1939
JANUARY 3
GERMANY AND RUSSIA
Special Survey
Interviewing Date 11/16-21/38 (U.S. only)
Survey #138-K Question #4
If there were a war between Germany and Russia which side would you rather see win?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 133
JANUARY 8
FATHER CHARLES COUGHLIN
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/38
Survey #141 Question #1a
Have you listened to any of Father Cough-tin's radio talks in the last month?
Projecting the results of this survey, approximately 15,000,000 persons listened to one or more of the Sunday broadcasts of Father Coughlin during December 1938. Approximately 3,500,000 would classify themselves as regular listeners.
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/38
Survey #141 Question #lb
Asked of a cross section of those who listened to Father Coughlin: In general, do you approve or disapprove of what he says?
Approve Disapprove
Regular listeners........ 67% 33%
Occasional listeners..... 51 49
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/38
Survey #141 Question #1c
Asked of those who do not listen to Father Coughlin's radio talks: In general, do you approve or disapprove of what he says?
Approve............................ 30%
Disapprove......................... 70
Seventy-five per cent expressed no opinion. JANUARY 9
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 12/25-30/38
Survey #142 Question #11c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 58%
Disapprove......................... 42
Russia............................. 83%
Germany........................... 17
Great Britain Only
Russia............................. 85%
Germany........................... 15
Approximately one-third of the American and British voters would not express an opinion.
JANUARY 4
DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: Would you like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to make their home in England?
Yes................................ 79%
No................................ 21
Twenty per cent expressed no opinion. JANUARY 6
GOVERNMENT SPENDING
Interviewing Date 12/25-30/38
Survey #142 Question #4
Do you think the Federal Government is spending too much, too little, or about the right amount of money at this time?
Too much.......................... 61%
Too little........................... 10
About right......................... 29
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Too much.......................... 46%
Too little........................... 13
About right......................... 41
Republicans
Too much.......................... 89%
Too little........................... 3
About right......................... 8
134 THE GALLUP POLL
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 51% 49%
Middle Atlantic........ 57 43
East Central........... 55 45
West Central........... 56 44
South................. 68 32
West.................. 64 36
By Community Size
Farms................. 53% 47%
Small towns............ 56 44
Cities of 500,000 and over 66 34
JANUARY 15
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 12/25-30/38
Survey #142 Question #1
Do you approve of the way Mrs. Roosevelt has conducted herself as "First Lady"?
Yes................................67%
No................................ 33
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 66% 34%
Middle Atlantic............... 72 28
East Central.................. 64 36
West Central.................. 66 34
South........................ 67 33
West......................... 66 34
By Sex
Men.........................62% 38%
Women...................... 73 27
By Political Affiliation
Democrats.................... 81% 19%
Republicans................... 43 57
Interviewing Date 12/25-30/38
Survey #142 Question #3
Mrs. Roosevelt has taken a position on the Board of Directors in her son's insurance company. Do you approve or disapprove of this?
Approve............................44%
Disapprove.........................56
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 135
JANUARY 20
DEFENSE PROGRAMS
Interviewing Date 1/9-14/39
Survey #143-A Question #1a
As part of the national defense program the Government is planning to train young men in schools and colleges to fly airplanes. Do you favor this plan?
Yes................................ 87%
No................................. 13
By Age
Yes No
Under 30 Years............... 91% 9%
Over 30 Years................. 85 15
Interviewing Date 1/9-14/39
Survey #143-A Question #1b
Asked of those between the ages of 19 and 30: Would you like to receive such training?
Yes................................ 74%
No................................ 26
136 THE GALLUP POLL
JANUARY 25
PRESIDENTIAL TENURE
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/38
Survey #141 Question #4
Would you favor changing the term of office of the President of the United States to one six year term with no reelection?
Yes................................ 24%
No................................76
JANUARY 30
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/39
Survey #144-A Question 13a
Do you believe there will be a war between any of the big European countries this year?
Yes................................44%
No................................56
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/39
Survey #144-A Question #3b
If there is such a war, which country do you think will be responsible for starting it?
Germany alone......................62%
Italy alone.......................... 12
Germany and Italy................... 20
Others............................. 6
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/39
Survey #144-A Question #3c
If there is such a war, do you think the United States will be drawn in?
Yes................................57%
No................................43
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 137
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 57% 43%
Middle Atlantic............... 56 44
East Central..................55 45
West Central.................. 55 45
South........................ 61 39
West......................... 57 43
JANUARY 31
BRITISH VIEWS ON FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: Do you think the world would or would not benefit if President Roosevelt were elected for a third term?
Would benefit....................... 91%
Would not benefit................... 9
FEBRUARY 1
AID TO SPANISH LOYALISTS
Interviewing Date 1/9-14/39
Survey #143-A Question #2a
Should Congress change the Neutrality Act to permit the shipment of arms to the Loyalists in Spain?
Yes................................ 21%
No................................ 79
Seventeen per cent expressed no opinion.
FEBRUARY 3
GERMAN COLONIES
Interviewing Date 1/22-27/39
Survey #145-A Question #7
Should the colonies taken from Germany after the World War be given back to her?
Yes................................ 17%
No................................ 83
FEBRUARY 6
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/39
Survey #144-A Question #10a
Do you favor a third term for President Roosevelt?
Yes................................ 31%
No................................69
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 47% 53%
Republicans................... 2 98
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/39
Survey #144-A Question #10b
Would you like to see the Senate go on record against a third term for President Roosevelt?
Yes................................ 49%
No................................ 51
138 THE GALLUP POLL
FEBRUARY 12
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 11/16-21/38
Survey #138 Question #7a
Asked of Democrats: If President Roosevelt is not a candidate for re-election in 1940, would you prefer a conservative type of candidate or a New Dealer?
Conservative........................41%
New Dealer......................... 59
Interviewing Date 1/22-27/39
Survey #145-A Question #15
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for President in 1940, would you prefer a conservative type of candidate like John Garner, Bennett Clark, or Harry Byrd, or a New Dealer like Harry Hopkins, Henry Wallace, or Alben Barkley?
Conservative........................52%
New Dealer.........................48
By Region
New
Conservative Dealer
New England.......... 58% 42%
Middle Atlantic........ 47 53
East Central........... 53 47
West Central........... 57 43
South................. 54 46
West.................. 42 58
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 139
FEBRUARY 17
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 2/4-9/39
Survey #147-A Question #14
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see as the Republican candidate for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 27%
Vandenberg......................... 21
Taft................................ 16
Landon........................... 7
Borah.............................. 4
Hoover............................. 4
La Guardia......................... 4
Others............................. 17
Forty-eight per cent expressed no opinion.
FEBRUARY 19
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 1/9-14/39
Survey #143 Question #12c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 58%
Disapprove.........................42
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 53% 47%
Middle Atlantic........ 58 42
East Central........... 54 46
West Central........... 54 46
South................. 68 32
West.................. 63 37
By Income
Upper................. 37% 63%
Middle................ 53 47
Lower............... 75 25
140 THE GALLUP POLL
FEBRUARY 22 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 2/4-9/39
Survey #147-A Question #3a
If Germany and Italy go to war against England and France, do you think we should do everything possible to help England and France win, except go to war ourselves?
Yes................................ 69%
No................................31
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 71% 29%
Republicans................... 69 31
Third party supporters......... 65 35
By Income
Upper........................73% 27%
Middle....................... 70 30
Lower........................ 66 34
Interviewing Date 2/4-9/39
Survey #147-A Question #4a
If Germany and Italy defeated England and France in a war, do you think Germany and Italy would then start a war against the United States?
Yes................................62%
No................................ 38
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion. FEBRUARY 24
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 1/22-27/39
Survey #145-A Question 12
If Harry Hopkins runs for President in 1940 on the Democratic ticket against Thomas Dewey on the Republican ticket, which candidate would you prefer?
Dewey............................. 61%
Hopkins........................ 39
Twenty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Dewey Hopkins
Democrats............... 39% 61%
Republicans.............. 96 4
Third party supporters.... 59 41
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 141
By Income
Dewey Hopkins
Upper................... 80% 20%
Middle.................. 66 34
Lower (including reliefers). 47
53
Reliefers only............ 40 60
142 THE GALLUP POLL
MARCH 6
DIES COMMITTEE
Interviewing Date 2/18-23/39
Survey #148-A Question #9a
Have you heard or read about the Dies Committee — The special House Committee on Un-American Activities?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 143
Yes................................ 67%
No................................ 33
Interviewing Date 2/18-23/39
Survey #148-A Question #9b
Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: What do you consider the most important area of investigation for the Dies Committee?
War propaganda....................42%
Nazi activities in U.S................. 32
Communist activities in U.S........... 26
Thirty per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 2/18-23/39
Survey 148-A Question #9c
Have you heard or read about the La Follette Senate Committee on Civil Liberties?
