1940
JANUARY 3
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey # 180-A Question #11a
Asked of Democrats: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Democratic party for President in 1940?
Roosevelt........................... 78%
Garner............................. 13
McNutt............................ 4
Hull............................... 2
Murphy............................ 1
Farley.............................. 1
Others............................. 1
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #11b
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see nominated?
Garner............................. 58%
McNutt... ............... 17
Hull............................... 8
Parley.............................. 5
Others................. 12
Fifty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
JANUARY 5
DIES COMMITTEE
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #3a
Question #3a
Have you heard or read about the Dies Committee?
Yes.....74%
No ....... 26
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #3b
Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: Which of the following do you consider more important for the Dies Committee to investigate — Communist activities in this country, or Nazi activities in this country?
Communist activities................. 70%
Nazi activities....................... 30
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
JANUARY 7
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 11/17-22/39
Survey #177-A Question #9c
Asked of Republicans: Whom would youlike to see the Republican party nominatefor President this year?
Dewey............................. 60%
Vandenberg........................16
Taft................................ 11
Hoover............................. 5
James..............................1
Lodge.............................. 1
Bricker............................. 1
Borah.......................... 1
Landon............................ 1
Others.............................3
Thirty-seven per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 199
By Age
Naming Dewey
21-29 Years........................72%
30-49 Years........................ 61
50 Years and over................... 53
JANUARY 12
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #13c
In general, do you approve or disapprove today of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve.......................... 63.5%
Disapprove........................ 36.5
Interviewing Date 12/15-20/39
Survey #179-A Question #11
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term will you vote for him?
Yes................................46%
No................................ 54
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 79% 21%
Republicans.......7 93
JANUARY 12
VIEWS OF LEADING AMERICAN WRITERS
Special Survey
Asked of American writers by the Gallup Poll in collaboration with The Saturday Review of Literature.
Do you think the United States will go into war in Europe or do you think we will stay out of the war?
200 THE GALLUP POLL
Go in..............................31%
Stay out............................69
Twenty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
Do you think the United States should declare war on Germany and send our army and navy abroad to fight?
Yes................................ 6%
No..............................94
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
What party would you like to see win the presidential election in 1940?
Democratic.........................70%
Republican.........................30
Twenty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
In general do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 69%
Disapprove.........................31
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 53%
No................................47
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Do you think Congress should provide money to continue the Dies Committee another year?
Yes................................43%
No................................ 57
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
Do you think the Wagner Labor Act should be revised, repealed, or left unchanged?
Revised............................57%
Repealed.......................9
Left unchanged......................34
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Which country or countries do you considerresponsible for the present war?
Germany........................... 54%
England and France................. 3
Both sides.......................... 19
All countries........................ 8
Versailles Treaty..................... 5
Others............................. 8
No opinion......................... 3
About how long do you think the war in Europe will last?
Less than one year................... 10%
One year........................... 13
Two years.......................... 31
Three years......................... 12
Four years.......................... 6
Five years or more................... 28
Fifty-one per cent expressed no opinion.
Which side do you think will win?
England and France.................59%
Germany........................... 1
An agreement will be reached......... 14
Russia............................. 5
Qualified answers.................... 4
No opinion......................... 17
Whom would you like to see elected President in 1940?
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Roosevelt........................... 74%
Hull............................... 8
Byrd............................... 5
Murphy............................ 5
Douglas............................ 2
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 201
Lehman............................ 2
Wheeler............................ 1
Eleanor Roosevelt................... 1
Wallace............................ 1
McNutt............................ 1
Twenty-seven per cent expressed no opinion.
Republicans
Dewey............................. 50%
Vandenberg......................... 20
Hoover............................. 14
Taft................................ 10
J.P. Morgan........................ 3
Stone.............................. 3
Thirty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
Third Parties
Thomas............................40%
La Guardia......................... 20
Others............................. 40
Forty-eight per cent expressed no opinion.
For which presidential candidate did you vote in 1936?
Roosevelt........................... 66%
Landon............................25
Lemke............................. 1
Thomas............................ 6
Browder............................ 2
Fourteen per cent did not vote.
JANUARY 14 PARTY AFFILIATION
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #2
In politics do you consider yourself a Democrat, Independent, Socialist, or Republican?
Democrat...........................42%
Republican......................... 38
Independent.........................
Socialist, other......................
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region New England
Democrat...........................27%
Republican......................... 43
Independent........................ 28
Socialist, other......................2
Middle Atlantic
Democrat........................... 39%
Republican......................... 41
Independent........................ 19
Socialist, other...................... 1
East Central
Democrat........................... 38%
Republican.........................42
Independent........................ 20
Socialist, other...................... *
West Central
Democrat........................... 38%
Republican......................... 42
Independent........................ 19
Socialist, other...................... 1
South
Democrat........................... 70%
Republican........................ 20
Independent........................ 10
Socialist, other...................... *
West
Democrat........................... 45%
Republican......................... 34
Independent........................ 20
Socialist, other...................... 1
*Less than 1%.
202 THE GALLUP POLL
By Occupation
Professional
Democrat........................... 29%
Republican.........................44
Independent........................25
Socialist, other...................... 2
Businessmen
Democrat........................... 29%
Republican......................... 48
Independent........................ 22
Socialist, other...................... 1
Skilled
Democrat........................... 44%
Republican......................... 36
Independent........................ 19
Socialist, other...................... 1
Semiskilled
Democrat.......... .................47%
Republican......................... 33
Independent........................ 18
Socialist, other...................... 2
White Collar
Democrat...........................40%
Republican......................... 36
Independent........................22
Socialist, other...................... 2
Farmers
Democrat...........................49%
Republican.........................38
Independent........................ 12
Socialist, other...................... 1
Farmers Outside South Only
Democrat........................... 40%
Republican.........................45
Independent........................ 14
Socialist, other...................... 1
JANUARY 19 PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #12
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Democratic.........................54%
Republican.........................46
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 203
JANUARY 22
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 12/24-29/39
Survey #180-A Question #12
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Middle Atlantic States Only
Democratic......................... 52%
Republican.........................48
East Central States Only
Democratic......................... 48%
Republican......................... 52
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
JANUARY 26
LENGTH OF WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: For how long do you think the war will continue?
One year or less..................... 30%
One to two years.................... 25
Three years or more................. 30
No opinion......................... 15
204 THE GALLUP POLL
JANUARY 26
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S POPULARITY
Interviewing Date 1/13-18/40
Survey #181-K Question #11c
In general, do you approve or disapprove today of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve..........................63.5%
Disapprove........................ 36.5
JANUARY 28 WORLD PEACE
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/40
Survey #181-K Question #2a
Have you given any thought to what should be done to maintain world peace after the present European war is over?
Yes................................ 34%
No................................ 66
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/40
Survey #181-K Question #2b
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: In your opinion, what should be done?
The following are listed according to frequency of mention:
Some sort of international organization in which the member nations would surrender a few of their claims to national sovereignty.
Some kind of political, economic or moral reform within nations themselves or among all nations.
Complete disarmament.
A new attempt to create a World Court.
JANUARY 29
THE DRAFT
Interviewing Date 1/12-17/40
Survey #181-K Question #3
Should the Constitution be changed to require a national vote before Congress could draft men for service overseas?
Yes................................60%
No................................40
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England.................60% 40%
Middle Atlantic............... 60 40
East Central.................. 62 38
West Central................63 37
South........................ 50 50
West......................... 59 41
JANUARY 31
GREAT BRITAIN
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: If you had the choice between Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Churchill, which would you have as Prime Minister?
Chamberlain........................ 52%
Churchill........................... 30
No opinion......................... 18
Are you in favor of the blackout being made less strict?
Yes................................ 75%
No................................ 23
No opinion......................... 2
Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: Would you still be in favor of making the blackout less strict if it increased the risk of an air attack?
Yes................................ 37%
No................................50
No opinion......................... 13
Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Government's conduct of the war?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 205
Satisfied............................ 61%
Dissatisfied.....................18
Stop the war........................ 11
No opinion......................... 10
For how long do you think the war will continue?
One year or less...................... 30%
One to two years.................... 25
Three years or more................. 30
No opinion......................... 15
FEBRUARY 2
POLITICS
Interviewing Date 12/15-20/39
Survey #179-A Question #11
Asked of labor union members: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 59%
No................................ 41
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
Would you like to see the Royal Air Force bomb enemy military objectives, even if it means that the Germans would bomb England in return?
Yes................................ 52%
No................................41
No opinion......................... 7
Do you think the Government's decision to compel parents to pay something for the upkeep of evacuated children is fair or unfair?
Fair................................ 76%
Unfair............................. 18
No opinion......................... 6
Should the evacuation of children be compulsory?
Yes................................43%
No................................ 46
No opinion......................... 11
Do you think the Government's food rationing scheme is necessary or unnecessary?
Necessary........... ................60%
Unnecessary........................ 28
No opinion......................... 12
Interviewing Date 1/22-27/40
Survey #182-T Question #8
Asked of labor union members: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Democratic......................... 66%
Republican......................... 34
Eighteen per cent expressed no opinion.
206 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 1/21-26/40
Survey #182-K Question #3b
Asked of those who had an understanding of the term: Do you think Congress should give Secretary Hull the power to make more such treaties?
