1. 1 Public Perceptions of Terrorism and Government Preparedness National and Local Trends and Findings November 16, 2005 Presented by Dan Nataf, Ph.D Director, Center for the Study of Local Issues Anne Arundel Community College 101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012 (410) 777-2733 (410) 777-4733 fax ddnataf@aacc.edu www2.aacc.edu/csli

2. 2 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: National Trends and Findings National Trends –Bush and approval handling terrorism and homeland security –Bush and Iraq –Bush and overall job approval –Perceptions about why no follow-up attack –Confidence in government –Sources: Polls cited in www.pollingreport.com

3. 3 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: National Bush Handling of Terrorism and Homeland Security

4. 4 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence - National Bush Handling of Terrorism ONLY

5. 5 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence - National Bush - % approving handling of war in Iraq

6. 6 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: National Bush overall job approval

7. 7 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence : National Why no new attacks? Domestic security measures more important than military action in Iraq "Which one of the following do you think is the most likely reason there have been no attacks by al Qaeda on the United States since the September 11 attacks? Homeland security measures prevented them. No attacks were planned. The military action in Iraq prevented them." 11/8-9/05 FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll Security measures 24% No attacks planned 19% Military action in Iraq 16% Combination 26% Other/unsure 16%

8. 8 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: National Confidence that US govt. can protect from terrorism

9. 9 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Issues to be examined Bush approval Bush approval by “know someone in military in Iraq/Afghanistan Bush ‘best’ and ‘worst’ policies – spotlight on Iraq How important is ‘terrorism’ among other issues Likelihood of terrorist attack in Anne Arundel County over next year Perceived preparedness level of local authorities Compare with confidence local authorities can deal with economic and environmental challenges How has 9-11 changed people’s lives (if at all) Citizens own emergency preparedness

10. 10 Do you approve of the job George W. Bush is doing as President? Approve 45% Disapprove 48% Unsure 7% Gallup (11-15-05) Approve 37% Disapprove 60% Unsure 3% Those with ‘friend or family member currently serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan’ (39% of sample): Approve 48% Disapprove 45% Unsure 6% Without: Approve 42% Disapprove 51% Unsure 6% Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Bush Job Approval

11. 11 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Best Policies by Party Registration

12. 12 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Worst Policies by Party Registration

13. 13 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Most Important Issues – Concern for Terrorism is event driven

14. 14 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Likelihood of terrorist attack over next year

15. 15 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local How Prepared are Local Authorities in Event of Terrorist Strike or Natural Disaster (vs. Economy/Environment Preparedness/ Confidence TerrorDisasterEcon.Environ. Very11 87 Somewhat42494538 Not very44364150 No answer3476

16. 16 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local How Prepared are Local Authorities in Event of Terrorist Strike - Trend

17. 17 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local County’s Direction: Right or Wrong? Low confidence but still ‘right’ direction

18. 18 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local 9-11: Long term effects No change since 2001

19. 19 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local 9-11: What changes are important? Response (Spring 2005)CasesPercent Traveling less, especially by air1922 More suspicious and aware of surroundings and people 1517 Heightened security1416 Relatives in the military1012 Awareness of issues910 Discrimination22 Emergency Plan22 Other1517 Total 86 98

20. 20 Public Opinion, Terrorism, Confidence: Local Have you prepared for an emergency such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster? Spring 2003 Fall 2003 Spring 2004 Developed a family plan of action - YES435849 NO514249 Unsure/no answer612 Obtained/review County “Emergency Preparedness” guide - YES 2034n.a. Watch County Fire Department program on how to prepare for emergencies on cable TV? - YES n.a25n.a. Was info helpful (very helpful)n.a.53n.a.