Yes................................ 24%
No................................ 76
MARCH 8
WAR REFERENDUM
Interviewing Date 2/18-23/39
Survey #148-A Question #8
Should the Constitution be changed to require Congress to obtain the approval of the people in a national vote before the United States could take part in a war overseas?
Yes................................ 58%
No................................ 42
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 57% 43%
Republicans................... 54 46
By Income
Upper........................ 45% 55%
Middle....................... 54 46
Lower........................ 67 33
144 THE GALLUP POLL
Approximately 6% expressed no opinion to the above questions. Less than 1% said their sympathies would be with Germany and Italy in case of another war.
MARCH 15
DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE
Interviewing Date 2/18-23/39
Survey #148-A Question #5a
Would you favor a conference of the leading nations to reduce the size of all armies and navies at this time?
Yes................................43%
No................................ 57
Interviewing Date 2/18-23/39
Survey #148-A Question #5b
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: Should President Roosevelt call this disarmament conference?
Yes................................ 28%
No................................72
MARCH 13
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 2/19-24/39
Survey #148-B Question #8a
In case a war breaks out, should we sell Britain and France food supplies?
Yes................................76%
No................................24
Interviewing Date 2/19-24/39
Survey #148-B Question #8b
Should we sell them airplanes and other war materials?
Yes................................ 52%
No................................48
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 53% 47%
Republicans................... 54 46
Others....................... 46 54
Interviewing Date 2/19-24/39
Survey #148-B Question #8c
Should we send our army and navy abroad to help England and France?
Yes................................ 17%
No................................ 83
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 145
MARCH 22
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 3/4-9/39
Survey #150-A Question #10a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see as the Republican candidate for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 50%
Vandenberg......................... 15
Taft................................ 13
Hoover............................. 5
Landon............................ 4
Lodge.............................. 2
Borah.............................. 2
Others............................. 9
Fifty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
146 THE GALLUP POLL
MARCH 24
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 3/10-15/39
Survey #151 Question #9d
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve.......................... 58.2%
Disapprove........................41.8
By Income
Approve Disapprove
Upper................. 35% 65%
Middle................ 54 46
Lower (including reliefers)____ 74 26
Reliefers only.......... 83 17
MARCH 26
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 3/10-15/39
Survey #151-A Question #3
Asked of Democrats: If President Roosevelt is not a candidate in 1940, whom would you like to see as the Democratic candidate for President?
Garner.............................42%
Farley.............................. 10
Hull............................... 10
Hopkins............................ 8
McNutt............................ 5
Lehman............................ 3
Clark.............................. 2
Barkley............................. 2
Kennedy........................... 2
Murphy............................ 2
Others............................. 14
MARCH 27
THE DRAFT
Interviewing Date 3/10-15/39
Survey #151—B Question #6
Should the Constitution be amended to require a national vote before the country could draft men to fight overseas?
Yes................................ 61%
No................................ 39
MARCH 29
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 3/10-15/39
Survey #151-A Question #2
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican......................... 51%
Democratic.........................49
Interviewing Date 3/10-15/39
Survey #151 - A Question #10
Suppose these are the candidates for President and Vice President in 1940, for which combination would you rather vote: Democratic ticket — John Garner for President and James Farley for Vice President; Republican ticket — Thomas Dewey for President and Robert Taft for Vice President?
Dewey-Taft......................... 52%
Garner-Farley....................... 48
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
MARCH 31
NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain by the Gallup affiliate: Are you satisfied with Mr. Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 147
Yes. No.
148 THE GALLUP POLL
APRIL 9
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question 13a
In case a war breaks out, should we sell Britain and France food supplies?
Yes................................82%
No................................ 18
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #5b
Should we sell them airplanes and other war materials?
Yes................................66%
No................................ 34
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats....................70% 30%
Republicans................... 65 35
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #5c
Should we send our army and navy abroad to help England and France?
Yes................................ 16%
No................................ 84
Approximately 5% expressed no opinion to the above questions. Of all sections of the country, the South shows the greatest inclination for sending troops — 24%.
APRIL 12
GERMANY
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #4
Would you join a movement In this country to stop buying German-made goods?
Yes................................ 65%
No................................ 35
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-B Question #4
Our Government is showing its disapproval of Germany's policies by putting a special tax on German-made goods brought into the United States. Are you in favor of this special tax?
Yes................................78%
No................................ 22
APRIL 14
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 4/2-7/39
Survey #153-A Question #1
Our present Neutrality Law prevents this country from selling war materials to any countries fighting in a declared war. Do you think the law should be changed so that we could sell war materials to England and France in case of war?
Yes................................ 57%
No................................ 43
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 149
APRIL 17
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #1a
Do you believe there will be a war between any of the big European countries this year?
Yes................................ 51%
No................................49
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #1b
If there is such a war, do you think the United States will be drawn into it?
Yes................................ 58%
No...............................42
APRIL 19
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 4/2-7/39
Survey #153-B Question #3
If Vice President Garner runs for President in 1940 on the Democratic ticket and Senator Arthur Vandenberg runs against him on the Republican ticket, which one do you think you would prefer?
Garner............................. 57%
Vandenberg.........................43
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Garner Vandenberg
New England.......... 57% 43%
Middle Atlantic........ 54 46
East Central........... 50 50
West Central........... 51 49
South................. 78 22
West.................. 61 39
APRIL 21
FEDERAL SPENDING
Interviewing Date 4/2-7/39
Survey #153-A Question #2a
Do you think federal spending should be reduced by 10% on expenditures for the army and navy?
Yes................................ 19%
No................................ 81
150 THE GALLUP POLL
APRIL 23
INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #3a
Would you like to see the heads of the leading nations of the world meet in a new peace conference to settle the claims of Germany and Italy?
Yes................................ 73%
No................................27
By Region
Yes No
New England.................76% 24%
Middle Atlantic............... 69 31
East Central.................. 74 26
West Central.................. 76 24
South..................... 77 23
West......................... 69 31
By Political Affiliation
Democrats....................74% 26%
Republicans................... 68 32
Others....................... 75 25
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 151
APRIL 28
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 4/21-26/39
Survey #155-A Question #2a
Do you approve or disapprove of President Roosevelt's action in sending his message to Hitler and Mussolini, suggesting a conference to settle Europe's war problems?
Approve...........................60%
Disapprove......................... 40
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 69% 31%
Republicans............ 47 53
APRIL 30
BRITISH ARMED FORCES
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain by the Gallup affiliate: It has been decided to enlarge the British Army to 33 field divisions. Are you in favor of obtaining the necessary recruits on a planned and compulsory basis, or by leaving it to individuals to enroll voluntarily?
Favor compulsory system.............42%
Favor voluntary system.............. 58
By Political Affiliation
Government
Compulsory Voluntary
Supporters......... 51% 49%
Opposition voters 33 67
APRIL 30
MAY 1
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 4/8-13/39
Survey #154-A Question #1
Which party do you think will win the presidential election in 1940?
Democratic......................... 48%
Republican......................... 52
By Political Affiliation
Democratic Republican
Democrats............. 67% 33%
Republicans............ 17 83
Third party voters....... 54 46
By Region
New England..........47% 53%
Middle Atlantic........ 43 57
East Central........... 42 58
West Central........... 43 57
South................. 68 32
West.................. 60 40
MAY 3
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-A Question #5a
If war breaks out in Europe, are you in favor of sending American troops abroad?
152 THE GALLUP POLL
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 18% 82%
Middle Atlantic............... 16 84
East Central.................. 12 88
West Central.................. 13 87
South........................ 24 76
West......................... 17 83
By Income
Upper........................ 18% 82%
Middle....................... 14 86
Lower........................ 19 81
MAY 5
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940 on the Democratic ticket against Thomas E. Dewey on the Republican ticket, which one do you think you would prefer?
Roosevelt...........................45%
Dewey............................. 55
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
Roosevelt Voters in 1936 Only
Roosevelt........................... 67%
Dewey............................. 33
Landon Voters in 1936 Only
Roosevelt........................... 4%
Dewey............................. 96
MAY 7
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 4/21-26/39
Survey #155 Question #15e
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve.......................... 56.1%
Disapprove........................43.9
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 48% 52%
Middle Atlantic........ 53 47
East Central........... 54 46
West Central........... 56 44
South................. 67 33
West.................. 63 37
MAY 10
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 4/8-13/39
Survey #154-A Question #2
Asked of Republicans: Whom do you prefer from this list (on card) for the Republican presidential nomination in 1940?
Dewey............................. 54%
Taft................................ 15
Vandenberg......................... 13
Hoover........................... 4
Borah.............................. 3
Landon............................ 3
Bricker............................. 1
Lodge.............................. 1
La Guardia......................... 1
Barton....................... 1
Others............................. 4
Forty-one per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 153
MAY 14
MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM
Interviewing Date 4/21-26/39
Survey #155-A Question #1
What do you regard as the most important problem before the American people today?
