2. Key Findings
Though Voters Like The President And Secretary Kerry, They
Offer Negative Evaluations Of The Administration's Handling
Of Iran
Voters Overwhelmingly Favor Sanctions To Stop Iran's
Nuclear Program
Preventing Iran From Getting Nuclear Weapons Is A Higher
Priority Than Avoiding Military Action
Voters Are Mostly Unfamiliar With The Interim Agreement
And Express Mixed Views
Voters Overwhelmingly Support New Sanctions Legislation,
Even After Hearing Arguments From Both Sides
2
4. Though Voters Like The President And Secretary
Kerry, They Offer Negative Evaluations Of The
Administration's Handling Of Iran
4
5. A Narrow Plurality Views Obama Favorably
Barack Obama Favorability
Mean
Ratio
Hard ID
2.49
100%
1.09
98%
80%
60%
+4
51%
47%
40%
20%
0%
30%
Very
Favorable
34%
Very
Unfavorable
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Fav
88%
42%
20%
57%
45%
59%
46%
53%
46%
56%
43%
93%
48%
57%
43%
54%
57%
46%
48%
58%
41%
59%
59%
Unfav
10%
56%
78%
41%
53%
39%
53%
46%
52%
43%
55%
4%
50%
41%
54%
46%
41%
52%
50%
42%
57%
41%
40%
5
6. A Plurality Views John Kerry Favorably
John Kerry Favorability
Mean
Ratio
Hard ID
2.56
100%
1.30
84%
80%
60%
+11
48%
37%
40%
20%
0%
21%
Very
21%
Very
Favorable
Unfavorable
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Fav
70%
39%
32%
53%
42%
54%
41%
52%
37%
57%
44%
65%
49%
58%
38%
45%
56%
49%
44%
46%
41%
60%
50%
Unfav
14%
43%
56%
29%
46%
23%
45%
38%
39%
36%
42%
8%
42%
34%
40%
34%
34%
36%
41%
34%
43%
28%
35%
6
7. Voters Give The Administration Negative
Ratings For Dealing With Iran
What kind of job has President Obama and his administration
done when it comes to dealing with Iran? Have President Obama Democrat ID
Independent ID
and his administration done an excellent, good, only fair or poor
Republican ID
job when it comes to dealing with Iran?
100%
-36
80%
60%
66%
6%
Excellent
30%
40%
20%
37%
Poor
0%
Favor
Oppose
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Positive
56%
21%
10%
32%
28%
30%
28%
33%
25%
34%
26%
54%
29%
36%
26%
28%
31%
28%
29%
33%
22%
37%
35%
Negative
39%
75%
86%
63%
69%
63%
70%
63%
71%
62%
71%
40%
67%
60%
70%
68%
66%
69%
68%
60%
73%
58%
63%
7
9. Overwhelming Numbers View Iran Unfavorably
Iran Favorability
Mean
Ratio
Hard ID
1.63
100%
0.16
85%
73%
80%
-61
60%
40%
4% Very
20%
12%
47% Very
0%
Favorable
Unfavorable
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Fav
17%
10%
7%
11%
12%
17%
8%
12%
9%
14%
9%
20%
10%
14%
7%
15%
10%
12%
11%
13%
9%
14%
14%
Unfav
67%
72%
80%
70%
76%
59%
80%
75%
72%
74%
77%
59%
77%
76%
70%
70%
75%
73%
73%
70%
76%
68%
73%
9
10. Few Know Who Rouhani Is, Though Those
Who Do, View Him Unfavorably
Hassan Rouhani Favorability
Mean
Ratio
Hard ID
1.81
100%
0.29
22%
80%
-12
60%
40%
17%
20%
5%
0%
Favorable
Unfavorable
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Fav
6%
6%
3%
4%
6%
5%
5%
5%
3%
7%
5%
5%
4%
7%
2%
7%
6%
3%
6%
6%
6%
7%
5%
Unfav
12%
17%
21%
12%
22%
13%
16%
22%
14%
19%
18%
11%
25%
20%
16%
8%
14%
17%
18%
17%
16%
17%
16%
10
11. By Contrast, Voters Have Strongly Favorable Opinions
Of Israel, And To A Lesser Extent Of Netanyahu
Israel Favorability
80%
Mean
Ratio
Hard ID
3.14
100%
4.25
Benjamin Netanyahu Favorability
85%
68%
Mean
Ratio
Hard ID
2.84
100%
2.13
50%
80%
+52
+18
60%
60%
34%
40%
40%
16%
20%
0%
16%
20%
34%
Very
Favorable
0%
Unfavorable
15%
Very
Favorable
Unfavorable
11
12. Voters Do Not Trust North Korea Or Iran To
Abide By Agreements
Don’t Trust
Great Britain
5%
Israel
Net Trust
Trust
94%
68% strong trust
79%
37%
18%
+89
+61
Mexico
29%
15%
69%
+40
South Korea
29%
25%
67%
+38
Russia
54%
China
Iran
North Korea
*Ranked By Net Trust
56%
83%
90%
28%
44%
-10
28%
42%
-14
60%
77% strong distrust
-100% -80% -60% -40% -20%
0%
15%
7%
20%
40%
% Trust To Live Up
To & Abide By
Diplomatic
Agreements
60%
-68
-83
80% 100%
12
13. No Voter Segment Trusts Iran
% Trust Iran To Live Up To & Abide
By Diplomatic Agreements
100%
83%
80%
-68
60%
40%
2% Great
Deal
15%
20%
60% Not
At All
0%
Trust
Distrust
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Trust
19%
17%
7%
16%
14%
26%
12%
9%
12%
17%
13%
23%
12%
10%
13%
16%
15%
9%
15%
20%
12%
20%
15%
Distrust
78%
81%
91%
82%
83%
73%
85%
88%
85%
81%
85%
73%
87%
88%
84%
83%
84%
89%
82%
77%
87%
77%
83%
13
14. While North Korea Is Viewed As The Biggest
Threat To The U.S., Iran Comes In A Close Second
Republicans Tend To View Iran As A Bigger Threat Than Democrats
Which of the following countries do you think poses the biggest threat to the security of the United States?
60%
50%
N. Korea
33%
25%
26%
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Iran
17%
25%
28%
40%
28%
30%
23%
18%
20%
6%
10%
6%
6%
5%
0%
North Korea
Iran
China
Iraq
Pakistan
Syria
Russia
14
16. Across Party Lines, Voters Overwhelmingly Favor
Economic Sanctions On Iran To Pressure It To End Its
Nuclear Weapons Program
As you may know, the United States and most other countries in the
world have imposed economic sanctions on Iran to pressure it to end
its efforts to develop nuclear weapons Do you favor or oppose the
economic sanctions that the U.S. has placed on Iran?
100%
83%
+72
80%
60%
40%
6%
Strongly
11%
20%
68%
Strongly
0%
Favor
Oppose
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Favor
83%
79%
89%
82%
85%
75%
84%
89%
81%
86%
85%
80%
87%
86%
80%
82%
88%
84%
83%
80%
86%
91%
80%
Oppose
11%
14%
7%
12%
10%
16%
10%
8%
12%
9%
9%
15%
9%
9%
13%
12%
8%
9%
13%
13%
11%
6%
13%
16
17. More Than Three Quarters Believe Sanctions Should
Be Strengthened Or Remain At Their Current Level
In your opinion, should the United States now strengthen
economic sanctions on Iran, reduce economic sanctions
on Iran, or should sanctions remain at the same level
they are now?
80%
77%
70%
60%
50%
39%
38%
40%
30%
14%
20%
10%
0%
strengthen
same
reduce
strengthen
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
same
reduce
28%
41%
49%
37%
41%
32%
43%
39%
41%
37%
41%
32%
44%
38%
41%
35%
36%
41%
40%
38%
46%
44%
28%
42%
40%
32%
40%
36%
43%
37%
36%
36%
40%
36%
47%
37%
40%
37%
38%
46%
35%
40%
34%
35%
35%
43%
18%
14%
9%
12%
16%
13%
12%
17%
12%
16%
13%
8%
16%
13%
13%
15%
15%
14%
12%
16%
11%
15%
19%
17
18. Most Believe Iran Should Dismantle Its Nuclear
Infrastructure Before Sanctions Are Lifted
In trying to prevent Iran from developing nuclear
weapons, should the United States …
Allow Iran to keep its nuclear infrastructure and stockpiles
of enriched uranium in place and lift economic sanctions
against Iran so long as Iran agrees to not build nuclear
weapons, limits future uranium enrichment and submits to
international inspections of its nuclear facilities.
