Assessing the Performance

Although the capital was awash with expressions of support for Oliver North, reaction to the Marine lieutenant colonel among the public at large was more qualified. In a poll taken for TIME last Thursday evening by Yankelovich Clancy Shulman,* 60% of those surveyed call themselves "sympathetic" to % North, but no more than 51% of the respondents judge North to be totally truthful.

Which of these descriptions do you feel describe Lieut. Colonel North?

Does not

Describes describe Not sure

A reckless adventurer 15% 72% 13%

A national hero 29% 61% 10%

A true patriot 67% 24% 9%

Someone we need in

Government 37% 49% 14%

A scapegoat for

higher-ups 77% 15% 8%

Someone I would want to

marry my daughter 26% 57% 17%

Only 22% think North's actions in diverting Iran arms profits to the contras were legal; 58% say he acted illegally. Nevertheless, 69% answered no when asked whether North "should be sent to jail for his role in the Iran-contra matter."

Did the President Know?

An overwhelming 84% of those polled believe North's testimony that all his actions were approved by higher-ups in Government. Even more damaging to Ronald Reagan, 58% agree that the "President knew money was being diverted from the Iranian arms sales to fund the contras," and only 23% disagree.

But Reagan's credibility increased slightly following North's appearance.

Do you think President Reagan has told the American people everything he knows about the Iran-contra issue?

Last Week May 1987 January 1987

Told everything 21% 14% 16%

Holding back information 71% 75% 77%

Was the Policy Wrong?

By better than 2 to 1 (64% to 28%), those surveyed disapprove of selling arms to Iran in exchange for hostages and also object (by 63% to 23%) to diverting funds to the contras. Moreover, 62% think it was wrong "for the Reagan Administration to conceal its secret operations in Iran and Nicaragua from the Congress." But most respondents are also cynical about the congressional hearings: 57% say the proceedings are motivated more by politics than by the evidence.

The poll also reveals a gain in public support for the contra cause, perhaps owing in part to North's testimony.

Do you approve of U.S. support for the contras fighting against government troops in Nicaragua?

Last Week January 1987

Approve 38% 26%

Disapprove 43% 50%

FOOTNOTE: *Conducted by telephone on July 9 among 612 adult Americans by Yankelovich Clancy Shulman. The sampling error is plus or minus 4%.