Keeping out of war................... 37%
Solving unemployment................ 36
Recovery for business................. 8
Adequate relief...................... 4
Balancing the budget.................. 3
Farm aid............................ 2
Adjustment of labor problems......... 2
Reduction of taxes................... 1
Others.............................. 7
MAY 15
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 4/21-26/39
Survey #155-B Question #5b
In case Germany and Italy go to war against England and France should we lend money to England and France to buy airplanes and other war materials from the United States?
Lend money........................ 31%
Do not lend money..................69
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Lend Do Not Lend
New England........ 18% 82%
Middle Atlantic....... 34 66
East Central......... 30 70
West Central......... 21 79
South............... 45 55
West................ 33 67
MAY 19
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/4-9/39
Survey #156-A Question #2a
Do you believe there will be a war between any of the big European countries this year?
Yes................................ 32%
No................................68
154 THE GALLUP POLL
By Sex
Yes No
Men.........................29% 71%
Women...................... 36 64
MAY 21
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 4/21-26/39
Survey # 155-A Question #12
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom from this list (on card) would you like to see nominated by the Democratic party in 1940?
Garner............................. 50%
Hull............................... 13
Farley.............................. 9
Hopkins............................ 3
McNutt............................. 3
Murphy............................ 3
Clark.............................. 2
Wallace............................ 2
Barkley............................. 2
Lehman............................ 2
Others............................. 11
MAY 24
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 4/21-26/39
Survey #155-A Question #14
If Cordell Hull runs for President in 1940 on the Democratic ticket and Thomas Dewey runs against him on the Republican ticket, which one do you think you would prefer?
Dewey............................. 52%
Hull...............................48
Eighteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 5/4-9/39
Survey #156-A Question #9
If Cordell Hull runs for President in 1940 on the Democratic ticket and Robert Taft runs against him on the Republican ticket, which one do you think you would prefer?
Hull............................... 50%
Taft............................... 50
Fifteen per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 155
MAY 31
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 3/23-28/39
Survey #152-B Question #8
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940 on the Democratic ticket against Senator Robert Taft on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Roosevelt..........................50%
Taft............................... 50
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion,
Roosevelt Voters in 1936
Roosevelt........................... 75%
Taft................................ 25
156 THE GALLUP POLL
Landon Voters in 1936
Roosevelt........................... 6%
Taft................................94
JUNE 2
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-A Question #12c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
By Income
Approve Disapprove
Upper................. 38% 62%
Middle................ 54 46
Lower................. 74 26
Reliefers............... 82 18
JUNE 4
WAR DEBTS
Interviewing Date 5/12-17/39
Survey #157-A Question #2
If England and France pay something on the war debts they now owe us, should the United States lend them more money?
Yes................................ 21%
No................................79
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 5
ROOSEVELT ADMINISTRATION
Interviewing Date 5/12-17/39
Survey #157-A Question #6a
What do you think is the greatest accomplishment of the Roosevelt Administration during the six years it has been in office?
Relief and the W.P.A.................28%
Banking reforms..................... 21
Civilian Conservation Corps..........11
Social Security..................7
Farm program...................... 5
Labor policies...................... 4
Repeal of prohibition................ 3
Foreign policy....................... 3
Public works construction............ 2
N.R.A.............................. 1
Others............................. 15
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Relief and the W.P.A................. 35%
Banking reforms..................... 19
Civilian Conservation Corps.......... 8
Farm program...................... 8
Social Security...................... 6
Others.............................24
Republicans
Banking reforms..................... 34%
Civilian Conservation Corps.......... 13
Relief and the W.P.A................. 12
Social Security...................... 10
Foreign policy....................... 4
Others............................. 27
Interviewing Date 5/12-17/39
Survey #157-A Question #6b
What do you think is the worst thing the Roosevelt Administration has done in the past six years?
Relief and the W.P. A................. 23%
Spending policy..................... 16
Farm program...................... 12
Foreign Policy...................... 6
Labor policy........................ 6
Interference with business............. 5
Supreme Court plan................. 5
N.R.A.............................. 4
Repeal of prohibition................ 3
Raising taxes........................ 2
Others............................. 18
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 157
By Political Affiliation Democrats
Relief and the W.P.A................. 20%
Farm program...................... 16
Spending policy..................... 12
Labor policy........................ 7
Supreme Court plan................. 7
Others............................. 38
Republicans
Spending policy..................... 24%
Relief and the W.P.A................. 22
Interference with business............. 9
Labor policy........................ 8
Farm program...................... 7
Others............................. 30
JUNE 7
BUSINESS PROSPERITY
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-A Question #11
Do you think business would be more prosperous or less prosperous if we had a Republican President in the White House?
More prosperous.................... 50%
Less prosperous..................... 26
No difference....................... 24
By Political Affiliation Democrats
More prosperous.................... 29%
Less prosperous.....................42
No difference.......................29
Republicans
More prosperous.................... 85%
Less prosperous..................... 3
No difference...................... 12
By Income Upper
More prosperous.................... 62%
Less prosperous..................... 20%
No difference....................... 18
Middle
More prosperous........ ............ 54%
Less prosperous................... 22
No difference....................... 24
Lower
More prosperous....................40%
Less prosperous..................... 34
No difference.......................26
Reliefers
More prosperous.................... 37%
Less prosperous..................... 38
No difference....................... 25
JUNE 9
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 5/4-9/39
Survey #156-B Question #9
If Vice President Garner runs for President in 1940 on the Democratic ticket and Senator Robert Taft runs against him on the Republican ticket, which one do you think you would prefer?
Garner............................. 54%
Taft................................ 46
Twenty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
158 THE GALLUP POLL
JUNE 14
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-A Question #9
Asked of Democrats: In case Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner.............................47%
Farley.............................. 16
Hull............................... 12
Hopkins............................ 5
McNutt............................. 3
Wallace............................ 3
Murphy............................ 3
Clark.............................. 2
Barkley............................. 1
Kennedy........................... 1
Others............................. 7
Fifty-one per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 16
JAPAN
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-A Question #4
In the present fight between Japan and China, with which side do you sympathize?
Japan.............................. 2%
China..............................74
Neither.............................24
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 159
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-B Question #3
Would you join a movement in this country to stop buying goods made in Japan?
Yes................................ 66%
No................................ 34
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-A Question #5
Do you think the United States should forbid shipment of arms or ammunition from this country to Japan?
Yes................................ 72%
No................................ 28
Interviewing Date 5/20-25/39
Survey #158-B Question #5
Do you think the United States should forbid shipment of arms or ammunition from this country to China?
Yes................................40%
No................................ 60
JUNE 18
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 5/28-6/3/39
Survey #159-A Question #6a
Do you think President Roosevelt will run for a third term in 1940?
By Income
Yes No
Upper........................ 46% 54%
Middle....................... 46 54
Lower........................ 54 46
Reliefers...................... 60 40
Interviewing Date 5/28-6/3/39
Survey #159-A Question #6b
Do you think he will be elected if he runs?
Yes................................45%
No................................ 55
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 61% 39%
Republicans................... 16 84
Interviewing Date 5/28-6/3/39
Survey #159-A Question #6c
If he runs for a third term in 1940, would you vote for him no matter what Republican runs against him?
Yes................................ 39%
No................................ 61
By Income
Yes No
Upper........................ 19% 81%
Middle....................... 34 66
Lower........................ 55 45
Reliefers...................... 66 34
JUNE 19
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/28-6/3/39
Survey #159-A Question #4
If England, France, and Russia were involved in a war with Germany and Italy, which side do you think would win?
England, France, Russia.............. 83%
Germany and Italy................... 17
160 THE GALLUP POLL
JUNE 23
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 6/9-14/39
Survey #160-A Question #8
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Thomas Dewey on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Roosevelt.......................... 48%
Dewey.............................52
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Roosevelt Voters in 1936
Roosevelt........................... 74%
Dewey.............................26
Landon Voters in 1936
Roosevelt........................... 2%
Dewey.............................98
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 161
JULY 2
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in New York State: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican.........................53%
Democratic.........................47
Asked in New York State: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, do you think you will vote for him?
Yes, will............................ 42%
No, will not......................... 58
Asked in New York State: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Thomas Dewey on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Roosevelt........................... 43%
Dewey............................. 57
Asked of New York State Democrats: If President Roosevelt is not a candidate in 1940, whom would you like to see the Democratic convention nominate for President?
Garner............................. 51%
Farley.............................. 12
Hull............................... 11
Hopkins............................ 4
Lehman.......................... 4
Kennedy........................... 3
Others............................. 15
JULY 5
REPUBLICAN PARTY
Interviewing Date 6/18-23/39
Survey #161-AR Question #4
Asked of Republicans: Do you think the Republican party should be more liberal or more conservative than it was in the 1936 presidential campaign?
