Question Wording and Percentages for Each Answer
Here is a copy of the questionnaire, with response percentages for each question indicated.
First, tell me in your own words: What do you think is the number one problem confronting the state of Tennessee at this time?
High crime 14.6
Government inefficiency
and waste 8.8
Government corruption 4.0
The poor state of education 25.1
The poor state of health services
and health insurance 7.4
High taxes 11.8
Outdated or unfair tax system 5.0
Traffic congestion and
road construction 6.4
Don’t know 15.4
Total Cases (395) 100.0
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling his job as President?
Approve 52.2
Disapprove 42.4
Don't know 5.4
Total Cases (484) 100.0
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Don Sundquist is handling his job as governor?
Approve 55.0
Disapprove 24.9
Don't know 20.1
Total Cases (481) 100.0
Do you approve or disapprove of the job the Democratic leaders in the Tennessee State Legislature are doing?
Approve 42.8
Disapprove 30.9
Don't know 26.3
Total Cases (482) 100.0
Do you approve or disapprove of the job Phil Bredesen has done as mayor of Nashville?
Approve 60.5
Disapprove 17.6
Don't know 21.9
Total Cases (480) 100.0
Who would you like to see win the Democratic primary?
Al Gore 53.9
Bill Bradley 24.9
Don't care about the
Democratic primary 8.2
Want someone else to win 5.8
Don't know 7.1
Total Cases (476) 100.0
If the next presidential election were being held today, and the candidates were Al Gore the Democrat and George Bush Jr. the Republican, would you vote for Al Gore or George Bush Jr.?
Al Gore 65.4
George Bush Jr. 28.6
Neither 3.0
Don't know 3.0
Total Cases (365) 100.0
If the next presidential election were being held today, and the candidates were Bill Bradley the Democrat and George Bush Jr. the Republican, would you vote for Bill Bradley or George Bush Jr.?
Bill Bradley 26.6
George Bush Jr. 63.8
Neither 5.8
Don't know 2.8
Total Cases (118) 100.0
We're interested in how Middle Tennesseans are getting along financially these days.
So far as you and your family are concerned, would you say that you are pretty well satisfied with your present financial situation, more or less satisfied, or not satisfied at all?
Pretty well satisfied 36.7
More or less satisfied 43.0
Not at all satisfied 19.3
Don't know 1.0
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Would you say that you and your family are better off, or worse off, financially than you were a year ago?
Better off 49.5
Same 32.6
Worse off 15.8
Don't know 2.1
Total Cases (481) 100.0
Now looking ahead ... do you think a year from now you and your family will be better off financially, or worse off, or just about the same as now?
Better off 43.1
Same 44.9
Worse off 5.0
Don't know 6.9
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Let's talk next about state spending. Most people can't be expected to know exactly how the state spends its money. We just want your best estimate of how much the state spends in a few of its budget categories.
About how many cents out of every dollar go to pay for health and social services?
0-20 71.9
21-40 20.9
41-60 5.3
61-80 1.4
81-100 .5
Total Cases (319) 100.0
About how many cents out of every dollar go to pay for law enforcement and public safety?
0-20 77.9
21-40 15.8
41-60 3.7
61-80 1.2
81-100 1.4
Total Cases (313) 100.0
About how many cents out of every dollar go to pay for roads and other transportation expenses?
0-20 74.6
21-40 17.2
41-60 5.3
61-80 1.4
81-100 1.5
Total Cases (318) 100.0
About how many cents out of every dollar go to pay for education?
0-20 75.2
21-40 28.3
41-60 9.7
61-80 6.0
81-100 3.6
Total Cases (313) 100.0
About how many cents out of every dollar go to pay general government expenses?
0-20 52.4
21-40 28.3
41-60 9.7
61-80 6.0
81-100 3.6
Total Cases (313) 100.0
We are faced with many problems in Tennessee. I'm going to name some of these problems. For each one, I'd like you to tell me whether you think we're spending too much money on it, too little money, or about the right amount.
What about TennCare, the program that insures poor people?
Too little 34.8
About right 26.1
Too much 24.4
Don't know 14.7
Total Cases (482) 100.0
What about welfare programs for the poor? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 24.8
About right 26.8
Too much 38.5
Don't know 9.9
Total Cases (479) 100.0
What about higher education, like state universities, community colleges and technical schools? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 49.5
About right 34.0
Too much 7.5
Don't know 9.0
Total Cases (483) 100.0
What about highway maintenance? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 26.5
About right 41.3
Too much 26.5
Don't know 5.6
Total Cases (481) 100.0
What about the environment? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 44.3
About right 35.9
Too much 10.8
Don't know 9.0
Total Cases (482) 100.0
What about elementary and secondary education? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 69.4
About right 22.9
Too much 4.0
Don't know 3.6
Total Cases (482) 100.0
What about state law enforcement agencies? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 42.8
About right 36.0
Too much 13.5
Don't know 7.7
Total Cases (482) 100.0
What about programs for the handicapped? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 45.8
About right 34.0
Too much 4.7
Don't know 15.5
Total Cases (482) 100.0
What about programs for the mentally retarded? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 51.5
About right 25.1
Too much 3.6
Don't know 19.9
Total Cases (481) 100.0
What about foster care services? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 39.7
About right 27.6
Too much 5.5
Don't know 27.1
Total Cases (478) 100.0
What about mental health? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 46.7
About right 28.0
Too much 6.0
Don't know 19.4
Total Cases (478) 100.0
What about mass transportation, including bus and rail service? Are we spending too much, too little, or about the right amount?