Yes................................ 57%
No................................43
Approximately 50% had no opinion.
FEBRUARY 5
POLITICS
Interviewing Date 12/22-27/39
Survey #182-T Question #8
Asked of Negro voters: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election in November?
Democratic.........................66%
Republican......................... 34
Interviewing Date 12/22-27/39
Survey #182-T Question #9
Asked of Negro voters: In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 82%
Disapprove......................... 18
FEBRUARY 7
FINLAND
Interviewing Date 1/21-26/40
Survey #182-K Question #2a
Some members of Congress favor our Government lending Finland money to buy farm products and other non-military supplies in this country. Others say this might get us into war. Do you think the Government should lend money to Finland?
Yes................................ 58%
No................................42
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 1/21-26/40
Survey #182-K Question #2b
Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: Would you favor the United States lending money to Finland for airplanes, arms, and other war materials?
Yes................................ 39%
No................................61
FEBRUARY 9
BRITISH AID TO FINLAND
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: Do you approve or disapprove of Britain sending arms to help Finland?
Approve............................74%
Disapprove......................... 18
No opinion......................... 8
Would you approve or disapprove of sending British troops to help Finland?
Approve............................ 33%
Disapprove......................... 50
No opinion......................... 17
FEBRUARY 11 REPUBLICAN PARTY
Interviewing Date 1/21-26/40
Survey #182-K Question #10a
Asked of Republicans: Would you like to see the Republican party be more liberal or more conservative than it was in the 1936 presidential campaign?
More liberal........................59%
More conservative................... 17
About the same.....................24
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 207
Interviewing Date 1/21-26/40
Survey #182-K Question #10b
Asked of Republicans: Do you think the Republican party has a better chance or a worse chance of winning this year's election if it nominates a liberal candidate and adopts a liberal program?
Better chance.......................77%
Worse chance....................... 10
No difference................... 13
FEBRUARY 12
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 2/1-6/40
Survey #183-K Question #9a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see the Republican party nominate for President this year?
Dewey............................. 56%
Vandenberg......................... 17
Taft................................ 17
Hoover............................. 3
Others............................. 7
Thirty-six per cent expressed no opinion.
FEBRUARY 14
JAPAN
Interviewing Date 1/22-27/40
Survey #182-T Question #4
Do you think our Government should forbid the sale of arms, airplanes, gasoline, and other war materials to Japan?
Yes................................ 75%
No................................ 25
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
FEBRUARY 16
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 2/2-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #1a
Do you think the United States will go into the war in Europe, or do you think we will stay out of the war?
Go into war........................ 32%
Stay out............................ 68
Interviewing Date 2/2-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #1b
Asked of those who responded that we will stay out: Why do you think the United States will stay out of the European war?
The following are the three chief reasons:
The people are overwhelmingly against war and would not stand for American participation.
The United States learned its lesson in the last war.
The nation would have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
FEBRUARY 18
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question #10a
Asked of Democrats: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Democratic party for President this year?
Roosevelt........................... 78%
Garner............................. 10
Hull............................... 6
McNutt............................. 2
Wheeler............................ 1
Farley.............................. 1
Others............................. 2
Twenty per cent expressed no opinion.
208 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question #10b
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see nominated?
Garner............................. 40%
Hull............................... 25
McNutt......................... 11
Farley.............................. 8
Wheeler............................ 4
La Guardia......................... 3
Jackson............................ 1
Murphy............................ 1
Others............................. 7
Fifty per cent expressed no opinion.
By Income
Upper
Hull............................... 34%
Garner............................. 30
McNutt............................ 12
Wheeler............................ 8
Farley.............................. 5
La Guardia......................... 2
Jackson............................ 1
Others............................. 8
Middle
Garner............................. 37%
Hull............................... 29
McNutt............................ 11
Farley.............................. 7
Wheeler............................ 4
La Guardia......................... 3
Jackson............................ 1
Others............................. 8
Lower
Garner............................. 48%
Hull............................... 17
McNutt............................. 10
Farley.............................. 10
Wheeler............................ 4
La Guardia......................... 3
Jackson............................ 2
Others............................. 6
FEBRUARY 19
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 2/2-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #9a
Do you think President Roosevelt will run for a third term?
Yes................................ 52%
No................................48
Eighteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 57% 43%
Republicans................... 47 53
40%
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 209
Interviewing Date 2/2-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #9b
Do you think President Roosevelt will be reelected if he runs for a third term?
Yes................................ 60%
No.................................40
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 80% 20%
Republicans................... 33 67
FEBRUARY 19
FEDERAL BUDGET
Interviewing Date 212-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #8a
President Roosevelt proposes an increase of 28% (about one-fourth) in spending for national defense. Do you approve or disapprove of this increase?
Approve............................ 79%
Disapprove......................... 21
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 85% 15%
Republicans............ 72 28
By Income
Upper................. 75% 25%
Middle................ 78 22
Lower................. 83 17
210 THE GALLUP POLL
FEBRUARY 21
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 2/2-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #6
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................................23%
No................................ 77
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
FEBRUARY 23 THE BUDGET
Interviewing Date 2/2-7/40
Survey #183-K Question #3b
Which political party do you think is more likely to balance the Federal Government's budget in the next four years—the Republican or the Democratic?
Republican.........................42%
Democratic.........................23
Neither............................. 35
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation Democrats
Republican......................... 15%
Democratic.........................41
Neither.............................44
Republicans
Republican.........................75%
Democratic........................ 4
Neither............................. 21
MARCH 1
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S POPULARITY
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question 12d
In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 64%
Disapprove......................... 36
MARCH 3 PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question #11
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 211
Democratic.........................55%
Republican.........................45
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Income
Democratic Republican
Upper............... 36% 64%
Middle.............. 51 49
Lower............... 69 31
By Region
New England........ 45% 55%
Middle Atlantic...... 53 47
East Central......... 49 51
West Central......... 51 49
South............... 75 25
West................ 59 41
MARCH 4 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question #3
If looked as though England and France would lose the war unless we loaned them money to buy war supplies here, would you favor or oppose lending them money?
Favor.............................. 55%
Oppose.............................45
MARCH 10
PEACE IN EUROPE
Interviewing Date 2/22-27/40
Survey #185-K Question #6a
If Hitler offers to make peace this spring, do you think England and France should meet with the Germans and try to end the war?
Yes................................ 75%
No................................ 25
Interviewing Date 2/22-27/40
Survey #185-K Question #5a
Do you think now is the right time for the leading nations of the world to have a conference to try to settle Europe's problems and end the war between Germany and England and France?
Yes................................ 58%
No................................ 42
Interviewing Date 2/22-27/40
Survey #185-K Question #5b
If such a conference is held, should the United States take part in it?
Yes................................ 55%
No................................ 45
212 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 2/22-27/40
Survey #185-K Question #6b
If peace could be reached by letting Germany keep Czechoslovakia, would you favor this?
Yes................................ 38%
No................................ 62
Interviewing Date 2/22-27/40
Survey #185-T Question #6b
If peace could be reached by letting Germany keep Poland, would you favor this?
Yes................................ 30%
No................................70
Approximately 9% had no opinion on the above questions.
MARCH 11
FINLAND
Interviewing Date 2/8-13/40
Survey #184-K Question #4
Would you approve or disapprove of letting Finland raise money for her war against Russia by selling bonds to Americans?
Approve............................73%
Disapprove.........................27
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 72% 28%
Republicans........... 75 25
MARCH 13 THIRD TERM
Interviewing Date 12/15-20/39
Survey #179-A Question #11
If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 47%
No................................ 53
MARCH 13
BRITISH AID FOR SWEDEN
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: If Sweden is attacked by Russia, would you approve or disapprove of Britain's sending arms and war materials to help her?
Approve............................ 51%
Disapprove......................... 31
No opinion......................... 18
Would you favor sending troops to help Sweden if Russia attacks her?
Yes..........................33%
No................................47
No opinion......................... 20
MARCH 15
PARTY STRENGTH
Special Survey
Asked in New York State: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Democratic......................... 53%
Republican.........................47
New York City Only
Democratic......................... 69%
Republican......................... 31
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 213
MARCH 18
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 2/22-27/40
Survey #185-K Question #1
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Mrs. Roosevelt has conducted herself as First Lady?
Approve............................ 68%
Disapprove......................... 32
By Income
Approve Disapprove
Upper................. 56% 44%
Middle................ 68 32
Lower................. 75 25
MARCH 20
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Pennsylvania: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Democratic......................... 51%
Republican.........................49
Asked in Pennsylvania: If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 49%
No................................ 51
MARCH 22
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in California: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Democratic......................... 58%
Republican......................... 42
214 THE GALLUP POLL
Asked in California: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 51%
No................................49
MARCH 24
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Special Survey
Asked of Midwestern Republicans: If it came to a choice between Thomas Dewey and Arthur Vandenberg for the Republican presidential nomination, which one would you prefer?
Dewey............................. 45%
Vandenberg......................... 33
No opinion.........................22
MARCH 25
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Special Survey
Asked of lawyers listed in standard legal directories: If President Roosevelt runs for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 29%
No................................71
MARCH 27
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in New Jersey: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Republican.........................53%
Democratic.........................47
Asked in New Jersey: If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you cote for him?
