur in the world, or when the U.S. government elevates the threat levels, concern typically rises.
|
|
Context
|
Even though many Americans think future acts of terrorism are at least somewhat likely to occur, the vast majority of Americans express at least a moderate amount of confidence in the federal government to protect its citizens from terrorism. George W. Bush usually gets his highest marks for his work on the terrorism issue, but his approval rating on this issue has fallen in recent years.
While a majority says things are going well for the United States in the war on terrorism, only 29% say the United States is winning the war. Twenty percent believe the terrorists are winning and 50% do not believe either side is.
While many Americans favor increased security measures designed to help prevent terrorist attacks, they clearly draw the line at more personally intrusive measures such as having government authorities go over library records, and random searches of homes and possessions.
There are lingering effects of 9/11 on Americans' daily lives, even years after the attacks. An August 2006 poll found a substantial minority of Americans expressing reluctance about flying (30%), going into skyscrapers (22%), attending large gatherings (23%), and traveling overseas (47%) because of 9/11.
Relatively few Americans (27%) say they and their families have discussed plans for dealing with a terrorist attack in their area. That could be because few think terrorism is likely to occur in their local communities.
|
|
Urgency: Overall Importance as Political Issue
|
Terrorism has faded as a top-of-mind concern for many Americans when they are asked to say what is the most important problem facing the country. However, the issue still ranks near the top of the list when Americans are asked to assess the importance of various issues as priorities for the president and Congress or as factors in their voting decisions.
Terrorism is clearly a sleeper issue that could quickly overtake other issues as the dominant concern for Americans (a position that the Iraq war currently holds) with new attacks or an increased threat of attacks.
Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to view terrorism as an important problem.
|
|
Impact on 2008 Vote
|
Terrorism can clearly be an important factor in the elections. It likely was the decisive issue in the 2002 and 2004 elections, but was overtaken by Iraq and dissatisfaction with government in 2006. Its precise importance in 2008 will largely depend on circumstances as the election approaches.
The public usually views Republicans as better than Democrats on the issue, sometimes by significant margins. But that advantage has eroded in the past two years, and in 2006 Democrats were seen as equally capable as Republicans to be able to deal with the issue.
|
|
Key Subgroup Differences
|
Women are usually more concerned about being victimized by terrorism than are men.
|
|
The Bottom Line
|
The Sept. 11 terror attacks greatly changed government priorities, perhaps permanently, making terrorism a constant high priority. The public expresses confidence in the government to protect it from terrorism.
|
As a result of the September 11 th terrorist attacks, do you think Americans have permanently changed the way they live, or not?
[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]
|
Yes, changed
|
No, have not
|
No opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
50
|
49
|
2
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
53
|
46
|
1
|
|
2004 Sep 3-5
|
52
|
46
|
2
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
54
|
45
|
1
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
55
|
44
|
1
|
|
2001 Sep 11 ^
|
49
|
45
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
^
|
WORDING: As a result of today's attacks, do you think Americans will permanently change the way they live, or not?
|
As a result of the September 11 th terrorist attacks, have you permanently changed the way you live, or not?
[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]
|
Yes, changed
|
No, have not
|
No opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
29
|
71
|
*
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
22
|
78
|
--
|
|
2004 Sep 3-5
|
23
|
77
|
*
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
18
|
82
|
*
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
25
|
75
|
0
|
Do you consider the September 11th terrorist attacks to be the most memorable news event of your lifetime, or not?
|
Yes, most memorable
|
No, not
|
No
opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
71%
|
29
|
1
|
Which of the following comes closest to what you are most likely to do on the anniversary of the September 11 th terrorist attacks next week? Will you -- recognize it in a formal way, such as by attending an organized memorial service or taking the day off from work, recognize it in an informal way, such as by saying a prayer, observing a moment of silence, or watching news coverage of the events, or not do anything different from what you do most days?
|
Recognize
in a
formal way
|
Recognize
in an
informal way
|
Not do
anything
different
|
No
opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
6%
|
71
|
23
|
*
|
Generally speaking, do you think Americans do -- [ROTATED: too much, the right amount, or too little] -- to recognize the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks?
|
Too
much
|
Right amount
|
Too
little
|
No
opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
16%
|
51
|
29
|
5
|
Do you think it is appropriate or inappropriate for -- [ITEMS ROTATED] -- the memorial services that will be held at ground zero in New York City on September 11th?