Too little 39.4
About right 37.1
Too much 8.3
Don't know 15.2
Total Cases (482) 100.0
Now we have a few questions about how the Tennessee state government might raise money.
Do you believe that the state of Tennessee is facing a financial crisis, or not?
Yes, it is 42.9
No, it isn't 45.6
Don't know 11.5
Total Cases (484) 100.0
There have been several suggestions made about how Tennessee could raise more money. We would like to ask you how you feel about some of these options.
What about establishing a state personal income tax? Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or strongly oppose establishing a state personal income tax, or aren't you sure?
Strongly favor 5.8
Favor 18.9
Not sure 7.7
Oppose 32.5
Strongly oppose 29.4
Don't know 5.7
Total Cases (483) 100.0
What about raising the state sales tax? Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or strongly oppose raising the state sales tax, or aren't you sure?
Strongly favor 2.9
Favor 10.6
Not sure 3.6
Oppose 42.1
Strongly oppose 38.7
Don't know 2.1
Total Cases (188) 100.0
What about extending state business taxes to small firms that currently do not pay taxes on profits and assets? Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or strongly oppose that idea, or aren't you sure?
Strongly favor 19.0
Favor 33.9
Not sure 8.1
Oppose 23.1
Strongly oppose 9.2
Don't know 6.7
Total Cases (481) 100.0
What about creating a state lottery? Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or strongly oppose creating a state lottery, or aren't you sure?
Strongly favor 47.9
Favor 22.2
Not sure 5.1
Oppose 12.5
Strongly oppose 10.5
Don't know 1.5
Total Cases (484) 100.0
How much attention would you say you've paid to the debate about establishing a state personal income tax in Tennessee?
A great deal 26.7
Some 27.9
Not very much 24.2
None at all 15.1
Don't know 6.1
Total Cases (484) 100.0
Do you think individuals are paying more than their fair share, about their fair share, or less than their fair share of taxes in Tennessee?
More than their fair share 43.7
About their fair share 41.8
Less than their fair share 9.0
Don't know 5.4
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Do you think BIG businesses are paying more than their fair share, about their fair share, or less than their fair share of taxes in Tennessee?
More than their fair share 4.6
About their fair share 19.0
Less than their fair share 67.3
Don't know 9.1
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Do you think SMALL businesses are paying more than their fair share, about their fair share, or less than their fair share of taxes in Tennessee?
More than their fair share 28.2
About their fair share 40.0
Less than their fair share 19.7
Don't know 12.1
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Are there any people or groups we haven't talked about yet that you think should pay a bigger share of taxes than they're paying now?
Churches
N o 92.9
Yes 7.1
Total Cases(485) 100.0
Newspapers
N o 95.7
Yes 4.3
Total Cases(485) 100.0
Limited liability corporations
N o 93.5
Yes 6.5
Total Cases(485) 100.0
The rich
N o 79.5
Yes 20.5
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Cities
N o 97.7
Yes 2.3
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Tourists
N o 97.7
Yes 2.3
Total Cases (485) 100.0
People moving into the state
N o 96.6
Yes 3.4
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Non-residents who own property here
N o 92.3
Yes 7.7
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Other
N o 89.2
Yes 10.8
Total Cases (485) 100.0
NO GROUP NAMED
N o 40.3
Yes 59.7
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or strongly oppose a state personal income tax if it meant ending the sales tax on groceries and lowering the sales tax on other items? Or aren't you sure about that?
Strongly favor 13.0
Favor 27.2
Not sure 6.5
Oppose 25.4
Strongly oppose 23.2
Don't know 4.7
Total Cases (151) 100.0
Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or strongly oppose a state personal income tax if the state government could raise your tax rate only by constitutional amendment
Strongly favor 4.4
Favor 14.0
Not sure 12.3
Oppose 33.9
Strongly oppose 24.1
Don't know 11.2
Total Cases (332) 100.0
Let's talk briefly about five possible sources of money for state spending in Tennessee: business taxes, grocery taxes, sales taxes, personal income taxes, and a state lottery.
How many cents out of every dollar of state spending should come from business taxes?