Yes................................46%
No................................ 54
MARCH 29
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Massachusetts: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Republican.........................54%
Democratic.........................46
Asked in Massachusetts: If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes.............................45%
No................................55
MARCH 31
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 3/8-13/40
Survey #186-K Question #6a
Which side do you want to see win the present war—England and France or Germany?
England and France.................. 84%
Germany........................... 1
No opinion......................... 15
APRIL 1 POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Iowa: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 215
Republican......................... 54%
Democratic.........................46
Asked in Iowa: If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................40%
No................................60
Asked in Iowa: In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................ 58%
Disapprove.........................42
APRIL 3
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Michigan: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Republican......................... 54%
Democratic......................... 46
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, wilt you vote for him?
Yes................................ 40%
No................................ 60
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
APRIL 5
POLITICS
Special Survey
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Texas Only
Democratic......................... 93%
Republican......................... 7
Oklahoma Only
Democratic......................... 68%
Republican.........................32
If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Texas Only
Yes................................ 73%
No................................ 27
Oklahoma Only
Yes................................ 49%
No................................ 51
216 THE GALLUP POLL
APRIL 8
POLITICS
Special Survey
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Oregon Only
Democratic......................... 55%
Republican.........................45
Washington Only
Democratic.........................57%
Republican.........................43
If President Roosevelt is a candidate far a third term, will you vote for him?
Oregon Only
Yes................................47%
No................................53
Washington Only
Yes...............................50%
No................................ 50
APRIL 10
POLITICS
Special Survey
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Maryland Only
Democratic.........................62%
Republican......................... 38
West Virginia Only
Democratic.........................57%
Republican.........................43
Delaware Only
Democratic......................... 54%
Republican...............46
If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Maryland Only
Yes................................ 52%
No................................48
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 217
West Virginia Only
Yes................................ 51%
No................................ 49
Delaware Only
Yes................................ 49%
No................................ 51
APRIL 12
POLITICS
Special Survey
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Ohio Only
Republican......................... 51%
Democratic......................... 49
Indiana Only
Democratic......................... 52%
Republican.........................48
If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Ohio Only
Yes................................ 42%
No................................ 58
Indiana Only
Yes................................ 42%
No................................ 58
APRIL 14
POLITICS
Special Survey
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Virginia Only
Democratic......................... 72%
Republican......................... 28
Kentucky Only
Democratic.........................60%
Republican........................ 40
President Roosevelt Is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Virginia Only
Yes................................ 59%
No................................41
Kentucky Only
Yes................................ 51%
No................................ 49
APRIL 15
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 3/27-4/1/40
Survey #188-K Question #5b
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Senator Vandenberg on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Roosevelt........................... 53%
Vandenberg......................... 47
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Roosevelt Vandenberg
New England........ 52% 48%
Middle Atlantic...... 52 48
East Central......... 46 54
West Central......... 49 51
South............... 71 29
West................ 59 41
Interviewing Date 3/27-4/1/40
Survey #188-K. Question #5a
If Cordell Hull runs for President on the Democratic ticket against Senator Vandenberg on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
218 THE GALLUP POLL
Hull...............................58%
Vandenberg.........................42
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Hull Vandenberg
New England........ 59% 41%
Middle Atlantic...... 59 41
East Central......... 51 49
West Central......... 49 51
South............... 79 21
West................ 58 42
APRIL 15
BRITISH POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: If Mr. Chamberlain were to retire, whom would you like to see succeed him as Prime Minister?
Eden............................... 28%
Churchill........................... 25
Halifax............................. 7
Attlee.............................. 6
Others.............................23
No opinion......................... 11
APRIL 17 POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Kansas: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Republican.........................56%
Democratic.........................44
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 37%
No................................ 63
APRIL 19
PARTY STRENGTH
Special Survey
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Wisconsin Only
Republican......................... 55%
Democratic,........................45
Illinois Only
Republican.......................55%
Democratic.........................45
Nebraska Only
Republican......................... 51%
Democratic.........................49
APRIL 21
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 4/11-16/40
Survey #190-T Question #5
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
The Democrats are out in front as the campaign gets under way, the state-by-state tabulations show. If the election were today the indications are that the Democratic party would lead in 31 of the 48 states, capturing about 317 out of a total of 531 electoral votes. But the Democratic lead in several states is so slim — notably in New York and Minnesota — that a shift of only 1% would completely alter the picture and throw a majority of electoral votes to the GOP.
APRIL 24
PARTY BEST ABLE TO KEEP PEACE
Interviewing Date 4/5-10/40
Survey #189-K Question #1a
Which political party do you think is more likely to keep us out of war — the Republican or the Democratic?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 219
Democratic.......... ............ 35%
Republican......................... 33
No difference....................... 32
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Democratic......................... 62%
Republican......................... 6
No difference........................ 32
Republicans
Democratic......................... 5%
Republican......................... 65
No difference........................ 30
APRIL 26
NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: In general, do you approve or disapprove of Mr. Chamberlain as Prime Minister?
Approve............................ 61%
Disapprove.......................... 39
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
APRIL 28
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 3/28-4/3/40
Survey #188-T Question #1b
Should we declare war on Germany and send our armed forces abroad to fight?
Yes................................ 4%
No................................ 96
Interviewing Date 4/11-16/40
Survey #190-K Question #1c
Should the United States loan money to Norway to buy war supplies in the United States?
Yes................................ 43%
No................................ 57
Interviewing Date 4/11-16/40
Survey #190-K Question #1a
Do you think Germany was justified in marching into Denmark and Norway?
Yes................................ 7%
No................................ 93
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
220 THE GALLUP POLL
MAY 2
POLITICS
Special Survey
Asked in Minnesota: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Democratic......................... 51%
Republican.........................49
Asked in Minnesota: If President Roosevelt is a candidate for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................42%
No................................ 58
Asked in Minnesota: In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?
Approve............................65%
Disapprove......................... 35
MAY 5
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 4/19-24/40
Survey #191-K Question #8a
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Senator Robert Taft on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Roosevelt...........................58%
Taft................................42
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Roosevelt Taft
New England............. 56% 44%
Middle Atlantic........... 56 44
East Central.............. 51 49
West Central.............. 57 43
South.................. 72 28
West..................... 64 36
Roosevelt Supporters in 1936 Only
Roosevelt........................... 84%
Taft................................ 16
Landon Supporters in 1936 Only
Roosevelt........................... 8%
Taft................................ 92
Interviewing Date 4/19-24/40
Survey #191-K Question #8b
If Cordell Hull runs on the Democratic ticket against Senator Robert Taft on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Hull............................... 63%
Taft............................... 37
Twenty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Hull Taft
New England................. 61% 39%
Middle Atlantic.............61 39
East Central.................. 54 46
West Central.................. 62 38
South........................ 81 19
West......................... 66 34
Roosevelt Supporters in 1936 Only
Hull............................... 84%
Taft................................ 16
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 221
Landon Supporters in 1936 Only
Hull............................... 21%
Taft................................ 79
Interviewing Date 4/19-24/40
Survey #191-K Question #8c
If John Gamer runs on the Democratic ticket against Senator Robert Taft on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Garner............................. 51%
Taft................................ 49
Eighteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Roosevelt Supporters in 1936 Only
Garner............................. 74%
Taft................................ 26
Landon Supporters in 1936 Only
Garner............................. 11%
Taft................................ 89
MAY 6
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 4/19-24/40
Survey #191-K Question #9
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election?
Democratic......................... 54%
Republican.........................46
MAY 8
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 4/25-30/40
Survey #192-K. Question #1a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see the Republican party nominate for President this year?
Dewey............................. 67%
Vandenberg......................... 14
Taft................................ 12
Willkie............................. 3
Hoover............................. 2
Others............................. 2
Twenty-eight per cent expressed no opinion.
MAY 10 NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 4/19-24/40
Survey #191-K Question #7
If you were voting for President, which type of candidate (on card) do you think you would be more likely to vote for: (A) A candidate who promises to keep us out of war and refuses to give any more help to England and France than we are now giving them, even if they are being defeated by Germany; or (B) A candidate who promises to keep us out of war, but who is willing to give England and France all the help they want, except sending our army and navy.
Refuses help........................ 34%
Aid except troops.................... 66
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Refuses Aid Except
Help Troops
Democrats........... 32% 68%
Republicans.......... 36 64
By Income
Upper............... 28% 72%
Middle.............. 34 66
Lower............... 37 63
MAY 12
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #7a
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Thomas
222 THE GALLUP POLL
Dewey on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Roosevelt........................... 52%
Dewey............................. 48
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Income
Roosevelt Dewey
Upper................. 31% 69%
Middle................ 48 52
Lower (including
reliefers)............. 66 34
Reliefers............... 74 26
Roosevelt Voters in 1936
Roosevelt........................... 79%
Dewey............................. 21
Landon Voters in 1936
Roosevelt........................... 5%
Dewey............................. 95
By Region
Roosevelt Dewey
New England.......... 46% 54%
Middle Atlantic........ 53 47
East Central........... 46 54
West Central........... 48 52
South................. 71 29
West.................. 55 45
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #4c
If Cordell Hull runs for President on the Democratic ticket against Thomas Dewey on the Republican ticket, which one would you prefer?