Insist that Iran dismantles its nuclear infrastructure and give
up the ability to build a nuclear weapon before any
economic sanctions are lifted.
62%
80%
+30
70%
60%
50%
32%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
24%
Strongly
Allow
49%
Strongly
Dismantle
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Allow
37%
33%
26%
29%
36%
43%
28%
29%
33%
31%
32%
33%
36%
30%
33%
33%
36%
29%
34%
30%
28%
31%
37%
Dismantle
55%
63%
69%
65%
59%
53%
65%
65%
60%
64%
63%
59%
61%
64%
61%
61%
62%
63%
60%
64%
67%
63%
58%
18
19. Preventing Iran From Getting Nukes Is A
Higher Priority Than Avoiding Military Action
19
20. Allowing Iran To Develop Nuclear Weapons Is Judged
More Dangerous Than Targeted Military Strikes
In the long run, which is more dangerous for the
United States:
Allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
Targeted military strikes against Iran’s nuclear
facilities to try and stop them from developing
nuclear weapons
100%
80%
54%
60%
37%
40%
20%
0%
47%
Strongly
Iran Nukes
26%
Strongly
Military strikes
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Iran Nukes
48%
52%
63%
54%
54%
50%
59%
52%
54%
54%
55%
56%
56%
55%
52%
54%
55%
55%
58%
47%
55%
57%
51%
Military Strikes
40%
39%
31%
37%
37%
45%
32%
37%
35%
39%
35%
36%
38%
36%
38%
37%
36%
36%
34%
43%
39%
37%
38%
20
21. By Over 3 To 1, Voters Believe Preventing Iran From
Developing Nuclear Weapons Is More Important Than
Avoiding Military Strikes
Which of the following should be the most impt. goal of
the U.S. in dealing with Iran’s nuclear program?
To prevent Iran from developing nuclear
weapons, even if it requires military strikes on
Iranian nuclear facilities.
To avoid military strikes on Iran, even if it
means allowing Iran to acquire nuclear
weapons.
100%
68%
80%
60%
13%
Strongly
21%
40%
20%
0%
59%
Strongly
Prevent Nukes
Avoid Strikes
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Prevent Nukes
61%
66%
80%
71%
66%
65%
70%
69%
69%
68%
68%
76%
70%
64%
71%
71%
71%
66%
72%
64%
74%
79%
62%
Avoid Strikes
27%
23%
13%
19%
23%
27%
21%
18%
19%
23%
21%
15%
20%
26%
18%
19%
21%
22%
19%
23%
17%
14%
28%
21
22. Voters Are Most Concerned About Iran Arming Terrorists
With Nukes, Attacking U.S. Troops And Launching A
Missile Against The U.S.
Now I am going to read you a list of things that could happen if Iran is able to develop a nuclear weapon. After I read
each, please tell me if that concerns you a great deal, some, not too much or not at all?
Iran could give nuclear weapons to terrorist groups trying to attack the
United States and our allies
Iran could use nuclear weapons to attack American troops in the
Middle-East
78%
% concerns
a great deal
75%
Iran is developing nuclear-armed ballistic missiles that could enable
them to launch a nuclear attack on the U.S. by 2015
73%
Allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons could embolden other
countries to develop nuclear weapons, triggering an arms race in one
of the most dangerous parts of the world
71%
A nuclear-armed Iran could launch nuclear weapons against Israel, our
closest ally in the region
70%
Iran could become a regional superpower that is even harder to deter
than it is now
66%
64%
Iran would have the capability to menace oil suppliers, causing the
price of oil & gasoline to increase, threatening the global economy
58%
America’s influence around the world would be undermined
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
22
23. Voters Are Mostly Unfamiliar With The
Interim Agreement And Express Mixed Views
23
24. Only About Half Have Heard Anything About
The Interim Agreement, And Few Know Much
How much, if anything, have you heard about an interim
agreement between the United States and Iran that places
some temporary restraints on the pace of Iran’s nuclear
program in exchange for some relief from economic
sanctions on Iran?