A. Former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, to participate in
|
Appropriate
|
Inappropriate
|
No opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
92%
|
5
|
3
|
B. New York Senator, Hillary Clinton, to attend
|
Appropriate
|
Inappropriate
|
No opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
85%
|
11
|
4
|
(Asked of a half sample) As you may know, in his presidential campaign, Rudy Giuliani often refers to his experience as mayor of New York City during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Which comes closer to your view -- [ROTATED: he should refer to his role in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks because it is a legitimate way for him to demonstrate his qualifications to be president, (or) he should not refer to his role in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks in order to avoid gaining politically from a tragedy]?
|
Should refer to role
|
Should not
|
No
opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
60%
|
37
|
3
|
(Asked of a half sample) Do you think Rudy Giuliani's experiences as mayor during the September 11th terrorist attacks makes him much better qualified to handle the terrorism issue as president than if he had not had this experience, does it make him somewhat better qualified, or does it not make him any better qualified to handle the terrorism issue?
|
Much better qualified
|
Somewhat better qualified
|
Not any better qualified
|
No
opinion
|
|
2007 Sep 7-8
|
19%
|
32
|
48
|
2
|
How worried are you that you or someone in your family will become a victim of terrorism -- very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried, or not worried at all?
|
Very worried
|
Some-what worried
|
Not too worried
|
Not
worried
at all
|
Know a victim (vol.)
|
No
opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2007 Jul 6-8
|
13
|
34
|
31
|
21
|
*
|
*
|
|
2007 Jun 11-14
|
12
|
32
|
33
|
22
|
*
|
*
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
11
|
34
|
34
|
21
|
*
|
*
|
|
2006 Jan 20-22 ^
|
14
|
29
|
34
|
23
|
--
|
1
|
|
2005 Dec 16-18
|
11
|
30
|
37
|
22
|
--
|
*
|
|
2005 Jul 22-24
|
14
|
33
|
30
|
23
|
*
|
*
|
|
2005 Jun 16-19
|
8
|
30
|
36
|
26
|
*
|
*
|
|
2005 Jan 7-9
|
10
|
28
|
37
|
24
|
*
|
1
|
|
2004 Dec 17-19
|
13
|
28
|
34
|
25
|
*
|
*
|
|
2004 Oct 14-16
|
13
|
34
|
33
|
20
|
*
|
*
|
|
2004 Sep 3-5 ^
|
11
|
32
|
36
|
21
|
--
|
*
|
|
2004 Aug 9-11
|
8
|
26
|
36
|
30
|
--
|
*
|
|
2004 Feb 9-12
|
10
|
30
|
36
|
24
|
*
|
*
|
|
2004 Jan 2-5
|
5
|
23
|
42
|
30
|
*
|
*
|
|
2003 Dec 5-7
|
9
|
28
|
38
|
25
|
*
|
*
|
|
2003 Aug 25-26
|
11
|
30
|
33
|
26
|
*
|
--
|
|
2003 Jul 18-20 ^
|
6
|
24
|
38
|
32
|
*
|
*
|
|
2003 Apr 22-23 ^
|
8
|
26
|
39
|
26
|
*
|
1
|
|
2003 Mar 22-23
|
8
|
30
|
38
|
24
|
--
|
*
|
|
2003 Feb 17-19
|
8
|
28
|
33
|
31
|
*
|
--
|
|
2003 Feb 7-9 ^
|
13
|
35
|
34
|
18
|
*
|
*
|
|
2003 Jan 23-25
|
8
|
31
|
36
|
25
|
--
|
*
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
8
|
30
|
37
|
25
|
*
|
*
|
|
2002 May 28-29
|
9
|
31
|
37
|
22
|
1
|
*
|
|
2002 Apr 22-24
|
8
|
27
|
39
|
25
|
1
|
*
|
|
2002 Mar 4-7
|
12
|
33
|
32
|
23
|
*
|
*
|
|
2002 Feb 4-6 ^
|
8
|
27
|
39
|
25
|
0
|
1
|
|
2001 Nov 26-27
|
8
|
27
|
34
|
30
|
1
|
*
|
|
2001 Nov 2-4
|
11
|
28
|
34
|
26
|
0
|
1
|
|
2001 Oct 19-21 †
|
13
|
30
|
33
|
23
|
*
|
1
|
|
2001 Oct 11-14 †
|
18
|
33
|
35
|
14
|
*
|
*
|
|
2001 Oct 5-6 †
|
24
|
35
|
27
|
14
|
*
|
*
|
|
2001 Sep 21-22 †
|
14
|
35
|
32
|
18
|
*
|
1
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15 †
|
18
|
33
|
35
|
13
|
*
|
1
|
|
2001 Sep 11 † ‡
|
23
|
35
|
24
|
16
|
1
|
1
|
|
2000 Apr 7-9 ^
|
4
|
20
|
41
|
34
|
--
|
1
|
|
1998 Aug 20 ‡ #
|
10
|
22
|
38
|
29
|
--
|
1
|
|
1996 Jul 20-21 ‡
|
13
|
26
|
34
|
27
|
--
|
*
|
|
1996 Apr 9-10 ##
|
13
|
22
|
33
|
32
|
--
|
*
|
|
1995 Apr 21-23 ##
|
14
|
28
|
33
|
24
|
--
|
1
|
|
|
^
|
Asked of a half sample.