Hull............................... 51%
Dewey.............................49
Fifteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Income
Hull Dewey
Upper................. 40% 60%
Middle................ 49 51
Lower (including reliefers)............. 59 41
Reliefers............... 65 35
Roosevelt Voters in 1936
Hull............................... 75%
Dewey............................. 25
Landon Voters in 1936
Hull............................... 12%
Dewey............................. 88
By Region
Hull Dewey
New England.......... 43% 57%
Middle Atlantic........ 49 51
East Central........... 46 54
West Central........... 49 51
South................. 75 25
West.................. 50 50
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 223
MAY 15
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #3b
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for President?
Hull............................... 47%
Garner............................. 21
Farley.............................. 16
McNutt............................ 6
Wheeler............................ 4
Jackson............................ 1
La Guardia........................1
Others............................. 4
Forty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
MAY 17
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #3a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Republican party for President this year?
Dewey............................. 62%
Taft................................ 14
Vandenberg......................... 13
Willkie............................. 5
Hoover............................. 2
Others............................. 4
Twenty-six per cent expressed no opinion. MAY 19
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #2a
The war between England and France and Germany has been going on for eight
months. Which side do you think is ahead so far?
Germany........................... 67%
England and France................. 8
Even............................... 13
No opinion......................... 12
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #2b
Which side do you think will win the war?
Allies.............................. 55%
Germany........................... 17
No opinion......................... 28
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #la
Do you think the United States will go into the war in Europe?
Yes................................ 51%
No................................ 49
MAY 20
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 5/5-10/40
Survey #193-K Question #3a
If Thomas Dewey runs for President on the Republican ticket against James Farley on the Democratic Ticket, which one would you prefer?
Dewey............................. 58%
Farley.............................. 42
Fifteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Dewey Farley
New England........ 62% 38%
Middle Atlantic...... 61 39
East Central......... 64 36
West Central......... 62 38
South............... 32 68
West................ 60 40
224 THE GALLUP POLL
MAY 22
ARMED FORCES
Interviewing Date 5/16-21/40
Survey #194-K Question #la
Do you think the United States should increase the size of its armed forces?
Yes................................90%
No................................ 10
MAY 24
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/16-21/40
Survey #194-K Question #6
If England and France are unable to pay cash for airplanes they buy in this country, do you think we should sell them planes on credit supplied by our Government?
Yes................................ 51%
No................................49
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
MAY 26
ARMED FORCES
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #2a
Congress has set aside two billion dollars for the army, navy, and air forces for the next 12 months. President Roosevelt has now asked Congress to increase this by another one billion dollars. Do you approve or disapprove of this increase?
Approve............................ 86%
Disapprove......................... 14
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 93% 7%
Republicans............ 83 17
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #2b
Would you be willing to pay a special tax to cover this increased expenditure?
Yes................................76%
No................................24
By Income
Yes No
Upper........................ 80% 20%
Middle....................... 76 24
Lower........................ 74 26
MAY 27
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Interviewing Date 4/19-24/40
Survey #191-K Question #6a
Which possible presidential candidate (on card) do you think would handle this country's foreign affairs the best?
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Roosevelt........................... 62%
Hull............................... 24
Garner............................. 3
Hoover............................. 3
Others............................. 8
Republicans
Hoover............................. 22%
Dewey............................. 21
Hull............................... 21
Vandenberg......................... 10
Roosevelt........................... 10
Taft................................ 9
Others............................. 7
Approximately one person in seven was undecided or without an opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 225
MAY 29
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #5
Do you think the United States should declare war on Germany and send our army and navy abroad to fight?
Yes................................ 7%
No................................ 93
MAY 31
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #12a
Asked of Republicans; Whom would you like to see elected President this year?
Dewey............................. 56%
Taft................................ 16
Vandenberg......................... 12
Willkie............................. 10
Hoover............................. 2
Others............................. 4
Thirty-two per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 2
NATIONAL DEFENSE
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #2
Do you think our country's army, navy, and air forces are strong enough so that the United States is safe from attack by any foreign nation?
Yes................................ 15%
No................................ 85
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 5/16-21/40
Survey #194-K Question #1d
Should the United States require every able-bodied young man 20 years old to serve in the army, navy, or the air forces for one year?
Yes................................ 50%
No................................ 50
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
By Age
Yes No
21-29 Years.................. 44% 56%
30-49 Years.................. 49 51
50 Years and over............. 55 45
21-29 Years (men only)........41 59
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #1
Do you think that the C.C.C. camps should give military training to every young man in the C.C.C.?
Yes................................ 85%
No................................ 15
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 4/11-16/40
Survey #190-K Question #1d
If Germany should defeat England and France in the present war, do you think Germany would start a war against the United States sooner or later?
Yes................................ 65%
No................................ 35
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 64% 36%
Middle Atlantic............... 64 36
East Central.................. 61 39
226 THE GALLUP POLL
West Central..................61 39
South........................ 82 18
West......................... 62 38
JUNE 5
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #16
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term, will you vote for him?
Yes................................ 57%
No................................43
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 91% 9%
Republicans................... 8 92
By Income
Yes No
Upper........................ 37% 63%
Middle....................... 54 46
Lower........................ 70 30
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #4
Do you think Roosevelt has done a good job or a poor job in dealing with the war crisis in Europe?
Good job...........................79%
Fair job............................ 7
Poor job............................ 14
By Political Affiliation Democrats
Good job........................... 91%
Fair job............................ 4
Poor job............................ 5
Republicans
Good job........................... 60%
Fair job............................ 12
Poor job............................ 28
JUNE 7
DEFENSE OF PANAMA CANAL
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K Question #9
If Germany defeats the Allies, should the United States fight if necessary to keep Germany out of the British, French, and Dutch possessions located in the area of the Panama Canal?
Yes................................ 84%
No................................ 16
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 82% 18%
Middle Atlantic............... 82 18
East Central.................. 83 17
West Central.................. 84 16
South........................ 90 10
West......................... 90 10
JUNE 9
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K Question #5a
Asked of men under age 45: If the United States is attacked, would you personally volunteer to fight?
Yes................................ 86%
No................................ 7
No opinion......................... 7
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K Question #5b
If Canada is invaded and the United States goes to her aid, would you personally volunteer to fight?
Yes................................63%
No................................ 24
No opinion......................... 13
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 227
JUNE 10
ALIEN REGISTRATION
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K Question #4
Should all people who are not United States citizens be required to register with the Government?
Yes................................ 95%
No................................ 5
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 93% 7%
Middle Atlantic............... 93 7
East Central.................. 95 5
West Central.................. 94 6
South........................ 98 2
West......................... 97 3
JUNE 12
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K. Question #12a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see elected President this year?
Dewey............ ................. 52%
Willkie............................. 17
Taft................................ 13
Vandenberg......................... 12
Hoover............................. 2
Landon............................ 1
Others............................. 3
Twenty-one per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K Question #13a
Asked of Republicans: If it came to a choice between Thomas Dewey, Wendell Willkie, Robert Taft, and Arthur Vandenberg for the Republican presidential nomination, which man would you prefer?
Dewey............................. 50%
Willkie............................ 18
Taft................................ 16
Vandenberg......................... 16
Twenty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 14
PURCHASE OF ALLIED TERRITORY
Interviewing Date 6/1-6/40
Survey #197-K Question #5
If the Allies need more money for running the war, would you be in favor of the United States and other American republics buying the British, French, and Dutch possessions in the area of the Panama Canal?
Yes................................ 81%
No................................ 19
Seventeen per cent expressed no opinion. JUNE 16
PARTY STRENGTH
Interviewing Date 6/9-14/40
Survey #198-K Question #11
Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
228 THE GALLUP POLL
Democratic......................... 58%
Republican......................... 42
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion. JUNE 17
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Interviewing Date 5/18-23/40
Survey #195-K Question #6
Asked of Republicans: It has been suggested that the Republican party postpone their presidential convention from June to August, in order to wait and see what is going to happen in Europe. Do you approve or disapprove of this proposal?
Approve............................43%
Disapprove......................... 57
Twenty-five per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 19 CANADA
Interviewing Date 5/25-30/40
Survey #196-K Question #8
If Canada is actually invaded by a European power, do you think the United States should use its army and navy to aid Canada?
Yes................................ 87%
No................................ 13
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 21
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 6/9-14/40
Survey #198-K Question #10a
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see elected President this year?
Dewey.............................47%
Willkie............................. 29
Taft................................ 8
Vandenberg......................... 8
Hoover............................. 6
Others............................. 2
Thirty-four per cent expressed no opinion.
JUNE 24
UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING
Interviewing Date 6/13-18/40
Survey #198-J Question #1
Do you think every able-bodied young man 20 years old should be made to serve in the armed forces for one year?
Yes................................64%
No................................ 36
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 68% 32%
Middle Atlantic............... 68 32
East Central.................. 61 39
West Central.................. 54 46
South........................ 68 32
West......................... 60 40
Families with Men 18-30 Years
Yes................................61%
No................................ 39
Families without Men 18-30 Years
Yes................................67%
No................................ 33
JUNE 26
ENGLISH AND FRENCH REFUGEES
Interviewing Date 6/13-18/40
Survey #198-J Question #6a
Should the United States permit English and French women and children to come to this country to stay until the war is over?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 229
Yes................................ 58%
No................................42
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 6/13-18/40
Survey #198-J Question #6b
If English and French refugees are allowed to come to this country, would you be willing to take care of one or more of these children in your home until the war is over?