0-20 49.7
21-40 31.1
41-60 14.2
61-80 2.9
81-100 2.1
Total Cases (357) 100.0
How many cents out of every dollar of state spending should come from grocery taxes?
0-20 89.8
21-40 4.7
41-60 3.1
61-80 .5
81-100 1.9
Total Cases (370) 100.0
How many cents out of every dollar of state spending should come from sales taxes?
0-20 65.7
21-40 17.8
41-60 9.6
61-80 3.1
81-100 3.7
Total Cases (368) 100.0
How many cents out of every dollar of state spending should come from personal income taxes?
0-20 80.9
21-40 20.9
41-60 4.2
61-80 1.8
81-100 2.2
Total Cases (374) 100.0
How many cents out of every dollar of state spending should come from a state lottery?
0-20 47.6
21-40 16.3
41-60 21.8
61-80 6.3
81-100 8.0
Total Cases (382) 100.0
If you had to choose between raising taxes and cutting programs to balance Tennessee's budget, which would you do?
Raise taxes 33.1
Cut programs 40.5
Balance budget without doing
either one 17.6
Don't know 8.7
Total Cases (481) 100.0
If Tennessee had a state lottery, do you think it would solve our financial problems entirely, help a lot, help some, help a little, or not help at all?
Solve our problems 6.1
Help a lot 37.9
Help some 27.0
Help a little 11.3
Not help at all 15.9
Don't know 1.8
Total Cases (263) 100.0
Do you happen to have seen any of the ads on TV asserting that the state of Tennessee is facing a budget crisis?
Yes 37.0
No 61.1
Don't know 1.9
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Would you say the ad made you more likely or less likely to support tax reform in Tennessee, or that it made no difference?
Less likely to support reform 23.8
No difference 46.5
More likely to support tax reform 24.5
Don't know 5.3
Total Cases (178) 100.0
Now I'd like you to think about the newspaper you read most often. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "fair" and 5 means "unfair," how would you rate that newspaper?
1 Fair 30.1
2 21.1
3 23.5
4 10.5
5 Unfair 8.1
Don't know 6.7
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How would you rate that newspaper on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "biased" and 5 means "unbiased"?
1 Biased 12.6
2 20.3
3 36.3
4 12.5
5 Unbiased 9.9
Don't know 8.4
Total Cases (219) 100.0
How would you rate that newspaper on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "tells the whole story" and 5 means "doesn't tell the whole story"?
1 Tells whole story 12.4
2 21.3
3 26.5
4 15.2
5 Doesn't tell whole story 16.8
Don't know 7.8
Total Cases (218) 100.0
How would you rate that newspaper on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "accurate" and 5 means "accurate"?
1 accurate 15.8
2 26.1
3 31.4
4 13.5
5 inaccurate 7.7
Don't know 5.5
Total Cases (218) 100.0
What about if 1 means "can be trusted" and 5 means "cannot be trusted"?
1 can be trusted 18.5
2 23.1
3 29.9
4 15.1
1 cannot be trusted 7.0
Don't know 6.4
Total Cases (220) 100.0
Now I'd like you to think about the TV news program you watch most often. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "fair" and 5 means "unfair," how would you rate that program?
1 Fair 35.7
2 20.4
3 21.5
4 8.9
5 Unfair 6.3
Don't know 7.4
Total Cases (219) 100.0
How would you rate that TV news program on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "biased" and 5 means "unbiased"?
1 Biased 14.3
2 16.3
3 26.5
4 20.0
5 Unbiased 14.8
Don't know 8.1
Total Cases (218) 100.0
How would you rate that TV news program on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "tells the whole story" and 5 means "doesn't tell the whole story"?
1 Tells whole story 21.0
2 17.3
3 32.7
4 13.5
5 Doesn't tell whole story 9.3
Don't know 6.1
Total Cases (219) 100.0
What about if 1 means "accurate" and 5 means "inaccurate"?
1 accurate 21.7
2 30.3
3 29.0
4 8.0
5 inaccurate 5.4
Don't know 5.6
Total Cases (219) 100.0
What about if 1 means "can be trusted" and 5 means "cannot be trusted"?
1 can be trusted 24.0
2 25.9
3 27.4
4 9.3
5 cannot be trusted 6.9
Don't know 6.5
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Now I'd like you to think about the news media in general. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "fair" and 5 means "unfair," how would you rate the news media in general?
1 Fair 10.8
2 16.7
3 39.3
4 17.2
5 Unfair 11.6
Don't know 4.4
Total Cases (220) 100.0
How would you rate the news media in general on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "biased" and 5 means "unbiased"?
1 Biased 17.8
2 23.2
3 37.1
4 11.2
5 Unbiased 5.8
Don't know 4.9
Total Cases (219) 100.0
How would you rate the news media in general on a 1-to-5 scale where 1 means "tells the whole story" and 5 means "doesn't tell the whole story"?