70%
60%
52%
Not Heard
47%
Heard
50%
32%
40%
29%
23%
30%
20%
15%
10%
0%
Great Deal
Some
Not Too
Much
Nothing At
All
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Heard
42%
50%
48%
38%
56%
39%
44%
56%
40%
53%
49%
30%
61%
51%
43%
36%
49%
46%
51%
38%
46%
51%
46%
Not Heard
56%
49%
51%
61%
43%
59%
55%
42%
59%
46%
51%
68%
38%
47%
56%
62%
50%
51%
49%
60%
52%
48%
53%
24
25. A Majority Favors The Interim Agreement With Iran
Voters Cleave Sharply Across Party, Age And Religiousity
As you may know, the United States & 5 other world powers
recently reached an interim agreement with Iran that would reduce
some economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for a commitment by
Iran to temporarily limit some parts of its nuclear program, while
a final agreement is being negotiated. Do you favor or oppose this
agreement?
100%
80%
55%
60%
37%
40%
20%
34%
Strongly
27%
Strongly
Favor
Oppose
0%
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Favor
70%
47%
46%
58%
52%
70%
49%
51%
54%
56%
52%
63%
56%
55%
57%
53%
56%
48%
52%
65%
49%
61%
63%
Oppose
23%
42%
47%
33%
41%
21%
42%
42%
37%
37%
40%
29%
40%
38%
34%
36%
41%
39%
39%
27%
44%
32%
30%
25
26. Opposition To The Interim Agreement Is Somewhat
Higher Among Those Who Have Heard More About It
Favor/Oppose Interim Agreement By Awareness Of Agreement
TOTAL
Heard
Great Deal
Heard
Some
100%
Heard
Not Too
Much
Heard
Nothing
At All
80%
60%
56%
55%
37%
40%
20%
59%
54%
42%
52%
43%
32%
32%
Favor
Oppose
0%
26
27. Though Voters Support The Agreement, They Would
Have Preferred Requiring Iran To Abandon Its
Nuclear Program Before Reducing Any Sanctions
Which of the following statements about the interim agreement with Iran comes closer to your point of view:
The United States made the right decision by reducing sanctions and financial pressure in exchange for
an agreement by Iran to put some temporary limits on its nuclear program, while a final agreement is
being negotiated.
The United States should have required Iran to completely abandon its nuclear program before agreeing
to reduce sanctions.
100%
80%
57%
39%
60%
40%
20%
0%
29%
Strongly
45%
Strongly
U.S. Made Right Decision
Require Iran To Abandon
Nuclear Weapons
27
28. More Than Two-Thirds Favor Releasing The
Entire Text To The Public
As of right now, the Obama Administration has shared the
agreement with Iran only with some Members of Congress. Do you Democrat ID
favor or oppose releasing the text of the entire deal to the public? Independent ID
100%
68%
80%
60%
26%
40%
20%
0%
57%
strong
16%
strong
Favor
Oppose
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Favor
61%
69%
74%
65%
71%
73%
69%
63%
72%
65%
71%
48%
69%
65%
74%
68%
70%
63%
64%
75%
65%
72%
71%
Oppose
30%
25%
22%
29%
23%
24%
24%
29%
22%
29%
24%
45%
27%
27%
20%
26%
25%
28%
29%
19%
29%
23%
23%
28
29. Voters Don’t Believe Iran Will Live Up To The
Interim Agreement
How likely do you think it is that Iran will live up to and abide
by this interim agreement? Is it very likely, somewhat
likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely that Iran will live
up to and abide by this agreement?
100%
66%
80%
60%
6%
very
31%
40%
20%
45%
very
0%
Likely
Unlikely
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Likely
44%
28%
18%
30%
32%
40%
24%
31%
28%
32%
28%
35%
34%
32%
29%
28%
32%
29%
27%
36%
26%
33%
35%
Unlikely
52%
68%
80%
67%
65%
56%
73%
65%
68%
65%
68%
61%
64%
64%
68%
69%
66%
65%
70%
61%
71%
63%
63%
29
30. Voters Strongly Favor Requiring Iran To Take A
Number Of Actions During Negotiations
Now I am going to read you a list of actions that some people have suggested Iran should be required to take while it is negotiating
with the U.S. on its nuclear program. After I read each, please tell me whether you would favor or oppose requiring Iran to take that
action before the U.S. signs a final agreement with Iran on lifting sanctions
Oppose
3%
Iran should be required to cease all acts of
terrorism against the U.S.
