CBS Poll: Clinton Approval Still High

After President Clinton's address to the nation, during which he admitted to an "inappropriate" relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, the American public continues to approve of the way the president is doing his job, according to the latest CBS News/New York Times poll.

Clinton Job Approval

APPROVE 71% DISAPPROVE 27%

The public also agrees with the president's description of this as a private matter, making a distinction between this affair and his job as president.

But Americans are more likely now to blame the president for creating the current situation than they had been a week ago. And the public also blames Mr. Clinton for prolonging the investigation.

LEWINSKY MATTER SHOULD BE DROPPED

Lewinsky Investigation Should Be . . .

DROPPED 74% CONTINUED 24%

When asked specifically what should happen with the president himself now that he has testified and addressed the nation, 66 percent say they want the matter dropped. Less than a third favor either resignation or Congress beginning impeachment proceedings.

However, the public would be less supportive and call for more serious action if it was learned that President Clinton obstructed justice by lying under oath or by encouraging Lewinsky t lie. In that case, half would either want him to resign—33 percent—or would favor impeachment proceedings—17 percent. Just less than half would favor an apology or would drop the matter in that case.

There is continued uncertainty about whether the president did encourage Lewinsky to lie. Forty-eight percent think it's probably true that he did this. Forty-five percent say it's probably not true.

The public distinguishes between the Lewinsky investigation and other investigations. Americans continue to be divided on what to do about the other Whitewater investigations independent counsel Kenneth Starr is conducting. Forty-five percent would continue those other investigations. Forty-one percent say they should be dropped.

But a majority thinks Starr's overall investigation is partisan, not impartial—a theme President Clinton stressed in his Monday night address.

EVALUATING THE SPEECH

Who Is To Blame For Creating Situation

BILL CLINTON 48% CLINTON'S ENEMIES 44%

For the first time since this question was asked in late January, people are more likely to blame Mr. Clinton himself for creating the current situation than to blame his political enemies. The public places even more blame on Mr. Clinton when asked specifically about who is responsible for prolonging this situation.

There is some empathy for the president. By 52 percent to 45 percent, Americans say it is understandable why the president did not tell the truth when the allegations were first made in January.

MOSTLY STEADY RATINGS SO FAR

Who Is To Blame For Prolonging Situation

BILL CLINTON 51% CLINTON'S ENEMIES 39%

However, there has been change in one important personal evaluation. Now, 50 percent say the president does not share most Americans' moral values—up from 44 percent among these same respondents a week ago.

---