Yes................................ 25%
No................................ 54
Undecided.......................... 21
JUNE 28
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
Interviewing Date 6/1-6/40
Survey #197-K Question #15
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term, would you vote for him?
Yes................................ 57%
No................................43
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 57% 43%
Middle Atlantic............... 57 43
East Central.................. 52 48
West Central.................. 53 47
South........................ 73 27
West......................... 55 45
JUNE 30
AID TO ENGLAND AND FRANCE
Interviewing Date 6/13-18/40
Survey #198-J Question #4
President Roosevelt has taken action making it possible for England and France to buy some airplanes that were being used by our army and navy. Do you approve or disapprove of this action?
Approve............................ 80%
Disapprove......................20
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 85% 15%
Republicans............ 76 24
JULY 1
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 6/9-14/40
Survey #198-K Question #10a
Asked of Democrats: Whom would you like to see nominated by the Democratic party for President?
Roosevelt........................... 92%
Hull............................... 3
Garner............................. 2
Farley.............................. 1
McNutt............................ 1
Others............................. 1
Seventeen per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 6/9-14/40
Survey #198-K Question #10b
Asked of Democrats: If Franklin Roosevelt is not a candidate, whom would you like to see the Democratic party nominate for president?
Hull............................... 47%
Garner............................. 23
Farley.............................. 12
McNutt............................ 9
Wheeler............................ 3
Jackson............................ 1
La Guardia......................... 1
Others............................. 4
Forty-eight per cent expressed no opinion.
230 THE GALLUP POLL
JULY 5
FRANK KNOX AND HENRY STIMSON
Interviewing Date 6/27-7/3/40
Survey #199-K Question #11
President Roosevelt has named two Republicans, Frank Knox and Henry Stimson, to be Secretaries of Navy and War in his cabinet. Do you approve or disapprove of his action?
Approve............................71%
Disapprove.........................29
Twenty-eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 85% 15%
Republicans............ 57 43
JULY 7
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 6/27-7/2/40
Survey #199-K Question #5
If the question of the United States going to war against Germany and Italy came up for a national vote within the next two weeks, would you vote to go into the war or to stay out of the war?
Go to war.......................... 14%
Stay out............................ 86
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Go to War Stay Out
New England.......... 14% 86%
Middle Atlantic........ 14 86
East Central........... 10 90
West Central........... 11 89
South................. 23 77
West.................. 16 84
By Income
Upper................. 10% 90%
Middle................ 14 86
Lower................. 16 84
Interviewing Date 6/27-7/2/40
Survey #199-K Question #12
Which side do you think will win the war?
Allies.............................. 32%
Axis............................... 35
No opinion.........................33
JULY 8
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Special Survey conducted between June 25-27, 1940.
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see elected President this year?
Willkie;......................... 44%
Dewey............................. 29
Taft................................ 13
Others, no opinion................... 14
JULY 10
UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING
Interviewing Date 6/27-7/2/40
Survey #199-K Question #1
Asked of men between ages 21-25: 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................................ 52%
No................................48
Interviewing Date 6/27-7/2/40
Survey #199-K Question #6
Asked of men between ages 21-46: If the United States were attacked by some foreign country, which branch of the armed forces would you prefer to serve in?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 231
Army.............................. 44%
Air force............................ 29
Navy............................... 24
Others............................. 3
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
By Age 21-30 Years
Army.............................. 34%
Air force............................ 34
Navy............................... 29
Others............................. 3
30-45 Years
Army.............................. 50%
Air force............................ 26
Navy............................... 22
Others............................. 2
JULY 12
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #9
If President Roosevelt runs for a third term on the Democratic ticket against Wendell Willkie on the Republican ticket how would you vote?
Roosevelt........................... 53%
Willkie.............................47
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
JULY 12
NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: Do you think Neville Chamberlain should be dropped from the Government?
Yes................................77%
No................................ 23
JULY 14
PARTY PLATFORMS
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #8a
Have you read or heard about the Republican party platform?
Yes................................ 26%
No................................ 74
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 22% 78%
Republicans................... 31 69
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #8c
Do you think many voters pay attention to political platforms today?
Yes................................ 27%
No................................ 73
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #8d
Should the platform of a political party be drawn up by the convention or by the man nominated for President?
Convention.........................67%
President........................... 33
JULY 15
NATIONAL DEFENSE
Interviewing Date 6/27-7/3/40
Survey #199-K Question #2
Which party do you think would do the better job of strengthening our country's national defenses — the Republican or the Democratic?
Republican......................... 38%
Democratic......................... 38
No difference.......................24
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
232 THE GALLUP POLL
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Republican......................... 5%
Democratic.........................71
No difference.......................24
Republicans
Republican.........................69%
Democratic......................... 8
No difference.......................23
JULY 19
AID TO ENGLAND
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #3d
Do you think we are giving enough help to England, or do you think more ways should be found to give England help, short of going to war?
Give more help...................... 53%
Enough help now....................41
Give less help....................... 6
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation Democrats
Give more help...................... 56%
Enough help now.................... 38
Give less help....................... 6
Republicans
Give more help...................... 50%
Enough help now.................... 44
Give less help................... 6
JULY 20
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in New York State: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell
Willkie?
Roosevelt...........................49%
Willkie.............................51
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
JULY 22 PANAMA CANAL
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #7
If Germany defeats England, should the United States take immediate possession of the English, French, and Dutch territories in the area of the Panama Canal?
Yes................................ 87%
No................................ 13
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 89% 11%
Republicans................... 86 14
By Region
New England................. 87% 13%
Middle Atlantic............... 87 13
East Central.................. 84 16
West Central..................87 13
South........................ 94 6
West......................... 88 12
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 233
JULY 24
THIRD TERM
Interviewing Date 7/5-10/40
Survey #200-K Question #10
Would you favor an amendment to the Constitution to prevent any President of the United States from serving a third term?
Yes................................ 41%
No................................ 59
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 14% 86%
Republicans................... 69 31
JULY 28
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in Pennsylvania: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt,.......................... 48%
Willkie............................. 52
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion. JULY 29
UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING
Interviewing Date 7/21-26/40
Survey #203-K Question #1
Do you think every able-bodied young man 20 years old should be made to serve in the armed forces for one year?
Yes................................ 67%
No................................ 33
Seven per cent expressed no opinion
By Age
Yes No
15-20 Years.................. 67% 33%
21-29 Years.................. 62 38
30-49 Years.................. 69 31
50 Years and over............. 68 32
By Sex
Men.........................70% 30%
Women...................... 64 36
JULY 31
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in California: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
234 THE GALLUP POLL
AUGUST 5
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 7/21-26/40
Survey #203-T Question #2
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for the Republican candidate, Wendell Willkie, or the Democratic candidate, Franklin Roosevelt?
Roosevelt........................... 51%
Willkie.............................49
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
AUGUST 7
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 7/21-26/40
Survey #203-T Question #2
Asked of first voters: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 54%
Willkie.............................46
By Income
Roosevelt Willkie
Upper............... 50% 50%
Middle.............. 50 50
Lower............... 63 37
Roosevelt........................... 54%
Willkie.............................46
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
AUGUST 2
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in Texas: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 85%
Willkie............................. 15
Nine per cent expressed no opinion. AUGUST 4
PARTY AFFILIATION
Interviewing Date 7/21-26/40
Survey #203-K Question #4
In politics, do you consider yourself a Democrat, Republican, Socialist, or Independent?
Democrat...........................41%
Republican......................... 38
Socialist............................ 1
Independent........................20
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Independent
New England.................. 30%
Middle Atlantic................ 21
East Central................... 23
West Central................... 21
South......................... 10
West.......................... 21
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 235
AUGUST 11
UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING
Interviewing Date 7/21-26/40
Survey #203-K Question #1
Do you think every able-bodied young man 20 years old should be made to serve in the armed forces for one year?
Yes................................ 66%
No................................ 34
Eight per cent expressed no opinion. By Sex
Yes No
Men......................... 68% 32%
Women...................... 63 37
By Political Affiliation
Democrats.................... 73% 27%
Republicans................... 60 40
AUGUST 14
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #12
Asked in cities over 500,000 in population: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 57%
Willkie.............................43
By City
Roosevelt Willkie
New York........... 62% 38%
Chicago............. 51 49
Philadelphia......... 56 44
AUGUST 14
WINSTON CHURCHILL
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: In general, do you approve or disapprove of Mr. Churchill as Prime Minister?
Approve............................ 88%
Disapprove......................... 7
No opinion......................... 5
AUGUST 16 NATIONAL GUARD
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-T Question #4
Do you think the National Guard should be called for one year of training?
Yes................................ 85%
No................................ 15
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
AUGUST 18 BRITISH REFUGEES
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #9
It has been suggested that the United States send American passenger ships to England to bring English refugee women and children to the United States to stay until the war is
236 THE GALLUP POLL
over. Would you approve or disapprove of sending our ships if Germany and Italy agree not to attack them?