More liberal........................ 55%
More conservative................... 17
About the same..................... 28
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 163
Interviewing Date 6/18-23/39
Survey #161-BR Question #4
Asked of Republicans: Do you think the Republican party has a better chance or a worse chance of winning in 1940 if it nominates a liberal candidate and adopts a liberal platform?
Better chance....................... 77%
Worse chance....................... 14
Makes no difference.................. 9
JULY 7
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 6/18-23/39
Survey #161-AR Question #5a
Asked of Republicans: Whom from this list (on card) would you like to see the Republican convention nominate for President in 1940?
Dewey.............................47%
Vandenberg......................... 19
Taft................................ 13
Hoover............................. 6
Landon............................ 4
Borah.............................. 3
La Guardia......................... 2
Lodge.............................. 1
Bricker............................. 1
Others............................. 4
JULY 9
POLITICAL LABELS
Interviewing Date 6/18-23/39
Survey #161-AR Question #3b
How do you classify each of the following (on card) political leaders — as a conservative, a liberal, or a radical?
Conservative Liberal Radical
Harry Hopkins..... 4% 55% 41%
President Roosevelt. 1 62 37
Fiorello La Guardia. 8 64 28
James Farley....... 13 63 24
Thomas Dewey..... 45 47 8
Cordell Hull....... 51 46 3
John Garner....... 64 32 4
Arthur Vandenberg 67 29 4
Robert Taft........ 86 13 1
Herbert Hoover____ 92 5 3
No opinion:
Hopkins, 27%;
Roosevelt, 2%;
La Guardia, 15%;
Farley, 12%;
Dewey, 22%;
Hull, 22%;
Garner, 13%;
Vandenberg, 45%;
Taft, 37%;
Hoover, 8%.
Interviewing Date 6/18-23/39
Survey #161-AR Question #3a
In politics do you consider yourself a radical, a liberal, or a conservative?
Radical............................. 2%
Liberal............................. 46
Conservative........................ 52
By Political Affiliation Democrats
Radical............................. 2%
Liberal............................. 56
Conservative........................ 42
Republicans
Radical............................. 1%
Liberal............................. 26
Conservative........................ 73
Third Party Voters
Radical............................. 5%
Liberal............................. 51
Conservative........................44
JULY 10
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO ENGLAND
Interviewing Date 6/18-23/39
Survey #161-AR Question #1a
It has been suggested that President and Mrs. Roosevelt go to England to pay a return visit to the King and Queen. Do you favor this idea?
164 THE GALLUP POLL
Yes................................ 51%
No................................49
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England.................47% 53%
Middle Atlantic............... 54 46
East Central.................. 47 53
West Central.................. 48 52
South........................ 62 38
West.........................46 54
JULY 12
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Special Survey
Asked of Iowa Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, would you prefer Henry Wallace or Harry Hopkins as the Democratic candidate for President?
Wallace............................ 54%
Hopkins............................46
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Wallace Hopkins
Farms................... 66% 34%
Small towns (under 2,500).. 55 45
Urban areas
(2,500 and over)........ 42 58
JULY 14
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Pennsylvania: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican.........................54%
Democratic......................... 46
Five per cent of all Republicans would like to see a Democrat win while 25% of all Democrats would like to see a Republican win.
Asked in Pennsylvania: If Franklin Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, do you think you will vote for him?
Yes................................46%
No................................ 54
Asked in Pennsylvania: If Franklin Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Thomas Dewey on the Republican ticket, which one would you like to see win?
Dewey............................. 55%
Roosevelt...........................45
Asked of Pennsylvania Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate in 1940, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President?
Garner............................. 60%
Farley.............................. 12
Hull............................... 9
Murphy............................ 4
Others............................. 15
Asked of Pennsylvania Republicans: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Republican party for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 53%
Taft................................ 16
Vandenberg......................... 14
James.............................. 5
Hoover............................. 4
Landon............................ 3
Borah.............................. 2
Others............................. 3
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 165
JULY 17
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in California: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Democratic......................... 60%
Republican.........................40
Asked of California Democrats: In case Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner............................. 51%
Farley.............................. 14
Hull............................... 12
Hopkins............................ 8
McNutt............................ 3
Others............................. 12
Fifty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
Asked in California: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 36%
No................................ 64
JULY 19
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 7/10-15/39
Survey #163 Question #1c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
166 THE GALLUP POLL
Approve.......................... 57.7%
Disapprove........................42.3
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 51% 49%
Middle Atlantic........ 57 43
East Central........... 55 45
West Central........... 57 43
South................. 65 35
West.................. 63 37
JULY 21
FAVORITE COUNTRY AND FAVORITE LEADER
Special Survey
Interviewing Date 7/1-6/39 (U.S. only)
Survey #162 Question #1
What country do you like best?
England............................ 43%
France............................. 11
Finland............................ 4
Switzerland......................... 4
Sweden............................. 4
Ireland............................. 3
Germany........................... 3
Italy............................... 2
Norway............................ 2
Russia............................. 1
Others............................. 7
No opinion......................... 16
Great Britain Only
United States....................... 33%
France............................. 22
Russia............................. 12
Scandinavia......................... 3
Germany........................... 3
Switzerland......................... 2
Holland............................ 1
Belgium............................. 1
Others............................. 4
No opinion......................... 19
France Only
United States.......................26%
England............................23
Switzerland......................... 15
Belgium............................. 9
Russia............................. 7
Italy...............................4.5
Sweden............................25
Spain..............................1.5
Others............................. 7
No opinion.........................5.5
Special Survey
Interviewing Date 7/1-6/39 (U.S. only)
Survey #162 Question #2
What country do you like least?
Germany........................... 58%
Italy............................... 12
Russia............................. 8
Others............................. 22
Great Britain Only
Germany........................... 54%
Japan.............................. 11
Italy............................... 9
Others............................. 26
France Only
Germany........................... 70%
Italy............................... 9
Russia............................. 5
Others............................. 16
Special Survey
Interviewing Date 7/1-6/39 (U.S. only)
Survey #162 Question #3
Who is your favorite foreign statesman?
Chamberlain........................27%
Eden............................... 13
Daladier............................ 4
Mussolini........................... 3
Hitler.............................. 2
Others............................. 11
No opinion.........................40
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 167
France Only
Roosevelt........................... 58%
Chamberlain........................ 22
Stalin.............................. 4.5
Eden............................... 3.5
Salazar (Portugal)................... 1.5
Others............................. 7
No opinion......................... 3.5
Special Survey
Interviewing Date 7/1-6/39 (U.S. only)
Survey #162 Question #4
Which foreign statesman do you least like?
Both American and French voters named Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin, in that order.
JULY 23
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked of Ohio Republicans: If it came to a choice between Senator Robert Taft and Governor John Bricker for Republican candidate for President in 1940, which would you favor?
Taft................................ 62%
Bricker............................. 38
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Income
Taft Bricker
Upper....................... 70% 30%
Middle...................... 62 38
Lower....................... 50 50
By Community Size
Farms....................... 59% 41%
Small towns.................. 59 41
Cities....................... 63 37
JULY 23
CHINA
Interviewing Date 7/1-6/39
Survey #162-A Question #7
How far do you think the United States Government should go to protect American interests in China —fight Japan — protest to Japan through the State Department — stop all shipments of war materials from this country to Japan — do nothing? (on card)
Fight............................... 6%
Protest............................. 18
Stop shipments...................... 51
Do nothing......................... 25
By Region
New England
Fight............................... 7%
Protest............................. 44
Stop shipments...................... 15
Do nothing......................... 34
Middle Atlantic
Fight............................... 4%
Stop shipments...................... 49
Protest............................. 20
Do nothing......................... 27
East Central
Fight............................... 5%
Stop shipments...................... 50
Protest............................. 17
Do nothing......................... 28
West Central
Fight............................... 7%
Stop shipments...................... 46
Protest............................. 18
Do nothing......................... 29
South-
Fight............................... 11%
Stop shipments...................... 50
Protest............................. 18
Do nothing......................... 21
168 THE GALLUP POLL
West
Fight............................... 9%
Stop shipments......................61
Protest............................. 15
Do nothing......................... 15
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: How far should Britain go at the present time to defend her interests in China?
Fight Japan if necessary..............22%
Forbid all trade between Britain and
Japan............................ 37
Supply credits and munitions to China.. 17 Withdraw our ambassador as a protest.. 9 Do nothing......................... 15
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 169
JULY 30
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 7/19-24/39
Survey #164-A Question #12a
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him or will you vote against him, no matter who the Republican candidate happens to be?
For him............................ 38%
Against him......................... 40
Don't know or depends on candidate — 22
Roosevelt Voters in 1936
For him............................ 57%
Against him......................... 19
Don't know or depends on candidate____24
Landon Voters in 1936
For him............................ 4%
Against him......................... 83
Don't know or depends on candidate____ 13
"Don't Know" or "Depends on Candidate" By Income
For Roosevelt
Upper.............................. 3%
Middle............................. 12
Lower.............................. 7
22%
By Age
21-29 Years........................ 7%
30-49 Years........................ 10
50 Years and over................... 5
22%
Interviewing Date 7/19-24/39
Survey #164-A Question #12b
Asked of those who responded "don't know" or "depends on candidate": Whom would you like to see elected President In 1940?