|
|
†
|
WORDING: How worried are you that you or someone in your family will become a victim a terrorist attack -- very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried, or not worried at all?
|
|
‡
|
Based on one night poll of national adults with a margin of error of ±4 pct. pts.
|
|
#
|
WORDING: How worried are you that someone in your family will become a victim of a terrorist attack similar to the bombing in Oklahoma City?
|
|
##
|
WORDING: How worried are you that you or someone in your family will become a victim of a terrorist attack similar to the bombing in Oklahoma City?
|
How likely is it that there will be further acts of terrorism in the United States over the next several weeks -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?
|
Very
likely
|
Some-
what likely
|
Not too
likely
|
Not at all likely
|
No
opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2007 Jul 6-8
|
10
|
37
|
40
|
11
|
2
|
|
2007 Jun 11-14
|
9
|
31
|
41
|
16
|
2
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
9
|
41
|
38
|
10
|
2
|
|
2006 Jul 21-23
|
10
|
36
|
42
|
10
|
2
|
|
2006 Jan 20-22 ^
|
14
|
35
|
38
|
11
|
2
|
|
2005 Jul 22-24
|
12
|
45
|
32
|
10
|
1
|
|
2005 Jul 7-10
|
12
|
43
|
35
|
9
|
1
|
|
2005 Jun 16-19
|
4
|
31
|
45
|
18
|
2
|
|
2005 Jan 7-9 ^
|
8
|
31
|
44
|
15
|
2
|
|
2004 Dec 17-19 ^
|
10
|
38
|
39
|
12
|
1
|
|
2004 Jul 19-21 ^
|
12
|
39
|
34
|
11
|
4
|
|
2004 Jan 9-11 ^
|
7
|
39
|
36
|
16
|
2
|
|
2003 Aug 25-26 ^
|
10
|
44
|
35
|
10
|
1
|
|
2003 Jul 18-20 ^
|
7
|
33
|
41
|
16
|
3
|
|
2003 May 19-21
|
12
|
45
|
32
|
8
|
3
|
|
2003 Mar 22-23
|
21
|
52
|
20
|
6
|
1
|
|
2003 Feb 7-9 ^
|
16
|
50
|
23
|
9
|
2
|
|
2002 Sep 13-16 ^
|
12
|
44
|
31
|
10
|
3
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
12
|
48
|
28
|
9
|
3
|
|
2002 Jul 5-8 ^
|
15
|
41
|
30
|
12
|
2
|
|
2002 May 20-22 ^
|
21
|
44
|
25
|
7
|
3
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9 ^
|
9
|
43
|
32
|
13
|
3
|
|
2001 Dec 14-16 ^
|
17
|
45
|
27
|
8
|
3
|
|
2001 Nov 2-4 ^
|
24
|
50
|
16
|
6
|
4
|
|
2001 Oct 19-21 ^
|
40
|
45
|
10
|
3
|
2
|
|
2001 Oct 7 † ‡
|
41
|
42
|
9
|
4
|
4
|
|
2001 Sep 21-22 ‡
|
22
|
44
|
24
|
8
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
^
|
Asked of a half sample.