Approve............................ 63%
Disapprove........................37
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Approve Disapprove
New England.......... 64% 36%
Middle Atlantic........ 64 36
East Central........... 59 41
West Central........... 64 36
South................. 67 33
West.................. 60 40
AUGUST 19
DEFENSE PRODUCTION
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #8a
Are you satisfied with the present rate of production of airplanes, tanks, warships, and guns for our national defense program?
Yes................................ 32%
No................................40
No opinion......................... 28
By Region
New England and Middle Atlantic
Yes................................ 34%
No................................ 41
No opinion......................... 25
East Central
Yes................................27%
No................................ 42
No opinion......................... 31
West Central
Yes................................ 37%
No................................ 33
No opinion......................... 30
South
Yes................................ 27%
No................................ 42
No opinion........................ 31
West
Yes................................. 33%
No................................ 39
No opinion.........................28
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Yes................................ 35%
No................................ 37
No opinion.........................28
Republicans
Yes................................ 29%
No................................ 42
No opinion......................... 29
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #8b
Do you happen to know whether or not tank production has been substantially increased?
Believe it has........................ 19%
Believe it has not.................... 6
Don't know......................... 75
AUGUST 19
AID TO ENGLAND
Interviewing Date 8/11-16/40
Survey #206-K Question #2
General Pershing says the United States should sell to England 50 of our destroyer ships which were built during the last World War and are now being put back in service. Do you approve or disapprove of our Government selling these destroyers to England?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 237
Approve........... ................. 62%
Disapprove......................... 38
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 8/11-16/40
Survey #206-T Question #2
England needs destroyer ships to replace those which have been damaged or sunk. The United States has some destroyers which were built during the last World War and are now being put back in active service. Do you think we should sell some of these ships to England?
Yes................................ 61%
No................................ 39
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
Note: The question covering the issue was worded in two different ways, and each version was put to a separate but comparable cross section of voters. The two wordings brought almost exactly the same result.
AUGUST 21
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in Ohio: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 47%
Willkie............................. 53
AUGUST 23
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in New Jersey: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 49%
Willkie............................. 51
AUGUST 24
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 51%
Willkie............................. 49
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
AUGUST 28
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
By Income
Roosevelt Willkie
Upper............... 29% 71%
Middle.............. 47 53
Lower............... 66 34
Reliefers............. 75 25
AUGUST 30 THE DRAFT
Interviewing Date 8/11-16/40
Survey #206-K Question #1a
Do you favor increasing the size of our army and navy now by drafting men between the ages of 21 and 31 to serve in the armed forces for one year?
Yes................................ 71%
No................................ 29
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
238 THE GALLUP POLL
Montana Only
Yes................................62%
No................................ 38
Eleven per cent of those polled in Montana expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 8/11-16/40
Survey #206-K Question #1b
Asked of men between the ages of 16 and 20: If the draft law is passed, will you, personally, have any objection to spending a year in some branch of military service?
Yes................................ 19%
No................................ 81
AUGUST 31
PARTY STRENGTH
Special Survey
Asked in Maine: Which party would you like to see win the presidential election this year?
Republican.........................64%
Democratic......................... 36
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 2
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #7a
If there is starvation in France, Holland, and Belgium this winter, should the United States try to send food to those countries in our ships?
Yes................................ 38%
No................................ 62
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 37% 63%
Middle Atlantic............... 37 63
East Central.................. 41 59
West Central.................. 38 62
South........................ 37 63
West......................... 38 62
Farmers Only
Yes................................35%
No................................65
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #7b
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: Would you be willing to send food even if some might go to the Germans?
Yes................................22%
No................................78
SEPTEMBER 3 PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 8/24-29/40
Survey #207-K Question #9a
Whom do you favor for President— Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 51%
Willkie.............................49
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 4
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 8/10-15/40
Survey #205-K Question #6
If England is defeated between now and election time and it looks as though the United States might have to fight Germany, which candidate would you prefer for President — Willkie or Roosevelt?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 239
Roosevelt........................... 58%
Willkie............................. 42
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 5 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 8/11-16/40
Survey #206-K Question #2
England needs destroyer ships to replace those which have been damaged or sunk. The United States has some destroyers which were built during the last World War and are now being put back in active service. Do you think we should sell some of these ships to England?
Yes................................ 60%
No................................ 40
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 63% 37%
Republicans................... 58 42
SEPTEMBER 6 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Interviewing Date 8/24-29/40
Survey #207-K Question #1
Wendell Willkie proposed that he and President Roosevelt hold a series of debates, both speaking from the same platform. Do you think the President should accept the proposal?
Yes................................ 49%
No................................ 51
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 8
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in Maine: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 36%
Willkie............................. 64
SEPTEMBER 11 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 9/5-10/40
Survey #209-K Question #1
Which side do you think will win the war?
England............................ 43%
Germany........................... 17
No opinion......................... 40
Interviewing Date 8/24-29/40
Survey #207-K Question #7
Recently the English claimed that they shot down 387 German planes in one week and lost only 94 of their own. Do you think this report is accurate?
Yes................................ 19%
No................................ 58
No opinion......................... 23
240 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 8/24-29/40
Survey #207-T Question #7
Recently the Germans claimed that they shot down 427 English planes in one week and lost only 99 of their own. Do you think this report is accurate?
Yes................................ 3%
No................................ 86
No opinion......................... 11
SEPTEMBER 13 PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 8/24-29/40
Survey #207-K Question #9a
Asked of labor union members: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 64%
Willkie............................. 36
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
A.F.L. Members Only
Roosevelt........................... 62%
Willkie............................. 38
C.I.O. Members Only
Roosevelt...........................75%
Willkie............................. 25
SEPTEMBER 15 EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 8/24-29/40
Survey #207-K Question #3a
Mr. Bullitt, our Ambassador to France, says that if Great Britain is defeated the Germans will invade the United States. Do you think they will?
Yes................................42%
No................................45
No opinion......................... 13
Interviewing Date 8/2-7/40
Survey #204-K Question #6b
Without mentioning names, do you think there are any fifth columnists In this community?
Yes................................48%
No................................26
No opinion......................... 26
SEPTEMBER 15 PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Missouri Only
Roosevelt........................... 53%
Willkie.............................47
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
Kentucky Only
Roosevelt........................... 55%
Willkie........................... 45
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
West Virginia Only
Roosevelt........................... 55%
Willkie.............................45
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Maryland Only
Roosevelt........................... 56%
Willkie.............................44
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Delaware Only
Roosevelt........................... 55%
Willkie............................. 45
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 241
SEPTEMBER 20
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 9/5-10/40
Survey #209-K Question #4
Whom do you favor for President Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 55%
Willkie.............................45
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Roosevelt States
Roosevelt Willkie
South Carolina....... 98% 2%
Mississippi........... 95 5
Georgia............. 86 14
Louisiana............ 86 14
Alabama............ 85 15
Texas............... 83 17
Arkansas............ 80 20
Florida.............. 75 25
North Carolina....... 72 28
Virginia............. 70 30
Tennessee............ 69 31
Arizona............. 69 31
Oklahoma........... 63 37
New Mexico......... 63 37
Nevada.............. 62 38
Maryland............ 61 39
Montana............ 60 40
Delaware............ 60 40
California........... 58 42
Kentucky............ 58 42
West Virginia........ 57 43
Washington.......... 57 43
Utah................ 57 43
Missouri............. 56 44
Connecticut.......... 56 44
Rhode Island........ 56 44
Idaho............... 55 45
New Jersey........... 54 46
Michigan............ 54 46
Wyoming............ 54 46
Illinois.............. 53 47
Ohio................ 53 47
Oregon.............. 53 47
New York........... 52 48
Pennsylvania......... 52 48
Colorado............ 52 48
Minnesota........... 51 49
Wisconsin........... 51 49
Willkie States
Willkie Roosevelt
Maine............... 56% 44%
Vermont............. 56 44
South Dakota........ 55 45
Iowa................ 54 46
North Dakota........ 54 46
Kansas.............. 53 47
Nebraska............ 53 47
Massachusetts........ 51 49
Indiana.............. 51 49
New Hampshire...... 51 49
SEPTEMBER 21
DEFENSE PRODUCTION
Interviewing Date 9/5-10/40
Survey #208 Question #1a
Are you satisfied with the present rate of production of airplanes, tanks, warships, and guns for our national defense program?
Yes................................ 40%
No................................ 41
No opinion......................... 19
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Yes................................46%
No................................ 36
No opinion......................... 18
Republicans
Yes................................ 32%
No................................ 48
No opinion........................ 20
242 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 9/5-10/40
Survey #208 Question #1b
Asked of those who responded in the negative: Who do you think is responsible for defense delays?
Roosevelt........................... 14%
Congress........................... 11
Industry............................ 3
Public apathy....................... 2
Others............................. 3
No opinion......................... 8
41%
SEPTEMBER 23
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 9/5-10/40
Survey #209-K Question #2
Which of these two things do you think is the most important for the United States to try to do — to keep out of war ourselves or to help England win, even at the risk of getting into the war?
Keep out...........................48%
Help England....................... 52
Five per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Help
Keep Out England
New England........ 48% 52%
Middle Atlantic...... 48 52
East Central......... 52 48
West Central......... 57 43
South............... 30 70
West................ 46 54
SEPTEMBER 25 PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked of Independent voters: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell
Willkie?