Dewey............................. 26%
Garner............................. 25
Vandenberg......................... 9
Hull............................. 8
McNutt............................. 5
Farley.............................. 3
Others............................. 24
JULY 31
PRESIDENTIAL TENURE
Interviewing Date 7/10-15/39
Survey #163-A Question #10b
As far as you know, has any President of the United States ever served a third term?
Yes................................ 3%
No................................ 85
Don't know......................... 12
By Income
Upper
Yes................................ 2%
No................................ 88
Don't know......................... 10
Middle
Yes................................ 4%
No................................ 82
Don't know......................... 14
Lower
Yes................................ 5%
No................................ 67
Don't know......................... 28
Interviewing Date 7/10-15/39
Survey #163-A Question #10c
As far as you know, does the Constitution of the United States say that a President cannot serve a third term?
170 THE GALLUP POLL
Yes................................ 4%
No..............................78
Don't know......................... 18
By Income
Upper
Yes................................ 2%
No................................91
Don't know......................... 7
Middle
Yes................................ 3%
No................................ 88
Don't know......................... 9
Lower
Yes................................ 4%
No................................78
Don't know......................... 18
AUGUST 2 POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Illinois: Which party would you like to see win the Presidential election in 1940?
Republican......................... 54%
Democratic.........................46
Asked in Illinois: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, do you think you will vote for him?
Asked of Illinois Democrats: In case Franklin Roosevelt does not run for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democrats nominate for President in 1940?
Garner.............................49%
Farley.............................. 17
McNutt............................. 8
Hull............................... 7
Hopkins............................ 5
Others............................. 14
AUGUST 4
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 7/28-8/2/39
Survey #165-A Question #5b
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner............................. 46%
McNutt............................ 13
Hull............................... 12
Farley.............................. 12
Hopkins............................ 3
Murphy............................ 3
Barkley............................. 1
Clark.............................. 1
Wallace............................ 1
Others............................. 8
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 171
AUGUST 7
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Ohio: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican......................... 52%
Democratic.........................48
Asked in Ohio: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 35%
No................................ 65
Asked of Ohio Republicans: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Republican party for President in 1940?
Taft................................ 33%
Dewey............................. 29
Vandenberg......................... 19
Bricker............................. 12
Hoover........................... 3
Landon............................ 1
Others............................. 3
Asked of Ohio Democrats: In case Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner............................. 57%
Farley.............................. 12
McNutt............................ 9
Hull............................... 8
Donahey........................... 4
Lehman............................ 2
Hopkins............................ 2
Others............................. 6
AUGUST 9 POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Michigan: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican......................... 54%
Democratic......................... 46
Asked of Michigan Republicans: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Republican party for President in 1940?
Vandenberg......................... 62%
Dewey............................. 29
Taft................................ 5
Landon............................. 2
Hoover............................. 1
Others............................. 1
Asked of Michigan Democrats: In case Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
172 THE GALLUP POLL
Garner.............................49%
Murphy............................ 25
Farley.............................. 10
Hull............................... 7
McNutt............................ 2
Wheeler............................ 2
Others............................. 5
Asked in Michigan: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 34%
No................................66
Asked of Wisconsin Democrats: In case Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner.............................67%
Farley.............................. 8
Wallace............................. 6
McNutt............................ 4
Murphy............................ 4
Others............................. 11
Asked in Wisconsin: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 34%
No................................66
AUGUST 13
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 7/28-8/2/39
Survey #165-A Question #5a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see the Republican party nominate for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 45%
Vandenberg......................... 25
Taft................................ 14
Hoover............................. 6
Landon............................ 3
Borah.............................. 2
Bricker............................. 2
Others............................. 3
Forty-one per cent expressed no opinion.
By Income
Upper
Dewey............................. 39%
Vandenberg......................... 31
Taft................................ 14
Others............................. 16
Middle
Dewey............................. 46%
Vandenberg......................... 23
Taft............................... 13
Others............................. 18
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 173
Lower
Dewey.............................47%
Vandenberg......................... 24
Taft................................ 16
Others.........................13
By Age
21-29 Years
Dewey............................. 56%
Vandenberg......................... 19
Taft................................ 13
Others............................. 12
30-49 Years
Dewey............................. 47%
Vandenberg......................... 24
Taft................................ 12
Others............................. 17
50 Years and Over
Dewey............................. 38%
Vandenberg......................... 28
Taft................................ 16
Others............................. 18
By Region Urban
Dewey............................. 44%
Vandenberg......................... 29
Taft............................... 12
Others............................. 15
Small Towns
Dewey............................. 52%
Vandenberg......................... 17
Taft................................ 15
Others............................. 16
Farms
Dewey............................. 40%
Vandenberg......................... 22
Taft................................ 18
Others............................. 20
AUGUST 14
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Massachusetts: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican......................... 55%
Democratic.........................45
Asked in Massachusetts: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 36%
No................................ 64
Asked of Massachusetts Republicans: Whom would you like to see the Republican party nominate for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 45%
Lodge.............................. 14
Vandenberg......................... 14
Taft................................ 12
Hoover............................. 8
Landon............................ 2
Bridges............................. 2
Others............................. 3
Asked of Massachusetts Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt does not run for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner............................. 55%
McNutt............................ 12
Smith.............................. 5
Farley.............................. 5
Hull............................... 4
Murphy............................ 4
Kennedy........................... 3
Hopkins............................ 3
Others............................. 9
174 THE GALLUP POLL
AUGUST 16
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Wisconsin: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Republican.........................52%
Democratic.........................48
Asked of Wisconsin Republicans: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Republican party for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 37%
Vandenberg.........................24
Taft................................ 16
Hoover............................. 5
La Guardia......................... 4
Others............................. 14
AUGUST 17
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked of Democrats between the ages of 20—29 years: Do you favor a third term for President Roosevelt?
Yes................................ 52%
No................................48
Asked of Democrats 20—29: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term in 1940, will you vote for him?
Yes................................62%
No................................ 38
Asked of Democrats 20-29: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate for a third term, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President in 1940?
Garner..........................41%
McNutt............................ 16
Hull...............................15
Farley.............................. 11
Hopkins............................ 4
Murphy............................ 2
Others.............................11
AUGUST 20
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 7/28-8/2/39
Survey #165-B Question #3
If England and France have a war with Germany and Italy, do you think the United States will be drawn In?
Yes................................ 76%
No................................24
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England.................69% 31%
Middle Atlantic............... 74 26
East Central.................. 78 22
West Central.................. 78 22
South........................ 75 25
West......................... 75 25
By Political Affiliation
Democrats.................... 76% 24%
Republicans................... 78 22
Others....................... 71 29
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 175
AUGUST 23
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 8/10-15/39
Survey #166-A Question #14c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Favor............................ 56.6%
Oppose........................... 43.4
By Region
Favor Oppose
New England............... 51% 49%
Middle Atlantic............. 54 46
East Central................ 51 49
West Central................ 55 45
South...................... 70 30
West....................... 64 36
Reliefers Only
Favor.............................. 82%
Oppose............................. 18
AUGUST 27
CONGRESS
Interviewing Date 8/10-15/39
Survey #166-A Question #3
In general, do you think the present Congress has done a good job or a poor job?
Good job........................... 57%
Poor job............................ 43
Twenty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Good Poor
Democrats.................... 52% 48%
Republicans................... 36 64
By Income
Upper........................ 60% 40%
Middle....................... 61 39
Lower........................ 45 55
By Region
New England................. 62% 38%
Middle Atlantic............... 57 43
East Central.................. 56 44
West Central.................. 59 41
South........................ 55 45
West......................... 56 44
176 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 8/10-15/39
Survey #166-A Question #5a
Do you think Congress was right in defeating President Roosevelt's three-billion-dollar lending bill?
Yes................................ 68%
No................................32
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 51% 49%
Republicans................... 93 7
AUGUST 30
JAPAN
Interviewing Date 8/10-15/39
Survey #166-A Question #4a
Do you approve or disapprove of the Government's action in cancelling the American-Japanese treaty?
Approve............................ 81%
Disapprove......................... 19
Interviewing Date 8/10-15/39
Survey #166-A Question #4b
At the end of six months, when the treaty expires, should the United States sell Japan any more war materials?
Yes................................ 18%
No................................ 82
Approximately 12% expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 1
DANZIG AND POLISH CORRIDOR
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #3b
Do you think Hitler's claims to Danzig are justified?
Yes................................ 13%
No................................ 87
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-B Question #5b
Do you think Hitler's claims to the Polish Corridor are justified?