|
|
†
|
Polls conducted entirely in one day, such as this one, are subject to additional error or bias not found in polls conducted over several days.
|
|
‡
|
WORDING: How likely is it that there will be further terrorist attacks in the United States over the next several weeks -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?
|
How much confidence do you have in the Bush administration to protect its citizens from future acts of terrorism -- a great deal, a moderate amount, not much, or none at all?
|
Great
deal
|
Mod-erate amount
|
Not
much
|
None
at all
|
No
opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20 ^
|
24
|
43
|
21
|
12
|
--
|
|
2006 Jan 20-22
|
30
|
34
|
22
|
13
|
1
|
|
2005 Jul 7-10
|
23
|
38
|
24
|
14
|
1
|
|
2005 Jun 16-19
|
23
|
38
|
21
|
17
|
1
|
|
2005 Feb 4-6
|
38
|
35
|
16
|
10
|
1
|
|
2004 Jul 30-Aug 1
|
31
|
33
|
21
|
15
|
*
|
|
2004 Jul 19-21
|
27
|
40
|
18
|
15
|
*
|
|
2003 May 19-21
|
35
|
44
|
15
|
5
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
^
|
Asked of a half sample.
|
How much confidence do you have in the U.S. government to protect its citizens from future terrorist attacks -- a great deal, a fair amount, not very much, or none at all?
|
Great
deal
|
Fair
amount
|
Not very much
|
None at all
|
No
opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20 ^
|
16
|
57
|
23
|
4
|
*
|
|
2004 Apr 16-18
|
28
|
50
|
15
|
6
|
1
|
|
2004 Jan 2-5
|
31
|
50
|
15
|
4
|
*
|
|
2003 Aug 25-26
|
23
|
53
|
19
|
5
|
*
|
|
2003 Feb 7-9
|
29
|
53
|
14
|
4
|
*
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
24
|
56
|
16
|
3
|
1
|
|
2002 Jun 7-8
|
27
|
49
|
17
|
5
|
2
|
|
2002 May 20-22
|
22
|
54
|
18
|
5
|
1
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
24
|
58
|
15
|
2
|
1
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15
|
41
|
47
|
9
|
2
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
^
|
Asked of a half sample.
|
As a result of the events that occurred on September 11 th, would you say that now you are less willing to -- [RANDOM ORDER], or not?
A. Fly on airplanes
|
Less willing
|
No, not
|
More willing (vol.)
|
No
opinion
|
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
30
|
67
|
1
|
2
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
33
|
65
|
1
|
1
|
|
2002 May 28-29
|
27
|
69
|
1
|
3
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
33
|
64
|
1
|
2
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15 ^
|
43
|
56
|
*
|
1
|
B. Go into skyscrapers
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
22
|
72
|
2
|
4
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
30
|
67
|
1
|
2
|
|
2002 May 28-29
|
27
|
68
|
1
|
4
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
27
|
70
|
1
|
2
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15 ^
|
35
|
63
|
*
|
2
|
C. Attend events where there are thousands of people
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
23
|
72
|
2
|
3
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
29
|
70
|
*
|
1
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
32
|
66
|
1
|
1
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15 ^
|
30
|
69
|
*
|
1
|
D. Travel overseas
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
47
|
50
|
1
|
3
|
|
2002 Sep 2-4
|
47
|
50
|
*
|
3
|
|
2002 May 28-29
|
43
|
52
|
1
|
4
|
|
2002 Mar 8-9
|
45
|
52
|
1
|
2
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15 ^
|
48
|
48
|
1
|
3
|
|
^
|
SEP. 14-15, 2001 WORDING: As a result of Tuesday's events, would you say that now you are less willing to [RANDOM ORDER], or not?
|
Do you think it is likely - or not likely - that terrorists will -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- in the U.S. within the next five years?