New York Only
Roosevelt...........................49%
Willkie...,......................... 51
Twenty per cent expressed no opinion
Pennsylvania Only
Roosevelt...........................62%
Willkie............................. 38
Nineteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Ohio Only
Roosevelt........................... 52%
Willkie............................. 48
Nineteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Illinois Only
Roosevelt...........................46%
Willkie............................. 54
Nineteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Michigan Only
Roosevelt........................... 53%
Willkie.............................47
Nineteen per cent expressed no opinion.
California Only
Roosevelt........................... 52%
Willkie............................. 48
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
SEPTEMBER 27 PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 243
By Community Size
Roosevelt Willkie
500,000 and over..... 61% 39%
2,500-500,000........ 55 45
2,500 and under...... 51 49
Farms............... 53 47
Midwestern farms only 46 54
By Age
21-24 Years......... 59% 41%
25-29 Years......... 59 41
30-49 Years......... 56 44
50 Years and over.... 54 46
SEPTEMBER 28 ELECTION FORECAST
Interviewing Date 9/19-24/40
Survey #210-K Question #8
Regardless of how you yourself plan to vote, who do you think will be elected President?
Roosevelt........................... 68%
Willkie............................. 32
Sixteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Roosevelt Willkie
Democrats........... 96% 4%
Republicans.......... 27 73
OCTOBER 1
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in Nebraska: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 43%
Willkie............................. 57
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 2
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked in Massachusetts: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 52%
Willkie............................. 48
Six per cent expressed no opinion. OCTOBER 4
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
California Only
Roosevelt........................... 57%
Willkie............................. 43
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
Oregon Only
Roosevelt........................... 56%
Willkie............................. 44
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Washington Only
Roosevelt........................... 58%
Willkie............................. 42
Ten per cent expressed no opinion. OCTOBER 6
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 9/28-10/3/40
Survey #212-K Question #2
Whom do you favor for President, Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
244 THE GALLUP POLL
Roosevelt........................... 56%
Willkie.............................44
Nine per cent expressed no opinion. One per cent named a third party candidate.
OCTOBER 9 COMMUNIST PARTY
Interviewing Date 9/22-27/40
Survey #211-K Question #2a
Should Communist party candidates be allowed the same amount of time on the radio as the Democratic and Republican candidates?
Yes................................ 29%
No................................71
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 9/22-27/40
Survey #211-K Question #2b
Do you think Communist party candidates should be allowed any time on the radio?
Yes................................ 37%
No................................63
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 9/22-27/40
Survey #211-T Question #2a
Should Communist party candidates be allowed the same amount of free time on the radio as the Democratic and Republican candidates?
Yes...............................25%
No................................75
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 9/22-27/40
Survey #211-T Question #2b
Do you think Communist party candidates should be allowed any free time on the radio?
Yes................................ 31%
No................................69
Fifteen per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 13
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
Asked of property owners: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt...........................47%
Willkie............................. 53
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 14
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 9/28-10/5/40
Survey #212-K Question #1
If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote — to go into the war or to stay out of the war?
Go in.............................. 17%
Stay out............................ 83
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Go In Stay Out
New England........ 18% 82%
Middle Atlantic...... 20 80
East Central......... 12 88
West Central......... 14 86
South............... 24 76
West................ 20 80
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 245
OCTOBER 15
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Special Survey
If the presidential election were being held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Illinois Only
Roosevelt...........................48%
Willkie............................. 52
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Ohio Only
Roosevelt........................... 52%
Willkie............................. 48
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
Indiana Only
Roosevelt........................... 47%
Willkie............................. 53
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
Michigan Only
Roosevelt........................... 48%
Willkie............................. 52
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 20 JAPAN
Interviewing Date 10/2-7/40
Survey #213-K Question #5
Do you think our Government should forbid the sale of arms, airplanes, gasoline, and other war materials to Japan?
Yes................................ 90%
No................................ 10
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 90% 10%
Republicans................... 90 10
Interviewing Date 10/2-7/40
Survey #213-K Question #6
President Roosevelt has forbidden the shipment of scrap iron from this country to Japan. Do you approve or disapprove?
Approve............................ 96%
Disapprove......................... 4
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Approve Disapprove
Democrats............. 96% 4%
Republicans............ 95 5
OCTOBER 21
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Interviewing Date 10/2-7/40
Survey #213-T Question #4
Asked of Willkie supporters: Have you, at any time since President Roosevelt was renominated, planned to vote for him?
Yes................................ 8%
No................................ 92
Interviewing Date 10/2-7/40
Survey #213-T Question #4a
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: What was the main reason that changed your mind?
The following are listed in order of frequency of mention:
Anxiety over a third term
Roosevelt's policies will get us into war
Favorable impression of Willkie
246 THE GALLUP POLL
Interviewing Date 10/2-7/40
Survey #213-T Question #4b
Asked of Roosevelt supporters: Have you, at any time since Mr. Willkie was nominated, planned to vote for him?
Yes................................ 10%
No................................ 90
Interviewing Date 10/2-7/40
Survey #213-T Question #4c
Asked of those who replied in the affirmative: What was the main reason that changed your mind?
The following are listed in order of frequency of mention:
Disappointment with Willkie's speeches and campaign
Roosevelt's experience is needed in current war crisis
OCTOBER 22
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/7-12/40
Survey #214-T Question #3
If there were no war in Europe today, which presidential candidate would you vote for, Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 47%
Willkie............................. 53
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 25
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #5
Asked in New York State: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 51%
Willkie.............................49
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
New York City Only
Roosevelt........................... 61%
Willkie............................. 39
Upstate Only
Roosevelt...........................40%
Willkie.............................60
OCTOBER 26
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #5
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Maine Only
Roosevelt...........................46%
Willkie.............................54
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
New Hampshire Only
Roosevelt...........................49%
Willkie............................. 51
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
Vermont Only
Roosevelt...........................43%
Willkie.............................57
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
Massachusetts Only
Roosevelt........................... 51%
Willkie.............................49
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 247
Rhode Island Only
Roosevelt........................... 55%
Willkie.............................45
Eight per cent expressed no opinion.
Connecticut Only
Roosevelt........................... 54%
Willkie............................. 46
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Ohio Only
Roosevelt...........................49%
Willkie............................. 51
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
Indiana Only
Roosevelt...........................47%
Willkie............................. 53
Four per cent expressed no opinion.
OCTOBER 26 MINNESOTA POLITICS
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #12
Asked in Minnesota: For whom do you plan to vote for Governor?
Harold Stassen...................... 59%
Hjalmar Petersen.................... 28
Ed Murphy......................... 13
Ten per cent expressed no opinion. OCTOBER 27
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #5
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt......................... 54.5%
Willkie...........................45.5
Seven per cent expressed no opinion. OCTOBER 30
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #5
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
OCTOBER 31 EUROPEAN WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: From what you have experienced or read or heard about during the past few weeks do you think it is possible or impossible for Germany to win the war by air attack alone on this country?
Possible............................ 6%
Impossible.......................... 80
Don't know......................... 14
OCTOBER 31
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #2a
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Missouri Only
Roosevelt........................... 49%
Willkie............................. 51
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
Kentucky Only
Roosevelt........................... 54%
Willkie............................. 46
Seven per cent expressed no opinion.
248 THE GALLUP POLL
Oklahoma Only
Roosevelt........................... 55%
Willkie.............................45
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
NOVEMBER 1
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT
Interviewing Date 10/24-29/40
Survey #217 Question #2a
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Wisconsin Only
Roosevelt...........................48%
Willkie............................. 52
Michigan Only
Roosevelt...........................48%
Willkie............................. 52
Minnesota Only
Roosevelt........................... 51%
Willkie.............................49
Maryland Only
Roosevelt........................... 58%
Willkie.............................42
NOVEMBER 4
PRESIDENTIAL TRIAL HEAT — FINAL POLL
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/40
Survey #218-K Question #2a
If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Franklin Roosevelt or Wendell Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 52%
Willkie............................. 48
By State Roosevelt States
Roosevelt
South Carolina......................97%
Mississippi..........................94
Georgia............................ 87
Alabama...........................86
Louisiana........................... 86
Arkansas........................... 82
Texas..............................79
North Carolina......................72
Florida.............................72
Virginia............................70
Tennessee....................... 64
Arizona............................ 61
Maryland...........................59
West Virginia.......................59
California..........................58
Montana...........................57
Washington......................... 57
Nevada.............................56
Oklahoma...................... 56
Delaware........................... 56
Utah............................... 55
Kentucky...........................54
Oregon.............................54
Rhode Island.......................54
Wyoming...........................53
New Mexico........................53
Connecticut...................... 53
New Jersey......................... 52
Massachusetts....................... 51
Minnesota.......................... 51
Willkie States
Willkie
Nebraska...........................59%
South Dakota....................... 59
Vermont............................58
Maine..............................57
Kansas............................. 57
Iowa...............................55
Indiana............................. 55
Colorado...........................55
North Dakota.......................54
Illinois............................. 52
Michigan...........................52
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 249
Willkie
Wisconsin.......................... 52%
Ohio............................... 51
New York.......................... 51
Pennsylvania........................ 51
Missouri............................ 51
New Hampshire..................... 51
Idaho.............................. 51
NOVEMBER 9
ELECTION ANALYSIS
The American Institute of Public Opinion's final preelection report showed Franklin Roosevelt with 52% of the total popular vote, or 2.5% less than he received in the election returns.
By Region
Gallup Poll
For Roosevelt Error
New England....... 50.5% -2.6%
Middle Atlantic..... 49.5 -2.9
East North Central.. 47.8 - 3.1
West North Central.. 46.6 -2.2
South Atlantic...... 68.1 -0.4
East South Central... 66.1 -4.0
West South Central.. 73.1 -1.1
Mountain.......... 51.7 -4.2
Pacific.............. 56.0 -2.0
Average Error................ 2.5%
NOVEMBER 10
NATIONAL DEFENSE
Interviewing Date 10/24-29/40
Survey #220 Question #4
Who do you think will do the better job of strengthening our national defense — Roosevelt or Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 61%
Willkie............................. 39
Thirteen per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 10/24-29/40
Survey #220 Question #5
If the United States should get into the war, which man would you prefer to have as President — Roosevelt or Willkie?
Roosevelt........................... 60%
Willkie.............................40
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
NOVEMBER 15 EUROPEAN WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: In view of the indiscriminate bombing of this country, would you approve or disapprove if the R.A.F. adopted a similar policy of bombing the civilian population of Germany?
Approve............................ 46%
Disapprove......................... 46
No opinion......................... 8
NOVEMBER 18
AID TO ENGLAND
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #1a
If it appears that England will be defeated by Germany and Italy unless the United States supplies her with more food and war materials, would you be in favor of giving more help to England?
Yes................................ 90%
No................................ 10
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 92% 8%
Middle Atlantic............... 92 8
East Central.................. 87 13
West Central.................. 86 14
South........................ 94 6
West......................... 90 10
250 THE GALLUP POLL
NOVEMBER 20
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 10/7-12/40
Survey #219-K Question #1
The Johnson Act prevents any country that has stopped paying interest on its debt of the last World War from borrowing money in the United States. Would you approve of changing this law so that England could borrow money from our Government?
Yes................................ 54%
No................................46
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
NOVEMBER 24
AID TO ENGLAND
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #1d
Should the United States send more airplanes to England, even though this might delay our own national defense program?
Yes................................ 60%
No................................40
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England.................60% 40%
Middle Atlantic............... 60 40
East Central.................. 54 46
West Central.................. 56 44
South........................ 72 28
West......................... 64 36
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 251
By Community Size
100,000 and over..............21% 79%
10,000-100,000................ 29 71
Under 10,000 ................. 38 62
Farms........................ 46 54
NOVEMBER 27
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 10/25-29/40.
Survey #221 Question #1
Which side do you think will win the war?
England............................63%
Germany........................... 7
No opinion......................... 30
NOVEMBER 29
AID TO GREECE
Interviewing Date 11/21-26/40
Survey #224-T Question #14
Do you think the United States should lend money to Greece for the purchase of arms, airplanes, and other war materials?
Yes................................ 60%
No................................40
Fifteen per cent expressed no opinion.
NOVEMBER 30 EUROPEAN WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: From what you have experienced or read or heard about during the past few weeks, do you think it is possible or impossible for Germany to win the war by air attack alone on this country?
Possible............................ 6%
Impossible.......................... 80
No opinion......................... 14
DECEMBER 2
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 10/26-31/40
Survey #219-K Question #1
Do you think the United States will go into the war in Europe sometime before it is over, or do you think we will stay out of the war?
Go in.............................. 59%
Stay out............................41
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
DECEMBER 4
DIES COMMITTEE
Interviewing Date 11/21-26/40
Survey #224-K Question #12b
Do you think the Dies Committee should be continued?
Yes................................65%
No................................ 7
No opinion, never heard of Committee. 28
DECEMBER 11
EUROPEAN WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: If someone in your presence suggested that it would be a good idea to have a negotiated peace with Germany now, what would you do?
Agree that it would be a good idea..... 7%
Contradict him...................... 59
Report him to the authorities......... 13
Say nothing, no opinion.............. 21
DECEMBER 8
NEUTRALITY
Interviewing Date 10/11-16/40
Survey #215-K Question #1b
Should the Neutrality Law be changed so that American ships can carry war supplies to England?
252 THE GALLUP POLL
Yes................................40%
No..............................60
Fourteen per cent expressed no opinion.
By Political Affiliation
Yes No
Democrats.................... 48% 52%
Republicans................... 33 67
The South is the only section where a majority of those with opinions favor relaxing the Neutrality Law. Fifty-three per cent of Southerners voted yes, as compared with 40% in the East, and 33% in the farm-belt states of the Mississippi Valley.
DECEMBER 13
PANAMA CANAL
Interviewing Date 12/1-6/40
Survey #225-K Question #4
If England offers to pay its World War debt to the United States by giving us islands or land near the Panama Canal, would you approve our accepting this offer?
Yes................................ 88%
No................................ 12
Ten per cent expressed no opinion.
DECEMBER 15
EUROPEAN WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: Do you think our enemy is the German people or only the Nazi Government?
People............................. 52%
Government........................48
Less than 1% expressed no opinion.
DECEMBER 16
WORLD WAR I
Interviewing Date 11/21-36/40
Survey #224-K Question 16
Do you think it was a mistake for the United States to enter the last World War?
Yes................................ 39%
No................................42
No opinion.........................19
By Political Affiliation
Democrats
Yes................................ 33%
No................................46
No opinion.....................21
Republicans
Yes................................46%
No................................ 38
No opinion......................... 16
By Age
21-34 Years
Yes................................ 36%
No................................ 39
No opinion......................... 25
35-49 Years
Yes................................ 37%
No................................44
No opinion......................... 19
50 Years and Over
Yes................................44%
No................................42
No opinion......................... 14
DECEMBER 18 DRAFTING OF WOMEN
Interviewing Date 12/1-6/40
Survey #225-K Question #2
Would you be in favor of starting now to draft American women between the ages 21 and 35 to train them for jobs in war time?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 253
Yes................................ 48%
No................................ 52
Six per cent expressed no opinion.
By Sex
Yes No
Men......................... 44% 56%
Women...................... 52 48
By Income
Upper........................ 41% 59%
Middle....................... 44 56
Lower........................ 55 45
Women Ages 21-35 Only
Yes................................ 54%
No................................46
DECEMBER 20
JOHNSON ACT
Interviewing Date 12/4-9/40
Survey #225-T Question #3
The Johnson Act prevents any country that has stopped paying interest on its debt of the last World War from borrowing money in the United States. Would you approve of changing this law so that England could borrow money from our Government?
Yes................................ 55%
No................................ 45
Nine per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Yes No
New England................. 57% 43%
Middle Atlantic............... 57 43
East Central.................. 49 51
West Central.................. 49 51
South........................ 69 31
West......................... 57 43
DECEMBER 21
CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
Interviewing Date 12/4-9/40
Survey #225-T Question #1
A group of students studying for the ministry who are conscientious objectors refused to register for the draft and were sentenced to a year in jail. Do you think this punishment was too severe or not severe enough?
About right......................... 55%
Too severe.......................... 24
Not severe enough................... 21
DECEMBER 22
EUROPEAN WAR
Special Survey
Asked in Great Britain: Do you think the Government should draw up and publish our war aims?
Yes................................ 42%
No................................ 35
No opinion......................... 23
254 THE GALLUP POLL
DECEMBER 27
GERMANY
Special Survey
Have you read or heard about the speech of a Nazi official published recently which said that the Germans plan to make slaves of the people in Europe and to control American industry and trade?
Yes................................ 33%
No................................ 67
Asked of those who replied In the affirmative: Do you believe that the Germans plan to do this?
Yes................................ 80%
No................................20
DECEMBER 29
THE DRAFT
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40
Survey #226-K Question #10b
Do you think the draft is being handled fairly?
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY 255
Yes................................ 92%
No................................ 8
Eleven per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40
Survey #226-K Question #10a
Do you think the draft is a good thing?
Yes................................ 89%
No................................ 11
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40
Survey #226-K Question #10c
Do you think the Army is taking good care of the men drafted so far?
Yes................................ 91%
No................................ 9
Twelve per cent expressed no opinion.
DECEMBER 30
EUROPEAN WAR
Interviewing Date 12/1-6/40
Survey #225-K Question #5
If you were asked to vote on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote — to go into the war or to stay out of the war?
Go in.............................. 12%
Stay out............................ 88
Three per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Go In Stay Out
New England........ 13% 87%
Middle Atlantic...... 13 87
East Central......... 10 90
West Central......... 9 91
South............... 17 83
West................ 14 86
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40
Survey #226-K Question #1
Which of these two things do you think is the more important for the United States to try to do — to keep out of war ourselves, or to help England win even at the risk of getting into the war?
Keep out...........................40%
Help England....................... 60
Two per cent expressed no opinion.
By Region
Help
Keep Out England
New England........ 38% 62%
Middle Atlantic...... 38 62
East Central......... 46 54
West Central......... 46 54
South............... 25 75
West................ 35 65
256 THE GALLUP POLL