Yes................................ 14%
No................................ 86
Twenty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #3a
Would you like to see England, France, and Poland agree to Germany's demands regarding Danzig?
Yes................................ 12%
No................................ 88
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 177
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 15% 85%
Middle Atlantic............... 13 87
East Central.................. 17 83
West Central.................. 5 95
South........................ 11 89
West......................... 6 94
SEPTEMBER 3 NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #5b
Should Congress change the present Neutrality Law so that the United States could sell war materials to England and France?
Yes................................ 50%
No................................ 50
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 56% 44%
Republicans................... 47 53
By Region
New England................. 49% 51%
Middle Atlantic............... 52 48
East Central.................. 45 55
West Central.................. 49 51
South........................ 60 40
West......................... 51 49
By Sex
Men......................... 53% 47%
Women...................... 47 53
By age groups, persons 21—29 years old were the least in favor of changing the Neutrality Law.
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #5a
If war breaks out In Europe, do you think President Roosevelt should call a special session of Congress?
Yes................................ 71%
No................................ 29
Fifteen per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 6
INTERNATIONAL POLICE FORCE
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #4a
Do you think the time will come when there will be a strong international army or police force for maintaining world peace?
Yes................................ 30%
No................................ 70
178 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #4b
Yes................................ 51%
No................................ 49
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Sex
Yes No
Men...................... 44% 56%
Women...................... 58 42
By Region
New England.................51% 49%
Middle Atlantic............... 50 50
East Central.................. 57 43
West Central.................. 56 44
South........................ 37 63
West......................... 47 53
By Political Affiliation
Democrats.................... 47% 53%
Republicans................... 52 48
SEPTEMBER 8
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 9/1-6/39
Survey #168-SA Question #7
Which country or countries do you consider responsible for causing the present war?
Germany......................... 82%
England and France................. 3
Versailles Treaty..................... 3
Poland............................. 1
All others........................... 5
No opinion......................... 6
SEPTEMBER 10
THE DRAFT
Interviewing Date 9/1-6/39
Survey #168-SA Question #9
Should the Constitution be changed to require a national vote before Congress could draft men for war overseas?
SEPTEMBER 13
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 8/19-24/39
Survey #167-A Question #9b
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see nominated by the Democratic party for President in 1940?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 179
Garner.......................45%
McNutt...........................21
Farley.............................. 10
Hull............................10
Murphy............................ 2
Clark.............................. 1
Hopkins............................ 1
Barkley............................. 1
Others.............................9
SEPTEMBER 15
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 9/1-6/39
Survey #168-SA Question #5
Should the United States allow its citizens to travel on ships of countries which are now at war?
Yes................................18%
No................................ 82
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 16% 84%
Middle Atlantic............... 19 81
East Central.................. 14 86
West Central.................. 18 82
South........................ 16 84
West......................... 22 78
By Political Affiliation
Democrats.................... 17% 83%
Republicans................... 19 81
Interviewing Date 9/1-6/39
Survey #168-SA Question #6
Should the United States allow American ships to carry goods anywhere, or should our ships be kept out of war zones?
Anywhere.......................... 16%
Keep out of war zones............... 84
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Anywhere - Keep out of War zones
New England............ 17% 83%
Middle Atlantic.......... 17 83
East Central............. 16 84
West Central........ 16 84
South................... 19 81
West.................... 17 83
By Political Affiliation
Democrats............... 15% 85%
Republicans.............. 17 83
SEPTEMBER 18 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 8/30-9/5/39
Survey #167-S Question #2a
Should we send our army and navy abroad to fight Germany?
Yes................................ 16%
No................................ 84
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
180 THE GALLUP POLL
By Income
Yes No
Upper........................ 12% 88%
Middle....................... 15 85
Lower (including reliefers)...... 20 80
Reliefers only................. 21 79
By Sex
Men......................... 19% 81%
Women...................... 12 88
By Political Affiliation
Democrats.................... 18% 82%
Republicans................... 13 87
Interviewing Date 8/30-9/5/39
Survey #167-S Question #3
If it looks within the next few months as if England and France might be defeated, should the United States declare war on Germany and send our troops abroad?
Yes................................44%
No................................ 56
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats....................46% 54%
Republicans................... 42 58
Interviewing Date 9/1-6/39
Survey #I68-SA Question #1b
Which side do you think will win the war?
Allies.............................. 82%
Germany........................... 7
Qualified, no opinion................. 11
Interviewing Date 8/30-9/5/39
Survey #168-SA Question #1a
About how long do you think the present war will last?
One year or less.....................49%
More than one year.................. 51
SEPTEMBER 22
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-B Question #14c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 61%
Disapprove......................... 39
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 53% 47%
Middle Atlantic........ 58 42
East Central........... 59 41
West Central........... 60 40
South................. 72 28
West.................. 65 35
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-B Question #14d
How strongly do you feel about this?
Approve strongly.................... 33%
Approve mildly...................... 28
61%
Disapprove strongly.................. 24%
Disapprove mildly................... 15
39%
SEPTEMBER 24 NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #1
Do you think the Neutrality Law should be changed so that England and France could buy war supplies here?
Yes................................ 57%
No................................43
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 181
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 62% 38%
Republicans................... 54 46
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #2a
If the Neutrality Act is changed should England and France be required to pay cash for goods or should we give them credit if they cannot pay?
Cash............................... 90%
Credit.............................. 10
Three per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #2b
Should England and France be required to carry the goods away in their own ships?
Yes................................ 94%
No................................ 6
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 27
FOREIGN NEWS REPORTS
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #7
The British say that the trans-Atlantic liner Athenia was sunk by a German submarine. The Germans say they did not sink it. Do you believe the Germans sank the Athenia?
Germans sank it..................... 60%
Germans did not....................40
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #8b
Do you have confidence in the news from Germany at the present time?
Yes, complete confidence............. 1%
Yes, some confidence................. 33
No confidence.......................66
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #8a
Do you have confidence in the news from England and France at the present time?
Yes, complete confidence............. 8%
Yes, some confidence................. 62
No confidence....................... 30
Approximately 5% expressed no opinion on these questions.
SEPTEMBER 29
WAR WITH GERMANY
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #4
If Germany should defeat England, France, and Poland in the present war, do you think Germany would start a war against the United States sooner or later?
182 THE GALLUP POLL
Yes................................63%
No................................37
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 1
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 9/21-26/39
Survey #170-A Question #9a
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................43%
No................................57
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 66% 34%
Republicans................... 3 97
Interviewing Date 9/21-26/39
Survey #170-A Question #10
If the war is still going on next year, and if President Roosevelt runs for a third term, would you vote for him?
Yes................................ 52%
No................................48
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 76% 24%
Republicans................... 10 90
OCTOBER 2 MILITARY TRAINING
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #9a
Should the Civilian Conservation Corps camps be permitted to give military training to the young men who request it?
Yes................................ 90%
No................................ 10
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 4
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 9/21-26/39
Survey #170-A Question #3a
Do you think Congress should change the Neutrality Law so that England and France could buy war supplies here?
Yes................................62%
No................................ 38
Strongly in favor.................. 41%
Mildly in favor..................... 21
Strongly opposed.................... 25
Mildly opposed...................... 13
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 56% 44%
Middle Atlantic............... 65 35
East Central.................. 57 43
West Central.................. 55 45
South........................ 77 23
West......................... 65 35
By Sex
Men.........................64% 36%
Women...................... 58 42
By Income
Upper........................ 59% 41%
Middle....................... 64 36
Lower...................... 62 38
By Age
21-29 Years.................. 56% 44%
30-49 Years.................. 64 36
50 Years and over............. 63 37
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 183
OCTOBER 6
WAR WITH GERMANY
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #6a
What should be the policy in the present European war? Should we declare war and send our army and navy abroad to fight Germany?
Yes................................ 5%
No................................ 95
By Nationality
Persons whose fathers were born in:
Yes No
United States................. 5% 95%
Russia....................... 3 97
Italy......................... 4 96
Germany..................... 3 97
Ireland....................... 4 96
Canada....................... 7 93
Austria....................... 7 93
England...................... 8 92
Poland....................... 11 89
Others....................... 4 96
OCTOBER 8
DEFENSE OF WESTERN HEMISPHERE
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #2
If Canada is actually invaded by any European power, do you think the United States should use its army and navy to aid Canada?
Yes................................73%
No................................ 27
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #3
If Cuba or any other country within 1,500 miles of the Panama Canal is actually invaded by any European power, do you think the United States should fight to keep the European country out?
Yes................................ 72%
No................................ 28
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #4
If Brazil, Chile, or any other South American country is actually invaded by any European power, do you think the United States should fight to keep that European country out?
Yes................................ 53%
No................................ 47
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 9
UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING
Interviewing Date 9/21-26/39
Survey #170-A Question #1a
Do you think every able-bodied young man 20 years old should be made to serve in the army or the navy for one year?