1 Tells whole story 12.6
2 14.7
3 38.2
4 16.7
5 Doesn't tell whole story 14.3
Don't know 3.4
Total Cases (219) 100.0
What about if 1 means "accurate" and 5 means "inaccurate"?
1 accurate 13.5
2 22.9
3 37.5
4 14.0
5 inaccurate 8.7
Don't know 3.3
Total Cases (220) 100.0
What about if 1 means "can be trusted" and 5 means "cannot be trusted"?
1 can be trusted 10.6
2 23.7
3 32.8
4 16.5
5 cannot be trusted 10.7
Don't know 5.7
Total Cases (220) 100.0
Now, we'd like to know how much, if any, protection you think the law should give to journalists and news organizations. Please keep in mind that we're not asking whether you personally approve of these behaviors. We just want to know how much, if at all, you think the law should protect that behavior. We want to know whether these things should be protected by law all of the time, only under certain circumstances, or not at all
How about when journalists take sides with a foreign government against the position of the United States?
Not at all 45.6
Under certain circumstances 22.5
All the time 28.1
Don't know 3.8
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists criticize political leaders.
Not at all 25.8
Under certain circumstances 29.1
All the time 41.9
Don't know 3.2
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists criticize the military?
Not at all 34.8
Under certain circumstances 31.0
All the time 31.5
Don't know 2.7
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists report classified material that the government wishes to keep secret?
Not at all 49.0
Under certain circumstances 27.8
All the time 20.0
Don't know 3.2
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when newspapers or television stations run graphic photographs of violent events?
Not at all 41.1
Under certain circumstances 32.0
All the time 23.0
Don't know 3.9
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists report stories about national security without government approval?
Not at all 49.4
Under certain circumstances 25.4
All the time 21.9
Don't know 3.2
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists report factually inaccurate information that they believe to be true
Not at all 44.8
Under certain circumstances 33.6
All the time 18.7
Don't know 2.9
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists report about the mistakes a public figure made more than 20 years ago?
Not at all 42.5
Under certain circumstances 25.2
All the time 27.8
Don't know 4.4
Total Cases (264) 100.0
How about when newspapers take sides in editorials during an election campaign
Not at all 38.4
Under certain circumstances 22.0
All the time 35.5
Don't know 4.0
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when television stations take sides in editorials during an election campaign?
Not at all 45.1
Under certain circumstances 19.7
All the time 30.8
Don't know 4.5
Total Cases (220) 100.0
How about when journalists report the name or identity of a rape victim?
Not at all 52.5
Under certain circumstances 21.6
All the time 23.4
Don't know 2.5
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists report the name of a juvenile charged with a crime?
Not at all 37.4
Under certain circumstances 35.7
All the time 24.6
Don't know 2.3
Total Cases (222) 100.0
How about when journalists report stories that may affect the outcome of a criminal trial?
Not at all 47.3
Under certain circumstances 26.7
All the time 21.6
Don't know 4.5
Total Cases (222) 100.0
There are always some people whose ideas are considered bad or dangerous by other people. For instance, somebody who is against all churches and religion.
If such a person wanted to make a speech in your community against churches and religion, should he be allowed to speak, or not?
Yes 71.6
No 25.3
Don't know 3.2
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Should such a person be allowed to teach in a college or university, or not?
Yes 57.3
No 37.2
Don't know 5.5
Total Cases (219) 100.0
If a person in your community suggested that a book he wrote against churches and religion should be taken out of your public library, would you favor removing this book, or not?
Yes 27.9
No 64.9
Don't know 7.2
Total Cases (221) 100.0
Or consider a person who believes that Blacks are genetically inferior.
If such a person wanted to make a speech in your community claiming that Blacks are inferior, should he be allowed to speak, or not?
Yes 58.4
No 36.8
Don't know 4.8
Total Cases (221) 100.0
Should such a person be allowed to teach in a college or university, or not?
Yes 49.9
No 46.8
Don't know 3.3
Total Cases (218) 100.0
If some people in your community suggested that a book he wrote which said Blacks are inferior should be taken out of your public library, would you favor removing this book, or not?
Yes 36.2
No 60.8
Don't know 3.0
Total Cases (221) 100.0
And what about a man who admits that he is a homosexual?
Suppose this admitted homosexual wanted to make a speech in your community. Should he be allowed to speak, or not?
Yes 75.0
No 21.1
Don't know 3.9
Total Cases (220) 100.0
Should such a person be allowed to teach in a college or university, or not?
Yes 70.6
No 23.4
Don't know 6.0
Total Cases (220) 100.0
If some people in your community suggested that a book he wrote in favor of homosexuality should be taken out of your public library, would you favor removing this book, or not?
Yes 33.3
No 61.2
Don't know 5.5
Total Cases (221) 100.0
Now we're going to consider some major institutions in this country.
First, as far as the people running major companies are concerned, would you say you have a great deal of confidence in them, only some confidence in them, or hardly any confidence at all in them ... a great deal, only some, or hardly any?