3%
87% strong favor
95%
+92
94%
+91
6%
83%
8%
Iran should be required to place all nuclear
materials currently possessed by Iran under
the control of international monitors
Net Favor
88%
Iran should be required to allow international
inspections of all Iranian nuclear facilities
Iran should be required to freeze all efforts to
develop long-range ballistic missiles while
negotiations are taking place
Favor
% Favor/
Oppose
76%
91%
88%
+85
+80
Iran should be required to recognize the right
of Israel to exist
9%
74%
86%
+77
Iran should be required to cease all efforts to
enrich uranium while negotiations are taking
place
11%
77%
85%
+74
83%
+71
Iran should be required to destroy all
centrifuges that can be used to enrich uranium
to the point it can be used in nuclear weapons
*Ranked By % Favor
-60%
12%
-40%
-20%
73%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
30
31. Voters Believe Iran Is Using Negotiations To
Stall While Continuing Development Of Nukes
Which of the following statements about Iran comes closer to your point of view:
Iran is using these negotiations to stall as it continues to develop its ability to make nuclear weapons.
Iran is negotiating in good faith and will
eventually give up their ability to make nuclear
weapons.
100%
Iran is negotiating in good faith and may
eventually give up their ability to make nuclear
weapons.
100%
73%
70%
80%
80%
60%
60%
20%
40%
20%
0%
21%
40%
20%
62%
Strongly
Stalling
8%
Strongly
Good faith
0%
59%
Strongly
Stalling
11%
Strongly
Good faith
*Questions split-sampled
31
32. Every Segment Believes Iran Is Using The
Negotiations To Stall
Which of the following statements about Iran comes closer
to your point of view:
Iran is using these negotiations to stall as it continues
to develop its ability to make nuclear weapons.
Iran is negotiating in good faith and (may/will)
eventually give up their ability to make nuclear
weapons.
100%
72%
Split Samples
Combined
80%
60%
20%
40%
20%
0%
61%
Strongly
stalling
9%
Strongly
good faith
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Stalling
62%
82%
72%
74%
69%
61%
74%
77%
72%
72%
75%
66%
73%
71%
75%
69%
77%
71%
75%
63%
79%
81%
61%
Good faith
27%
12%
21%
18%
23%
30%
18%
16%
19%
22%
19%
20%
20%
22%
16%
22%
17%
19%
18%
28%
15%
13%
29%
32
33. Most Believe That Congress Should Approve Any Final
Deal With Iran, Though Democrats Are More Evenly
Divided On The Matter
Which of the following statements comes closer to your point of view?
For over 15 years, Congress has been the prime mover of sanctions
on Iran and should approve a final deal before sanctions are
lifted, because it will help ensure we get the best possible deal and
do not leave Iran with the ability to make nuclear weapons in the
future.
President Obama should have the power to make an agreement with
Iran, without going back to Congress to repeal sanctions, because
meddling by Congress could endanger negotiations between the
United States and Iran, nullifying the current deal and enabling Iran
to re-start its weapons program.
100%
69%
80%
60%
25%
40%
20%
0%
58%
Strongly
Cong approval
17%
Strongly
Prez power
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Cong
54%
73%
82%
68%
71%
70%
69%
70%
72%
67%
73%
52%
75%
65%
75%
66%
68%
66%
73%
67%
75%
73%
62%
Prez
40%
22%
12%
25%
24%
26%
26%
22%
21%
27%
21%
41%
20%
30%
20%
27%
26%
26%
22%
28%
20%
23%
32%
33
35. Less Than A Third Have Heard About New Congressional
Legislation That Would Trigger Sanctions On Iran
Older Voters Are Most Aware
How much, if anything, have you heard about legislation in
Congress that could trigger new sanctions on Iran?
70%
68%
Not Heard
30%
Heard
60%
50%
37%
40%
31%
22%
30%
20%
9%
10%
0%
Great Deal
Some
Not Too
Much
Nothing At
All
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Heard
34%
29%
29%
27%
35%
24%
26%
41%
28%
32%
31%
27%
39%
34%
29%
23%
31%
31%
31%
28%
30%
28%
32%
Not Heard
64%
69%
71%
70%
64%
74%
71%
57%
70%
66%
67%
71%
58%
64%
69%
76%
69%
66%
67%
70%
69%
69%
66%
35
36. Initially, An Overwhelming Majority Favors Legislation
Triggering New Sanctions If Iran Cheats On The
Agreement, Fails To Negotiate A Deal Or Engages In Terrorism
Just so we are on the same page, there is legislation in the Senate
sponsored by 59 Senators from both parties that would trigger new
sanctions on Iran if they cheat on the terms of the current interim
agreement, fail to negotiate a final deal to eliminate their ability to
make nuclear weapons, or if they are found to be involved in a terrorist
act against the United States during nuclear talks. Do you favor or
oppose this legislation?