Yes................................ 39%
No................................ 61
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 11 NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #1a
Do you think Congress should change the Neutrality Law so that England and France or any other nations can buy war supplies here?
184 THE GALLUP POLL
Yes................................60%
No................................40
Among those voters who want to see the arms embargo lifted, the chief reason is economic — that such a step might help American business and reduce unemployment. The second reason is one of sympathy for England and France. Those voters who think the Neutrality Act should remain unchanged and the arms embargo kept in force argue principally that to lift the embargo would lead the United States into war.
OCTOBER 13
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #8a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Republican party for President in 1940?
Dewey............................. 39%
Vandenberg......................... 27
Taft................................ 17
Hoover............................. 5
Landon............................ 4
Borah.............................. 3
Lindbergh.......................... 1
Bricker............................. 1
Others............................. 3
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 16
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 9/13-18/39
Survey #169-A Question #lb, 2a
In what country was your father born? Do you think Congress should change the Neutrality Law so that England, France, or any other nation can buy war supplies here?
By Nationality
Persons whose fathers were born in:
Yes No
United States.................60% 40%
Great Britain.................. 68 32
Russia.......................67 33
Ireland....................... 61 39
Canada....................... 60 40
Italy......................... 55 35
Germany.....................45 55
Others....................... 58 42
OCTOBER 16
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #10b
Which party do you think will win the presidential election in 1940?
Democratic......................... 65%
Republican......................... 35
Twenty-seven per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Democratic Republican
New England........ 59% 41%
Middle Atlantic...... 63 37
East Central......... 61 39
West Central......... 58 42
South............... 81 19
West................ 73 27
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #10a
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Democratic.........................57%
Republican.........................43
Twenty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 185
OCTOBER 18
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #173-A Question #4a
Hitler says that the Polish question is settled and England and France have no reason to continue the war with Germany. Do you agree?
Yes................................ 14%
No................................ 86
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 20
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172 Question #5
If it appears that Germany is defeating England and France, should the United States declare war on Germany and send our army and navy to Europe to fight?
Yes................................ 29%
No................................ 71
OCTOBER 23
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #3
Which side do you want to see win the war?
Allies.............................. 84%
Germany........................... 2
No opinion, neutral.................. 14
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #5
What should be the policy of the United States in the present European war — Should we declare war on Germany and send our army and navy abroad to fight or should we not send our armed forces over' seas?
Should fight......................... 5%
Should not fight..................... 95
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #4a
Do you think the United States should do everything possible to help England and France win the war, except go to war ourselves?
Yes................................ 62%
No................................ 38
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-B Question #1
Do you think Congress should make changes in the Neutrality Law so that England and France or any other nation can buy war supplies, including arms and airplanes, in the United States?
Yes................................ 60%
No................................ 40
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 56% 44%
Middle Atlantic............... 59 41
East Central.................. 57 43
West Central.................. 60 40
South........................ 75 25
West......................... 68 42
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #4b
Do you think the United States should do everything possible to help England and France win the war, even at the risk of getting into the war ourselves?
Yes................................ 34%
No................................ 66
186 THE GALLUP POLL
OCTOBER 25
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 10/12-17/39
Survey #173-A Question #1
Do you think the United States will go into the war in Europe, or do you think we will stay out of the war?
Will go in..........................46%
Will stay out........................ 54
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion. By Region
Will Go In Will Stay Out
New England............ 50% 50%
Middle Atlantic.......... 41 59
East Central............. 45 55
West Central............. 49 51
South................... 50 50
West.................... 51 49
OCTOBER 26
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 10/5-10/39
Survey #172-A Question #9c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve..........................64.9%
Disapprove....................... 35.1
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 59% 41%
Middle Atlantic........ 65 35
East Central........... 61 39
West Central........... 63 37
South................. 76 24
West.................. 67 33
By Income
Upper................. 46% 54%
Middle................ 62 38
Lower................. 78 22
OCTOBER 29
NEUTRALITY
Special Survey
Do you think Congress should make changes in the Neutrality Law so that England and France or any other nation can buy war materials, including arms and airplanes, in the United States?
Yes................................ 58%
No................................42
OCTOBER 30
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Interviewing Date 10/12-17/39
Survey # 173-A Question #5a
Would you favor a conference of the leading nations of the world to try to end the present war and settle Europe's problems?
Yes................................ 69%
No................................ 31
Interviewing Date 10/12-17/39
Survey #173-A Question #5b
If such a conference is called, should the United States take part in it?
Yes................................ 50%
No................................ 50
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 52% 48%
Republicans................... 45 55
Others....................... 54 46
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 187
NOVEMBER 1
DIES COMMITTEE
Interviewing Date 10/20-25/39
Survey #174-A Question #13
Do you think Congress should provide money to continue the Dies Committee for another year?
Yes................................ 53%
No................................ 14
No opinion......................... 33
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Yes................................ 52%
No................................ 16
No opinion......................... 32
Republicans
Yes................................63%
No................................ 11
No opinion......................... 26
NOVEMBER 3
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #1a
Do you think Congress should make changes in the Neutrality Law so that England and France, or any other nations, can buy war materials, including arms and airplanes, in the United States?
Yes................................ 56%
No................................ 44
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-b Question #1a
Do you think Congress should repeal the existing arms embargo in the Neutrality Law so that nations at war can buy airplanes, arms, and munitions in the United States?
Yes................................ 56%
No................................ 44
Special Survey
Asked of persons listed in Who's Who in America: Do you think Congress should make changes in the Neutrality Law so that England and France, or any other nations can buy war materials, including arms and airplanes, in the United States?
Yes................................ 78%
No................................ 22
NOVEMBER 5
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 10/20-25/39
Survey #174-A Question #9a
Do you think President Roosevelt will run for a third term?
Yes................................ 57%
No................................43
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats....................72% 28%
Republicans................... 31 69
Interviewing Date 10/20-25/39
Survey #176-A Question #9b
Do you think President Roosevelt will be elected if he runs?
Yes................................ 56%
No................................ 44
NOVEMBER 6
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #8a
Asked of Democrats: Whom would you like to see elected President in 1940?
188 THE GALLUP POLL
Roosevelt...........................83%
Garner............................. 8
McNutt............................ 3
Hull............................... 3
Farley.............................. 1
Others............................. 2
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #8b
Asked of Democrats: If President Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see elected?
Garner.............................45%
McNutt..,......................... 18
Hull............................... 13
Farley.............................. 8
Murphy............................ 3
Smith.............................. 2
Barkley............................. 1
Ickes............................... 1
Clark.............................. 1
Others............................. 8
NOVEMBER 8
WORLD WAR I
Interviewing Date 10/20-25/39
Survey #174-A Question #3a
Do you think it was a mistake for the United States to enter the World War?
Yes................................68%
No................................32
NOVEMBER 10
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #8a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see elected President in 1940?
Dewey.............................39%
Vandenberg......................... 26
Taft................................ 18
Hoover.......................... 5
Landon............................ 3
Borah.............................. 3
Lindbergh.......................... 1
Lodge.............................. 1
Others............................. 4
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #8b
Asked of Republicans: If It came to a choice among Robert Taft, Thomas Dewey, and Arthur Vandenberg for President, which one would you prefer?
Dewey.............................44%
Vandenberg......................... 31
Taft................................ 25
NOVEMBER 12
ARMED FORCES
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #1a
Do you think the United States should increase the size of the army?
Yes................................86%
No................................ 14
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #2a
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: Would you be willing to pay more money in taxes to support a larger army?
Yes................................64%
No................................ 36
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171 - A Question #1b
Do you think the United States should increase the size of the navy?
Yes................................ 88%
No................................ 12
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 189
Interviewing Date 9/24-29/39
Survey #171A Question #2b
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: Would you be willing to pay more money in taxes to support a larger navy?
Yes................................ 67%
No................................ 33
Interviewing Date 9 /24-29/39
Survey #171-A Question #1c
Do you think the United States should increase the size of the air force?
Yes................................ 91%
No................................ 9
Interviewing Date 10/12-17/39
Survey #173-A Question #2c
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: Would you be willing to pay more money in taxes to support a larger air force?
Yes................................ 70%
No................................ 30
NOVEMBER 13
WAR DEBT
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #6
Would you be willing to have the United States trade the war debts which Great Britain owes us for some islands in the West Indies near the Panama Canal?
Yes................................ 66%
No................................ 34
NOVEMBER 15 ADOLF HITLER
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #3a
Do you think the people of Germany are in favor of Hitler?
Yes................................ 34%
No................................ 66
By Income
Yes No
Upper........................ 43% 57%
Middle....................... 34 66
Lower........................ 30 70
NOVEMBER 19
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 10/12-17/39
Survey #173-A Question #9
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Democratic......................... 54%
Republican......................... 46
Twenty per cent expressed no opinion.
