Articles

Don't Let the Polls Affect Your Vote

October 29, 2008

There has been an explosion of polls this presidential election. Through yesterday, there have been 728 national polls with head-to-head matchups of the candidates, 215 in October alone. In 2004, there were just 239 matchup polls, with 67 of those in October. At this rate, there may be almost as many national polls in October of 2008 as there were during the entire year in 2004.

Some polls are sponsored by reputable news organizations, others by publicity-eager universities or polling firms on the make. None have the scientific precision we imagine.

For example, academics gathered by the American Political Science Association at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington on Aug. 31, 2000, to make forecasts declared that Al Gore would be the winner. Their models told them so. Mr. Gore would receive between 53% and 60% of the two-party vote; Gov. George W. Bush would get between just 40% and 47%. Impersonal demographic and economic forces had settled the contest, they said. They were wrong.

FULL ARTICLE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122533149619882883.html

Related Article

E8d109a2738597d00c1a784579eeaf2f
July 24, 2025 |
Article
We’re seeing what happens when conspiracy collides with reality.   ...
4290ebda0c5752ffe017360c57150325
July 17, 2025 |
Article
It’s hard enough being the party out of power in normal times.  ...
32150dddc932cb986b0b43ce77117ad8
July 10, 2025 |
Article
Congressional Republicans are likely relieved. Passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act required President Trump to manhandle dozens of GOP lawmakers. ...
9cc06061ff3997966f30f984663bbd69
July 03, 2025 |
Article
The countdown to next year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence starts on Friday.    ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance