Talking to the Pew Poll guy today...questions?

dpakman91 · 09-20-2006, 12:27 PM

I'm speaking to one of the head guys at pew, they recently did this study:

Summary of Findings: Democrats Hold Solid Lead; Strong Anti-Incumbent, Anti-Bush Mood

Ideas for questions?

Thorgrim · 09-20-2006, 12:49 PM

I find they generally give Bush lower approval numbers than other organizations like Hotline, Rasmussen, and now especially Gallup...reason?

6SpeedTA95 · 09-20-2006, 12:52 PM

These polls typically favor democrats, I'd ask him why he thinks this year will be any different than the previous elections since 9/11. Republicans hold the lead in terrorism and that is still probably going to be the biggest issue when push comes to shove.

dpakman91 · 09-20-2006, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

These polls typically favor democrats, I'd ask him why he thinks this year will be any different than the previous elections since 9/11. Republicans hold the lead in terrorism and that is still probably going to be the biggest issue when push comes to shove.

which ones are "these?" why do they favor democrats?

garbagemanlb · 09-20-2006, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by dpakman91

which ones are "these?" why do they favor democrats?

Because Bush is losing in all of them.

6SpeedTA95 · 09-20-2006, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by dpakman91

which ones are "these?" why do they favor democrats?

Sorry, I didn't mean polls from this particular group. But polls on many if not most issues except national security issues, generally favor democrats.

dpakman91 · 09-20-2006, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

Sorry, I didn't mean polls from this particular group. But polls on many if not most issues except national security issues, generally favor democrats.

oh ok, you say it as if the POLLS favor democrats but that they don't actually represent reality.

6SpeedTA95 · 09-20-2006, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by dpakman91

oh ok, you say it as if the POLLS favor democrats but that they don't actually represent reality.

I dont know that they favor democrats, definately there's a few that do, but I think a lot of it has to do with wording and or public perception. I saw some CNN commentary a few months back that talked about how polling has been so wrong especially in the recent past. They chalked it up to questions worded to favor democrats in the polls and the fact that historically in many areas democrats are perceived as being better than republicans and polls reflected this.

However, the polls aren't always accurate if there is a major over riding issue, and the last few elections there has been an issue. The issue is terrorism.

DosEquis · 09-20-2006, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by 6SpeedTA95

I dont know that they favor democrats, definately there's a few that do, but I think a lot of it has to do with wording and or public perception. I saw some CNN commentary a few months back that talked about how polling has been so wrong especially in the recent past. They chalked it up to questions worded to favor democrats in the polls and the fact that historically in many areas democrats are perceived as being better than republicans and polls reflected this.

However, the polls aren't always accurate if there is a major over riding issue, and the last few elections there has been an issue. The issue is terrorism.

I am curious as to why someone would want to skew a poll and screw up the results. The whole garbage in - garbage out theory. Surely people do not vote based upon the poll they see on tv, but vote based upon their set of views.

If that is the case, all it does it make them feel good about themselves until they lose in the next election.