190 THE GALLUP POLL
By Region
Democratic Republican
New England........ 44% 56%
Middle Atlantic...... 51 49
East Central......... 50 50
West Central......... 51 49
South............... 77 23
West................ 59 41
NOVEMBER 19
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked of a cross section of Democrats listed in Who's Who in America: Whom would you like to see elected President in 1940?
Roosevelt...........................60%
Hull............................... 15
Garner............................. 12
Murphy............................ 3
Wallace............................ 2
Others............................. 8
Asked of a cross section of Democrats listed in Who's Who in America: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see elected President in 1940?
Hull............................... 38%
Garner............................. 21
Wallace............................ 6
Murphy............................ 5
McNutt............................ 5
William Douglas.................... 4
Others............................. 21
Asked of a cross section of Republicans listed in Who's Who in America: Whom would you like to see elected President in 1940?
Vandenberg......................... 26%
Taft............................... 24
Hoover........................... 20
Dewey............................. 19
Borah.............................. 2
Others............................. 9
NOVEMBER 22
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-A Question #9c
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve..........................62.7%
Disapprove........................ 37.3
By Income
Approve Disapprove
Upper................. 43% 57%
Middle................ 60 40
Lower................. 76 24
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 191
NOVEMBER 26
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Special Survey
Asked of persons listed in Who's Who in America: Do you think President Roosevelt will run for a third term in 1940?
Will run............................ 54%
Will not run........................ 46
Asked of persons listed in Who's Who in America: Do you think President Roosevelt will be elected if he does run?
Will be elected......................45%
Will not be elected................... 55
NOVEMBER 29
THE COMMUNIST PARTY
Interviewing Date 11/10-15/39
Survey #176-A Question #6
Which of these statements (on card) best describes your opinion about the Communist party in the United States?
The Communist party in this country takes orders directly from Russia.....25%
The policies of the Communist party in the United States are decided on by Communists in this country in consultation with Russia................. 27
The policies of the American Communist party are decided entirely by Communists in the United States........ 9
Know nothing about the Communist party............................. 39
DECEMBER 3
WORLD WAR I
Interviewing Date 10/20-25/39
Survey #174-A Question #3b
Why do you think we entered the last war?
192 THE GALLUP POLL
America was the victim of propaganda and selfish interests................ 34%
America had a just cause.............26
America entered for its safety.........18
Other reasons....................... 8
No opinion......................... 14
DECEMBER 4
MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM
Interviewing Date 11/10-15/39
Survey #176-A Question #1
What do you think is the most important problem before the American people today?
Keeping out of war..................47%
Solving unemployment...............24
Recovery for business................ 6
Adjustment of labor problems......... 3
Threats to democratic institutions...... 3
Adequate relief...................... 3
Balancing the budget................. 2
Farm aid........................... 1
Old-age pensions.................... 1
Spiritual needs...................... 1
Others............................. 9
DECEMBER 6
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 12/1-5/39
Survey #178-A Question #5
If Thomas Dewey runs for President on the Republican ticket against Franklin Roosevelt running for a third term on the Democratic ticket, which would you prefer?
Roosevelt...........................54%
Dewey.............................46
By Political Affiliation
Roosevelt Dewey
Democrats............... 88% 12%
Republicans.............. 8 92
By Age
21-29 Years............. 57% 43%
30-49 Years............. 52 48
50 Years and over........ 48 52
By Income
Upper................... 33% 67%
Middle.................. 49 51
Lower................... 66 34
Reliefers................. 73 27
DECEMBER 8
WAR WITH GERMANY
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/39
Survey #175-B Question #2
Should the United States declare war on Germany and send her army and navy abroad to fight?
Yes................................ 4%
No................................96
DECEMBER 9
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 11/17-22/39
Survey #177-B Question #9
If England and France defeat Germany, should the peace treaty be more severe on Germany or less severe than the treaty at the end of the last war?
More severe......................... 58%
Less severe..........................36
About the same..................... 6
Seventeen per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 193
DECEMBER 13
PARTY BEST ABLE TO MAINTAIN PEACE
Interviewing Date 12/2-7/39
Survey #178-A Question #7
Which political party do you think is more likely to keep us out of war — the Republican or the Democratic?
Republican.........................21%
Democratic......................... 27
No difference....................... 52
By Political Affiliation
Republicans
Republican......................... 42%
Democratic......................... 3
No difference....................... 55
Democrats
Republican......................... 5%
Democratic......................... 48
No difference.......................47
DECEMBER 13
BRITISH CONDUCT OF THE WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain by the Gallup affiliate: Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Government's conduct of the war?
Satisfied............................ 61%
Dissatisfied......................... 18
War should be stopped, no opinion.....21
By Political Affiliation
Government Opposition
Voters Voters
Satisfied............. 74% 46%
Dissatisfied.......... 10 31
War should be stopped, no
opinion............ 16 23
194 THE GALLUP POLL
DECEMBER 18
DIES COMMITTEE
Interviewing Date 12/2-7/39
Survey #178-A Question #4a
Do you think Congress should provide money to continue the Dies Committee another year?
Should.............................75%
Should not.......................... 25
Interviewing Date 12/2-7/39
Survey #178-A Question #4b
What is your opinion regarding the Dies Committee?
Congress should appoint some other committee to do the work.......... 12%
Congress should provide money so the Dies Committee can continue for another year........................75
The investigations should be discontinued............................ 13
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 195
DECEMBER 24
TAXES FOR DEFENSE
Interviewing Date 12/2-7/39
Survey #178-A Question #2
If Congress decides to increase the army and navy, should this increase be paid for by extra taxes next year or by borrowing more money?
Extra taxes.......................... 58%
More borrowing.....................42
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion. The number of persons undecided was considerably higher (31%) in the lower income group than among higher income voters (19%).
By Political Affiliation
Taxes Borrowing
Democrats............... 55% 45%
Republicans.............. 61 39
By Income
Upper................... 66% 34%
Middle.................. 60 40
Lower (including reliefers). 48 52
Reliefers only............. 44 56
DECEMBER 24
GERMAN MUSIC AND LANGUAGE
Special Survey
Do you think orchestras and bands in this country should stop playing German music?
Yes................................ 9%
No................................ 91
Six percent expressed no opinion.
By Age
Yes No
21-29 Years.................. 4% 96%
30-49 Years.................. 8 92
50 Years and over............. 13 87
Do you think American colleges and high schools should stop teaching the German language?
Yes.............................. 12%
No................................ 88
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
By Age
Yes No
21-29 Years.................. 6% 94%
30-49 Years.................. 11 89
50 Years and over............. 18 82
DECEMBER 27
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S VOTER APPEAL
Interviewing Date 12/2-7/39
Survey #178-A Question #14c
In general, do you approve or disapprove today of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve.......................... 63.5%
Disapprove........................ 36.5
By Income
Approve Disapprove
Upper................. 42% 58%
Middle................ 61 39
Lower................. 76 24
DECEMBER 29
NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: In general do you approve or disapprove of Mr. Chamberlain as Prime Minister?
Approve............................ 71%
Disapprove......................... 29
196 THE GALLUP POLL
Asked in Great Britain: Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Government's conduct of the war?
Satisfied............................ 61%
Dissatisfied......................... 18
"Just stop the war".................. 11
No opinion......................... 10
DECEMBER 31
MOST INTERESTING NEWS EVENTS
Interviewing Date 12/2-7/39
Survey #178 Question #10
Which two of these news events of 1939 interested you most? (on card)
The following are listed according to frequency of mention:
England and France declare war on Germany.
Special session of Congress lifts arms embargo.
Attempt on Hitler's life in Munich
bombing.
Scuttling of the Graf Spee.
German "blitzkrieg" in
Poland.
Visit of the King and Queen of England.
Russia's invasion of Finland.
Germany seizes Bohemia and Moravia.
Roosevelt's Thanksgiving proclamation.
Russo-German treaty of friendship.
By Sex
Men-
England and France declare war on Germany.
Special session of Congress lifts arms embargo.
Attempt on Hitler's life in Munich bombing.
German "blitzkrieg" in Poland.
Russia's invasion of Finland.
Scuttling of the Graf Spee.
Germany seizes Bohemia and Moravia.
Russo-German treaty of friendship.
Dies Committee hearings.
Yankees win fourth straight World's Series.
Women
England and France declare war on Germany.
Special session of Congress lifts arms embargo.
Scuttling of the Graf Spee.
Visit of the King and Queen of England.
Attempt on Hitler's life in Munich
bombing.
German "blitzkrieg" in
Poland.
Russia's invasion of Finland.
Roosevelt's Thanksgiving proclamation.
Germany seizes Bohemia and Moravia.
Sinking of submarines Squalus and Phoenix.
DECEMBER 31
RUSSO-FINNISH WAR
Interviewing Date 12/14-19/39
Survey #179 Question #4a
In the present crisis, are your sympathies with Finland or Russia?
Finland............................88%
Russia............................. 1
Neutral, no opinion.................. 11
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE 197