Press Release - "Instant" Reactions Among Viewers of State of the Union Address Show 82% Approve of President Bush's Proposals; But Most Doubt Washington Will Act in Bipartisan Spirit

"INSTANT" REACTIONS AMONG VIEWERS OF STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS SHOW 82% APPROVE OF PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROPOSALS; BUT MOST DOUBT WASHINGTON WILL ACT IN BIPARTISAN SPIRIT

For 7th year, CBS News/Knowledge Networks scientifically measured reaction to President Bush's speech

Menlo Park, CA; January 24, 2007: When surveyed immediately after last night's State of the Union address, 82% of those who watched the speech approved of President Bush's proposals, but 68% say they doubt the President will be able to accomplish all of his goals; both percentages are on a par with results from the same survey last year.

These are among the findings of a CBS News/Knowledge Networks poll based on a scientific sample of television viewers of the event. CBS News has featured the survey results – which were obtained using Knowledge Networks' KnowledgePanel® – in its Web coverage of the President's address (see story at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/24/opinion/main2392699.shtml).

The scientific poll uniquely supports an analysis of the impact of the Presidential address on the opinions of viewers, who indicated that:

59% believe that President Bush and the Democratic Congress will not be able to work together on a bipartisan agenda
16% say the President's Iraq strategy is "very likely" to be effective, while 42% say it is "somewhat likely to succeed"
67% feel President Bush will make the right decisions about energy conservation, and 56% are in agreement with his handling of immigration

Perceptions of Republicans and Democrats were quite different on many key points; while 52% of Republicans said the President would be able to achieve all of the goals in his speech, just 17% of Democrats concurred. Similarly, 30% of Republicans said Bush's Iraq strategy was "very likely to succeed," compared to just 6% of Democrats. Further, Democrats and Independents were less likely than Republicans to think that President Bush will make the right decisions about U.S. energy conservation and consumption; proportions were 50% (Democrats), 63% (Independents), and 88% (Republicans).

To obtain a valid assessment of reactions to the address, a random sample of the nationwide online research panel, KnowledgePanel®, was asked in the few days before the speech about their intentions to view and their opinions on national policy. Those intending to view the President's speech were invited to provide their opinions immediately after the address, with survey results delivered to CBS News in less than 15 minutes.

To learn more about the Knowledge Networks program of government and academic research, go to www.knowledgenetworks.com/ganp.

KnowledgePanel® has provided CBS News with viewer measurement for several previous State of the Union speeches. Knowledge Networks – a consumer information and public policy survey company – also delivered moment-by-moment tracking of reactions to the 2000 and 2004 presidential debates; in 2004, CBS News displayed positive/negative reaction levels on its Web site as the debate occurred. Knowledge Networks research has also played a prominent role in CBS News post-speech and post-debate coverage.

Knowledge Networks delivers quality you can use—superior methodologies, design, and analysis that give you an edge when it comes to understanding consumers and making business decisions. KN's unmatched consumer research resources include KnowledgePanel®, the only projectable Web-based consumer panel. The company leverages its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and analytics to provide insights that speak directly to clients' most important marketing issues. In addition, Knowledge Networks has built a substantial practice in government and academic research, an area notable for its rigorous methodology standards.