A great deal 17.9
Only Some 65.7
Hardly any 11.4
Don't know 5.0
Total Cases (222) 100.0
What about organized religion?
A great deal 31.9
Only Some 46.9
Hardly any 19.2
Don't know 2.0
Total Cases (214) 100.0
Education?
A great deal 32.4
Only Some 47.6
Hardly any 19.4
Don't know .5
Total Cases (220) 100.0
The executive branch of the federal government?
A great deal 14.5
Only Some 49.6
Hardly any 34.3
Don't know 1.6
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Organized labor?
A great deal 18.2
Only Some 47.9
Hardly any 32.4
Don't know 1.5
Total Cases (217) 100.0
Press?
A great deal 9.2
Only Some 61.9
Hardly any 27.9
Don't know 1.0
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Television?
A great deal 10.7
Only Some 58.8
Hardly any 28.3
Don't know 2.2
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Medicine?
A great deal 46.0
Only Some 43.5
Hardly any 10.2
Don't know .4
Total Cases (219) 100.0
United States Supreme Court?
A great deal 32.6
Only Some 48.1
Hardly any 15.6
Don't know 3.7
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Scientific community?
A great deal 39.1
Only Some 46.2
Hardly any 9.3
Don't know 5.3
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Congress?
A great deal 19.3
Only Some 53.8
Hardly any 23.3
Don't know 3.5
Total Cases (219) 100.0
Military?
A great deal 45.1
Only Some 45.0
Hardly any 8.5
Don't know 1.5
Total Cases (217) 100.0
Now we'd like to ask you some questions about the death penalty. Are you in favor of the death penalty for a person convicted of murder?
No, not in favor 24.0
Yes, in favor 70.7
Don't know 5.3
Total Cases (258) 100.0
Are you in favor of the death penalty for all killings, including unintentional manslaughter?
No, not in favor 80.0
Yes, in favor 11.8
Don't know 7.2
Total Cases (261) 100.0
Are you in favor of the death penalty for a person convicted of armed robbery?
No, not in favor 81.6
Yes, in favor 12.6
Don't know 5.8
Total Cases (262) 100.0
Are you in favor of the death penalty for so-called white-collar crimes like embezzlement or fraud?
No, not in favor 91.2
Yes, in favor 6.2
Don't know 2.7
Total Cases (262) 100.0
Are you in favor of the death penalty for a person driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
No, not in favor 80.3
Yes, in favor 15.5
Don't know 4.2
Total Cases (262) 100.0
Today, biological and chemical evidence such as DNA testing can establish conclusively whether certain persons did or did not commit a murder. Would you give the death penalty ONLY when DNA or other chemical evidence establishes a murderer's guilt? Or would you give the death penalty without such evidence?
Only with DNA proof 35.9
Without DNA proof 38.6
Don't know 19.5
Total Cases (244) 100.0
Some people favor giving the death penalty only when certain extremely cruel or violent murders are committed, such as serial killings, torture-killings, torture and mutilation of children, and the like. Would you give the death penalty ONLY when extreme murders of this sort are committed? Or would you give the death penalty when other kinds of murder are committed?
Only with extreme murders 35.9
For other kinds of murders 49.7
Don't know 14.4
Total Cases (262) 100.0
Now, we would like to know whether certain things would affect your support for the death penalty. Would you be more likely to oppose or favor the death penalty if the following things are true, or wouldn't it matter? What if the following were true?. . .
Some people who are mentally ill may receive the death penalty.
More likely to oppose 48.9
Wouldn't matter 31.8
More likely to favor 9.4
Don't know 9.9
Total Cases (254) 100.0
The murderer would receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
More likely to oppose 30.4
Wouldn't matter 36.6
More likely to favor 26.6
Don't know 6.4
Total Cases (256) 100.0
Members of minority groups are more likely than others to receive the death penalty for the same crimes.
More likely to oppose 36.9
Wouldn't matter 41.5
More likely to favor 11.8
Don't know 9.7
Total Cases (255) 100.0
Poor people are more likely than others to receive the death penalty for the same crimes.
More likely to oppose 43.9
Wouldn't matter 37.3
More likely to favor 11.3
Don't know 7.5
Total Cases (254) 100.0
The murderer is a teenager under age 18.
More likely to oppose 36.9
Wouldn't matter 35.2
More likely to favor 18.0
Don't know 9.8
Total Cases (251) 100.0
Keeping murderers in prison for life would cost less than the death penalty.
More likely to oppose 33.4
Wouldn't matter 37.3
More likely to favor 22.2
Don't know 7.1
Total Cases (254) 100.0
Some people who have been executed are proved to be innocent.
More likely to oppose 48.9
Wouldn't matter 32.0
More likely to favor 10.0
Don't know 9.1
Total Cases (254) 100.0
The death penalty is not a deterrent to murder.