A. Shoot down an airplane with a shoulder-fired missile
|
Yes, likely
|
No, not likely
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
45%
|
51
|
4
|
|
2003 Nov 14-16
|
53%
|
45
|
2
|
B. Smuggle explosives onto an airplane
|
Yes, likely
|
No, not likely
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
66%
|
31
|
2
|
C. Set off a suicide bomb in a crowded location
|
Yes, likely
|
No, not likely
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
82%
|
17
|
1
|
D. Crash a hijacked airplane into a building
|
Yes, likely
|
No, not likely
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
37%
|
60
|
4
|
E. Set off a bomb that contains nuclear or biological material
|
Yes, likely
|
No, not likely
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
47%
|
49
|
4
|
In the past year, have you and your family discussed plans for how you would respond to a terrorist attack in your local community, or have you not talked about this?
|
Yes, have
|
No, have not
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
27%
|
73
|
*
|
Would you say the new security measures at airports around the country since the September 11 th, 2001 terrorist attacks have been an effective part of the government's overall strategy to prevent terrorism, or not?
|
Yes, effective
|
No, not effective
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
77%
|
21
|
2
|
Are there any security measures currently used in airports that you think should be stopped because they are not effective in preventing terrorist attacks? [Which measures do you think should be stopped?][OPEN-ENDED]
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
|
|
|
Yes, should measures should be stopped
|
20 ^
|
|
(Banning of carrying liquids or gels)
|
(6)
|
|
(Random searching of citizens, especially small children or the elderly)
|
(6)
|
|
(X-raying/having to remove shoes)
|
(4)
|
|
(Racial profiling)
|
(2)
|
|
(Banning of nail clippers/small sharp objects)
|
(1)
|
|
|
|
(All of them)
|
(1)
|
|
(Other)
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
No, no measures should be stopped
|
70
|
|
|
|
No opinion
|
10
|
|
^ Percentages add to more than 20% due to multiple responses.
|
Do you think the September 11 th, 2001 terrorist attacks and reports of other planned attacks have permanently changed the rules for how Americans fly, or do you think at some point in the future the current rules could be relaxed or eliminated?
|
Have permanently changed the rules
|
Some rules could be relaxes/ eliminated
|
No
opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
71%
|
26
|
3
|
Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- [random order]?
[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]
A. Requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to undergo special, more intensive security checks before boarding airplanes in the U.S.
|
Favor
|
Oppose
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
53%
|
45
|
2
|
|
2005 Jul 22-24
|
53%
|
46
|
1
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15
|
58%
|
41
|
1
|
- Banning airline passengers from carrying on board any luggage including purses, computers, and briefcases
|
Favor
|
Oppose
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
41%
|
57
|
3
|
|
2001 Sep 14-15
|
51%
|
47
|
2
|
Next, please tell me how effective each of the following security procedures would be as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States - very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective, or not effective at all? [RANDOM ORDER]
[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]
A. Requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to undergo special, more intensive security checks before boarding airplanes in the U.S.
|
Very effective
|
Some-what effective
|
Not too effective
|
Not effective
at all
|
No
opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
37%
|
33
|
16
|
11
|
3
|
B. Banning airline passengers from carrying on board any luggage including purses, computers, and briefcases
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
32
|
35
|
16
|
14
|
2
|
C. Running all checked luggage through metal detectors and other screening devices
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
66
|
28
|
5
|
2
|
*
|
D. Conducting much stricter background checks for airport workers
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
67
|
25
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
As you may know, new security requirements were put in place at U.S. airports after a terrorist plot was recently uncovered in London. Airline passengers are now prohibited from carrying most liquids or gels onto airplanes. Do you think this new requirement is an appropriate response, or does it go too far?
|
Appropriate response
|
Goes too far
|
No
opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
70%
|
29
|
1
|
Suppose you were taking a flight and had to submit to various security checks before boarding the airplane. Regardless of whether you think it is necessary, would you, personally, find each of the following to be annoying, or not? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?
A. Disposing of any liquids or gels or putting them into checked baggage
|
Yes, annoying
|
No, not annoying
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
23%
|
76
|
*
|
B. Removing your shoes and belt
C. Having an airport security agent touch you or your clothing as part of a search for prohibited items
Suppose you had to take a trip that people usually take by plane. In order to avoid the hassles associated with air travel these days, would you seriously consider using an alternative means of transportation, such as car, bus, or train, or would you probably fly?
|
Yes, would consider alternative means
|
No, would
probably fly
|
No
opinion
|
|
2006 Aug 18-20
|
46%
|
53
|
1
|
As you may know, there are two movies coming out in the theaters later this year that deal with the events surrounding the September 11 th terrorist attacks. How likely is it that you would go to see either of these movies -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?
