Summary: | This survey, fielded May 2-3, 2011, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicits public opinion on a range of political and social issues. Respondents were asked for their opinions of political figures President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Tim Pawlenty, Sarah Palin, Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, and members of the British royal family: Prince Charles and Lady Camilla. Respondents were also asked their opinions about the following issues: United States troops in Afghanistan, gas prices, abortion, the American Civil War, Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Islam, and the Tea Party movement. Additional topics included personal happiness, home furnishings and decor, the effects of positive thinking, being a mother, the economic gap, plans for Memorial Day weekend, movies, Donald Trump's wealth, celebrities, prosecuting athletes for cheating, air travel, the Internet, new electronics, lying about one's age, and graffiti. Respondents were asked further background questions about whether they approved of the way President Obama was handling the presidency, including foreign policy, the economy, and the war in Afghanistan. Opinions were sought on how Osama bin Laden's death affected terrorism and respondents' personal security, the war on terror, and the mission in Afghanistan. Respondents were also asked if they were proud to be an American, whether they had a close family member or friend or knew anyone who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, or had a family member in the armed forces. Demographic information includes sex, age, race, education level, household income, marital status, religious preference, employment status, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), state of residence, type of phone(s), number of phones, political party affiliation, political philosophy, voting behavior, and whether the respondent is an evangelical or a born-again Christian.
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