100%
78%
+63
80%
60%
10%
Strongly
40%
15%
20%
64%
Strongly
0%
Favor
Oppose
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Favor
74%
76%
83%
79%
77%
80%
77%
77%
76%
79%
79%
72%
81%
79%
76%
77%
80%
77%
76%
79%
76%
83%
80%
Oppose
17%
15%
12%
13%
17%
16%
14%
16%
16%
14%
13%
17%
14%
15%
15%
15%
16%
14%
14%
16%
16%
11%
15%
36
37. Support For The Legislation Is Strong Regardless
Of Voters’ Familiarity With The Proposal
Favor/Oppose Legislation Triggering Sanctions By Awareness
TOTAL
Heard
Great Deal
Heard
Some
80%
78%
78%
Heard
Nothing
At All
77%
100%
Heard
Not Too
Much
80%
80%
60%
40%
20%
Favor
Oppose
15%
19%
17%
13%
14%
0%
37
38. Voters Were Given Arguments By Both Supporters
And Opponents Of Congressional Legislation
Supporters of the bipartisan bill say it strengthens diplomacy and increases our chances
of peacefully stopping Iran. In fact, it is Congressional sanctions that finally pushed Iran
into negotiations, and it is pressure that will keep them there and convince them to
compromise. Given Iran’s history of lying about its nuclear program and violating
agreements, Iran cannot be trusted. Their threats to walk away from talks are not new and
not credible – they need a deal more than we do. Unfortunately, the “interim” agreement
has too many loopholes, relieves financial pressure prematurely, and undercuts the
leverage we need to end the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. Passing legislation laying out
sanctions should Iran cheat, or refuse a final agreement, balances the interim
deal, supports our diplomacy and will help get a good final deal.
Opponents of the legislation say the interim agreement negotiated between the United
States and Iran, and the current diplomatic process to reach a final agreement, is the best
way to ensure that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons in the future, and those pushing
for more sanctions on Iran are putting the country on a path to war. Part of the agreement
states that no new sanctions are to be imposed while the permanent agreement is being
negotiated. Therefore, new sanctions now will cause this deal to fall apart and Iran will
continue developing nuclear weapons. Moreover, the United States risks losing support
from our allies who made these sanctions successful. We can always restore and
strengthen sanctions against Iran if things change, but we should give this agreement a
chance to work first.
38
39. After Arguments On Both Sides Of The Issue, Voters Still Favor
Legislation Triggering New Sanctions By Over Two-To-One
While Democrats Are A Bit Less Supportive, A Clear Majority Still Favors The Legislation
AFTER VOTERS HEARD ARGUMENTS:
Now that you’ve heard arguments on both sides of the
issue, do you favor or oppose this legislation triggering new
sanctions against Iran?
100%
80%
+35
63%
60%
28%
40%
20%
0%
49%
Strongly
Favor
17%
Strongly
Oppose
Democrat ID
Independent ID
Republican ID
Women
Men
18-39
40-59
60+
No College
College Grad+
White
Black
Upper-SES
College Middle
Non-College Middle
Lower-SES
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Relig Weekly+
Relig Few Times/Mo
Relig Seldom/Never
Favor
55%
65%
71%
58%
69%
60%
67%
62%
64%
63%
64%
67%
64%
62%
64%
64%
60%
64%
67%
61%
67%
71%
57%
Oppose
36%
27%
20%
30%
25%
32%
24%
28%
24%
30%
27%
22%
32%
28%
24%
28%
32%
27%
24%
29%
26%
22%
34%
39
40. Strategic Conclusions
Voters do not trust Iran and do not believe that they will
abide by their treaty commitments
Most voters favor sanctions on Iran, and few believe they
should be weakened
While a majority favors the interim agreement, most would
have preferred requiring Iran to dismantle its nuclear
program before getting sanctions relief
Most favor legislation triggering sanctions on Iran if they
cheat or fail to come to a final resolution – a majority that
holds up after voters hear arguments on both sides
40