|
Very
likely
|
Somewhat
likely
|
Not too
likely
|
Not at all
likely
|
No
opinion
|
|
2006 Apr 7-9
|
16%
|
22
|
19
|
41
|
2
|
Do you think it is a good or bad thing for Hollywood to be making movies about the September 11 th terrorist attacks?
|
Good thing
|
Bad thing
|
No opinion
|
|
2006 Apr 7-9
|
44%
|
44
|
12
|
Just your best guess, do you think it is likely - or unlikely - that there will be a major terrorist attack in the United States in 2006?
|
Likely
|
Unlikely
|
No opinion
|
|
2005 Dec 16-18 ^
|
45%
|
51
|
4
|
|
|
^
|
Asked of a half sample.
|
Just your best guess, do you think it is likely - or unlikely - that Osama bin Ladenwill be captured or killed in 2006?
|
Likely
|
Unlikely
|
Already dead (vol.)
|
No
opinion
|
|
2005 Dec 16-18 ^
|
27%
|
68
|
2
|
3
|
|
|
^
|
Asked of a half sample.
|
Thinking back to the September 11 th, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, did you feel at the time that your life had changed in any way or didn't you feel that way?
|
Life had changed
|
Didn't feel that way
|
No
opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
76%
|
24
|
*
|
|
2002 Aug 28-29 ^
|
68%
|
31
|
1
|
|
|
^
|
CNN/Time Poll.
|
In general, do you feel your life is completely back to normal, somewhat back to normal but not completely, or not yet back to normal?
[COMBINED RESPONSES]
|
Changed, completely back to normal
|
Changed, somewhat back to normal
|
Changed, not back to normal
|
Life
did not change
|
No
opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
14%
|
38
|
24
|
24
|
*
|
|
2002 Aug 28-29 ^
|
11%
|
37
|
20
|
31
|
1
|
|
|
^
|
CNN/Time Poll.
|
Do you think your life will ever completely return to normal at some point in the future, or don't you feel that way?
[COMBINED RESPONSES]
|
Life didn't change/life changed but back to normal
|
Life changed, will return to normal
|
Life changed, will not return to normal
|
No
opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
37%
|
19
|
42
|
2
|
|
2002 Aug 28-29 ^
|
42%
|
24
|
32
|
2
|
|
|
^
|
CNN/Time Poll.
|
Generally speaking, do you think things in the country are completely back to normal, somewhat back to normal but not completely, or not yet back to normal?
|
Completely back to normal
|
Somewhat
back to normal
|
Not yet
back to normal
|
No
opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
4%
|
42
|
54
|
*
|
|
2003 Sep 3-4 ^
|
5%
|
40
|
54
|
1
|
|
2002 Aug 28-29 ^
|
4%
|
44
|
52
|
--
|
|
|
^
|
CNN/Time Poll.
|
Do you think the country will ever completely return to normal at some point in the future, or don't you think so?
[COMBINED RESPONSES]
|
Completely back to normal
|
Not back to normal, will return to normal
|
Will never get back to normal
|
No
opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
4%
|
29
|
63
|
4
|
|
2004 Sep 3-4 ^
|
5%
|
38
|
52
|
5
|
|
2002 Aug 28-29 ^
|
4%
|
39
|
54
|
3
|
|
|
^
|
CNN/Time Poll.
|
Thinking now about the government agencies responsible for preventing terrorist attacks in the United States, do you think the actions of these agencies since September 11, 2001 have made the country - [ROTATED: a lot safer, a little safer, have they made no difference, have they made it a little less safe, (or) a lot less safe]?
[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]
|
A lot safer
|
A little safer
|
No difference
|
A little less safe
|
A lot
less safe
|
No opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
17%
|
55
|
15
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
Thinking now about Congress and the role it has played in preventing terrorist attacks in the United States, do you think the actions of Congress since September 11, 2001 have made the country - [ROTATED: a lot safer, a little safer, have they made no difference, have they made it a little less safe, (or) a lot less safe]?
[ASKED OF A HALF SAMPLE]
|
A lot safer
|
A little safer
|
No difference
|
A little less safe
|
A lot
less safe
|
No opinion
|
|
2005 Aug 28-30
|
17%
|
49
|
21
|
6
|
6
|
1
|
