Poll Finds 70% of Americans Endorse Reagan’s Handling of Soviet Policy

Against the backdrop of President Reagan’s signing of an arms treaty with Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev and indications that Soviet troops may soon leave Afghanistan, 70% of Americans surveyed recently said they approve of Reagan’s handling of relations with the Soviet Union, according to a Gallup Poll.

The 70% mark for dealings with the Soviets is the highest achieved during Reagan’s presidency; the low was 37% in the spring of 1983. The recent survey found that 20% disapprove of his relations with the Soviets and 10% have no opinion.

The approval rating on the Soviets indicates a sharp rise from 57% in June, 1987. Reagan’s overall approval rating, which stands at 51%, has not significantly changed over the past year.

The survey also revealed, however, broad opposition to Reagan’s treatment of the nation’s economic problems, with 53% disapproving and only 40% approving.