More likely to oppose 26.6
Wouldn't matter 41.1
More likely to favor 20.8
Don't know 11.6
Total Cases (246) 100.0
As you may know, Paul Dennis Reed has been convicted of first degree murder in the slayings of employees of fast food restaurants. Some authorities argue that he is mentally ill. Others say he is competent. If Paul Dennis Reed is guilty of these murders, do you think he should be given the death penalty?
Yes 74.3
No 18.2
Don't know 7.5
Total Cases (253) 100.0
Now on a different topic. Are you currently retired?
Yes 26.2
No 73.4
Don't know .4
Total Cases (263) 100.0
I'd like to ask you some questions about retirement financial planning.
Do you believe adequate funds to support Social Security will be available for you when you retire?
Yes 21.6
No 72.1
Don't know 6.3
Total Cases (194) 100.0
About what percentage of your yearly income are you saving toward retirement?
less than 10 percent 48.0
10 - 15 percent 25.2
More than 15 percent 19.7
Don't know 7.1
Total Cases (190) 100.0
Next I'd like to ask you some questions about retirement. Many people don't know the answers to these questions. If you don't know, please feel free to say so. Please tell me whether you think each question is true or false. Please let me know if you don't know.
As a rule of thumb, you need 60-80% of your pre-retirement, after-tax income to maintain your standard of living in retirement?
Yes 56.7
No 13.9
Don't know 29.4
Total Cases (193) 100.0
Inflation is a major threat to your retirement security. A 4% rate of inflation over 20 years will reduce the purchasing power of $1 to 46 cents.
Yes 47.2
No 12.8
Don't know 40.0
Total Cases (194) 100.0
An individual retiring at age 65 has a life expectancy of 25 years.
Yes 38.9
No 38.6
Don't know 22.5
Total Cases (194) 100.0
Those who retire early and begin receiving Social Security benefits at age 62 would have their benefits reduced by 10%.
Yes 55.3
No 16.1
Don't know 28.6
Total Cases (192) 100.0
One of the most important rules of retirement planning is to stick with the most conservative types of assets, such as bonds or certificates of deposit.
Yes 37.0
No 42.2
Don't know 20.8
Total Cases (193) 100.0
Now I would like to ask you about where you get information about retirement planning.
About how often do you talk with family members about retirement planning. Would you say you talk about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 5.7
once or twice a month 16.3
only a few times a year 22.2
hardly ever 52.3
Don't know 3.4
Total Cases (192) 100.0
About how often do you talk with friends about retirement planning. Would you say you talk about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 11.4
once or twice a month 14.2
only a few times a year 23.3
hardly ever 48.2
Don't know 2.9
Total Cases (193) 100.0
About how often do you talk with coworkers about retirement planning. Would you say you talk about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 16.1
once or twice a month 15.3
only a few times a year 19.2
hardly ever 46.2
Don't know 3.2
Total Cases (193) 100.0
About how often do you talk with a professional financial planner about retirement planning. Would you say you talk about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 5.5
once or twice a month 8.2
only a few times a year 21.9
hardly ever 62.5
Don't know 1.9
Total Cases (192) 100.0
About how often do you watch television to learn about retirement planning. Would you say you watch television for this purpose about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 7.9
once or twice a month 9.9
only a few times a year 9.1
hardly ever 71.0
Don't know 2.1
Total Cases (192) 100.0
About how often do you use the Internet to learn about retirement planning. Would you say you use the Internet for this purpose about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 6.3
once or twice a month 5.6
only a few times a year 9.7
hardly ever 74.5
Don't know 3.9
Total Cases (191) 100.0
About how often do you read print media like newspapers, news magazines, or political magazines to learn about retirement planning? Would you say you read print media for this purpose about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 17.4
once or twice a month 21.6
only a few times a year 16.1
hardly ever 43.5
Don't know 1.4
Total Cases (192) 100.0
About how often do you listen to radio or talk radio to learn about retirement planning? Would you say you listen to the radio for this purpose about every week, once or twice a month, only a few times a year, or hardly ever?
every week 12.2
once or twice a month 13.2
only a few times a year 8.5
hardly ever 64.6
Don't know 1.4
Total Cases (192) 100.0
In answering the next four questions, please compare the Internet to sources you would normally go to for retirement planning information. Even if you do not use the Internet, we still want your perceptions.
