Poll: Independent Counsel Should Investigate China Policy Decisions - May 20, 1998

Many people think Clinton Administration favored China in exchange for contributions

By Keating Holland/CNN

WASHINGTON (May 20) -- Most Americans believe that an independent counsel should be appointed to look into allegations that the Clinton Administration favored China in policy decisions in exchange for contributions to the Democratic party from the Chinese government, according to the latest CNN/TIME poll.

And by a 47-34 percent margin, the public thinks the administration did, in fact, favor China as a result of political contributions, though 19 percent of people surveyed still have not made up their minds whether such a quid pro quo took place.

This comes at an awkward time for President Bill Clinton. His approval rating has dropped six points over the past six weeks, although it remains at a very robust 61 percent. And the drop is not directly attributable to the allegations about Chinese contributions, and Clinton's current figure is identical to the 61 percent approval rating former President Ronald Reagan enjoyed in June1986.

Nearly two-thirds think Clinton is doing a good job handling foreign policy.

Who is the most popular member of the Clinton Administration? That would be Hillary Rodham Clinton, with 64 percent of Americans approving how she is handling her job as first lady.

The survey of 1,234 adults was conducted May 18-19, and has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points

Independent Counsel For Chinese Contributions
Favor Oppose	58% 33%
Did Administration Favor China In Exchange For Contributions?
Yes No Unsure	47% 34% 19%
Clinton Approval Rating
Now April	62% 67%
Approval Ratings
Hillary Clinton Bill Clinton Al Gore Newt Gingrich	64% 61% 54% 42%
Clinton's Handling of Foreign Policy
Good job Bad job	65% 27%