Poll: Public strongly opposed to impeaching Clinton

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Poll: Public strongly opposed to impeaching Clinton

WASHINGTON (December 7) -- On the eve of congressional hearings that may lead to an impeachment vote against Bill Clinton, the public remains strongly opposed to impeaching Clinton and continues to approve of how Clinton is handling his job as president, according to the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll.

Over six in ten Americans disapprove of how the Republicans in Congress are handling the investigation into charges against Clinton; by a 47 percent to 44 percent margin, the public is split on how the Democrats are handling the impeachment inquiry.

The most popular action the House could take is no action at all.

If given the choice between impeachment, censure, or no action, 37 percent say that Congress should take no action against Clinton. Thirty-three percent would prefer censure, and 27 percent would prefer impeachment. Only 38 percent say that the law which created the office of independent counsel should be kept as is. But only 14 percent say the law should be completely abolished.

The survey of 1,070 adult Americans was conducted on December 4-6, 1998 and has a margin of sampling error of +/- three percentage points.

Would you want your member of the House of Representatives to vote in favor of impeaching Clinton and sending the case to Senate for trial?
Yes No	32% 66%

Would you want your member of the House of Representatives to vote against impeachment of Clinton?
Now November October	66% 64% 62%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Clinton is handling his job as president?
Approve Disapprove	66% 30%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republicans in Congress are handling the current investigation into the charges against Bill Clinton?
Democrats Republicans	Approve 47% 32%	Disapprove 44% 61%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry Hyde?
Favorable Unfavorable Unfamiliar	31% 19% 50%

Which Would You Prefer? The House voting to impeach Clinton, formally censure Clinton or take no action against Clinton?
Impeachment Censure No action	27% 33% 37%

As you may know the Independent Counsel law allows the Attorney General to appoint independent prosecutors to investigate possible wrongdoing by certain government officials. In your view should Congress
Keep this law as it is Keep the law, but modify it Abolish the law		38% 44% 14%

AllPolitics' in-depth look at the investigation into the president's relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

HEADLINES
Starr puts first lady on witness list for Hubbell trial (6-23-99) Hatch demands conclusion to Justice probe of Starr (6-17-99) Starr: Independent Counsel Act should not be renewed (4-14-99) Clinton's contempt citation not a surprise to many (4-13-99) MORE HEADLINES and 1998 ARCHIVES

DOCUMENTS
Closed-door statements of senators Full text of the articles of impeachment Starr report or use the interactive guide

INTERACTIVE
Acquittal Reaction Timeline

PLAYERS
Cast of characters

'TOONS
Bill Mitchell: Thank you sir, may I have another? (8-20-99) more More impeachment toons

DISCUSSION
Message Board: Independent counsel Voter's voice

Poll: Public strongly opposed to impeaching Clinton

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Monday, December 7, 1998