Compared to other sources, how believable is the Internet as an information source? Very believable, moderately believable, somewhat believable, or not at all believable?
very believable 21.7
moderately believable 40.5
somewhat believable 22.7
not very believable 4.6
not at all believable 1.1
Don't know 9.4
Total Cases (191) 100.0
Compared to other sources, how fair is the Internet as an information source? Would you say it's very fair, moderately fair, somewhat fair, not very fair, or not at all fair?
very fair 29.2
moderately fair 34.1
somewhat fair 23.7
not very fair 3.5
not at all fair 1.4
Don't know 8.0
Total Cases (190) 100.0
Compared to other sources, how accurate is the Internet as an information source? Would you say it's very accurate, moderately accurate, somewhat accurate, not very accurate, or not at all accurate?
very accurate 29.9
moderately accurate 34.3
somewhat accurate 22.5
not very accurate 2.9
not at all accurate 1.3
Don't know 9.2
Total Cases (191) 100.0
Compared to other sources, how in-depth is the Internet as an information source?
very in-depth 42.3
moderately in-depth 27.3
somewhat in-depth 11.9
not very in-depth 4.1
not at all in-depth 1.1
Don't know 13.3
Total Cases (190) 100.0
Now I'd like to ask you some questions about how often you talk to various people.
First, during an average day, approximately how many hours do you spend talking with family members?
more than two hours a day 41.1
about one to two hours a day 29.8
about an hour a day 8.9
30 minutes or so 11.1
almost none 9.1
Total Cases (193) 100.0
During an average day, approximately how many hours do you spend talking with friends? Would you say you talk to them more than two hours a day, about one to two hours, about an hour, 30 minutes or so, or almost none?
more than two hours a day 34.1
about one to two hours a day 22.6
about an hour a day 17.3
30 minutes or so 18.4
almost none 6.6
Don't know 1.1
Total Cases (193) 100.0
During an average day, approximately how many hours do you spend talking with coworkers? Would you say you talk to them more than two hours a day, about one to two hours, about an hour, 30 minutes or so, or almost none?
more than two hours a day 59.4
about one to two hours a day 13.0
about an hour a day 13.5
30 minutes or so 3.4
almost none 9.5
Don't know 1.3
Total Cases (193) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you read or look at a daily newspaper?
Zero 11.0
One 9.6
Two 14.3
Three 11.0
Four 7.8
Five 8.0
Six 3.2
Seven 34.5
Don't know .6
Total Cases (483) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you watch a national nightly television news program such as those anchored by Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, or Peter Jennings?
Zero 19.6
One 6.9
Two 14.0
Three 9.7
Four 10.0
Five 8.0
Six 1.6
Seven 28.8
Don't know 1.3
Total Cases (482) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you watch a local nightly television news program?
Zero 13.0
One 5.5
Two 7.9
Three 10.4
Four 9.3
Five 11.8
Six 2.7
Seven 38.6
Don't know .8
Total Cases (483) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you listen to National Public Radio?
Zero 47.5
One 8.2
Two 9.1
Three 5.9
Four 3.0
Five 3.2
Six 2.2
Seven 18.4
Don't know 2.5
Total Cases (484) 100.0
Do you use the Internet, either to check e-mail or browse the World Wide Web?
Yes 56.9
No 42.1
Don't know 1.1
Total Cases (484) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you read or browse Internet news?
Zero 17.3
One 7.2
Two 8.1
Three 6.3
Four 3.1
Five 2.4
Six .6
Seven 12.1
Don't know 2.1
Total Cases (484) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you read or look at news magazines or political magazines?
Zero 55.9
One 14.5
Two 12.1
Three 5.4
Four 2.4
Five 2.9
Six .6
Seven 4.7
Don't know 1.4
Total Cases (484) 100.0
In the past seven days, between (TODAY'S DAY OF THE WEEK) of last week and yesterday, how many days did you listen to radio or talk radio news programs?
Zero 35.8
One 7.5
Two 11.1
Three 6.5
Four 2.0
Five 8.4
Six 3.0
Seven 23.9
Don't know 1.7
Total Cases (484) 100.0
Now, here are a few questions about the government in Washington. Many people don't know the answers to these questions, so if there are some you don't know, just tell me, and we'll go on.
First, do you happen to know what job or political office is now held by Al Gore?
Vice president 88.9
Any incorrect answer 3.7
Don't know 7.4
Total Cases (482) 100.0
How much of a majority is required for the U.S. Senate and House to override a presidential veto?
Two-thirds 45.6
Any incorrect answer 18.0
Don't know 36.4
Total Cases (481) 100.0
Do you happen to know which party currently has the most members in the U.S. House of Representatives?
Republican 62.3
Any incorrect answer 18.1
Don't know 19.6
Total Cases (482) 100.0
Now, please tell me whether you have used any of these forms of expression in the last five years. Have you ...
Written a letter to a newspaper, magazine or television news program?
Yes 20.6
No 77.9
Don't know 1.5
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Called in to a radio or television talk show?
Yes 22.4
No 76.8
Don't know .9
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Written a letter to, phoned or otherwise contacted a candidate for public office or an elected official?
Yes 37.9
No 61.2
Don't know .9
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Attended a public meeting of an organization interested in public affairs?
Yes 40.9
No 58.3
Don't know .9
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Spoken out at a public meeting of an organization interested in public affairs?
Yes 18.7
No 80.1
Don't know 1.2
Total Cases (485) 100.0
Taken part in a public demonstration or march?
Yes 11.3
No 87.5
Don't know 1.2
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Worked in a political campaign?
Yes 19.1
No 80.3
Don't know .6
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Some people seem to follow what's going on in government and public affairs most of the time, whether there's an election going on or not. Others aren't that interested. Would you say that you follow what's going on in government and public affairs ... most of the time, some of the time, only now and then, or hardly at all?
Hardly at all 11.6
Only now and then 19.3
Some of the time 33.0
Most of the time 34.8
Don't know 1.3
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Are you registered to vote in Tennessee?
Yes, registered 81.2
No, not registered 17.9
Don’t know .9
Total Cases (484) 100.0
How often would you say you vote? Always, nearly always, part of the time, or seldom?
Seldom 10.6
Part of the time 18.4
Nearly always 24.5
Always 43.7
Never .5
Don't know 2.4
Total Cases (390) 100.0
Many people feel that their political views are too complex to describe with a single label. But if you had to choose one of the following categories, how would you describe your political orientation? Are you far left, liberal, middle of the road, conservative, or far right?
Far left 3.0
Liberal 13.3
Middle of the road 42.3
Conservative 29.8
Far right 3.6
Don't know 8.0
Total Cases (477) 100.0
Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or what?
Republican 24.9
Democrat 38.4
Independent 24.6
Other 8.2
Don't know 4.0
Total Cases (481) 100.0
As of last week, were you working full-time, working part-time, going to school, keeping house, retired, or something else?
Working full-time (35 hours/week or more) 59.4
Working part-time 5.7
Employed, but on vacation, sick, etc. 1.0
Unemployed/laid off .5
Retired 21.2
In school 6.3
Keeping house 4.1
Other 1.3
Don't know .6
Total Cases (484) 100.0
What is the last grade in school you completed?
H.S. Grad or less 40.9
Some College or Trade 26.8
College Grad to Post Grad 32.3
Total Cases (469) 100.0
Age
18-34 30.3
35- 49 33.2
50-64 20.6
65 and up 16.0
Total Cases (470) 100.0
Which of the following income categories best describes your total household income in 1998? Was it ... (READ CATEGORIES)
Less than 15K 13.6
15-24,999K 16.7
25-39,999K 25.2
40-49,990K 9.9
50K or more 34.7
Total Cases (409) 100.0
How many years have you lived in Tennessee? (ENTER 0 IF LESS THAN 1)
0-18 31.0
19-38 31.8
39- 37.2
Total Cases (471) 100.0
Eight-County Metropolitan Statistical Area
Non-MSA 37.6
MSA 62.4
Total Cases (470) 100.0
Metro/Non-Metro
Non Metro, Nashville-Davidson County 72.9
Metro Nashville-Davidson County 27.7
Total Cases (470) 100.0
Lots of things come up that keep people from attending religious services even if they want to. Do you go to religious services almost every week, once or twice a month, a few times a year, or never?
Never 20.8
A few times a year 21.3
Once or twice a month 15.0
Almost every week 43.9
Don't know .4
Total Cases (379) 100.0
Do you mostly attend a place of worship that is Christian, Jewish, Islamic, or something else?
Christian 95.5
Jewish .3
Islamic .3
Something else 3.0
Don't know .9
Total Cases(387) 100.0
What is your church's denomination?
Southern Baptist 20.8
Other Baptist 14.5
Church of Christ 16.7
Episcopalian or Anglican 1.6
Lutheran .9
United Methodist 11.0
Other Methodist 2.8
Presbyterian 5.0
Catholic 7.0
Something else 18.9
Don't know .7
Total Cases(366) 100.0
Do you consider yourself of Hispanic origin or descent?
Yes 3.7
No 96.2
Don't know .2
Total Cases (483) 100.0
Do you consider yourself white, black or African-American, Asian, Native-American or some other race or races?
White 87.1
Black or African-American 11.3
Asian or Pacific Islander .1
Native American or Alaskan Native .4
Other .8
Don't know .4
Total Cases (481) 100.0
Are you currently married, divorced, separated, widowed, or have you never been married?
Married 59.9
Divorced 12.9
Separated 1.6
Widowed 6.1
Never been married 19.1
Don't know .4
Total Cases (477) 100.0
How many children, if any, do you have who are living with you and who are high school age or younger?
1 43.1
2 40.4
3 10.9
4 3.6
5 1.0
6 .5
7 .5
Total Cases (207) 100.0
Gender
MALE 47.3
FEMALE 52.7
Total Cases (485) 100.0
How would you rate the person whom you just interviewed?
Wholly pleasant 83.0
Mostly pleasant 13.2
Equally pleasant and unpleasant 2.7
Mostly unpleasant .8
Wholly unpleasant .3
Total Cases(485) 100.0