I am a regular participant in national polls. I know that sounds odd, but it's true. I don't know anyone else who does, but my phone rings regularly with calls from groups like Gallup and Zogby. If I have time and feel like it, I answer questions.
The problem with most polls are how the questions are asked. I just completed a national poll where questions were asked, in essence, X is African-American, a woman, a Mormon, or 72 years old. will that make me much more likely, somewhat more likely, somewhat less likely, much less likely, or not sure that I'd vote for him/her for President on the basis of race, sex, religion or age.
These questions assume you are prejudiced. Period. You're either more or less likely to vote for a person because of their race, sex, religion, or age. This poll can only deliver a result that shows the assumed prejudice. Why wasn't there a choice for those (like me) who couldn't care less about these distinctions?
These choices should be about policy and philosophy of government. Sadly, many will go to the polls in the primaries and general elections having made their decision base upon one of the superficial "reasons" represented in the poll above. Even worse? Those of us who do not, will probably get the government they deserve.
2 comments:
I read somewhere that up in NH, the folks get so many polls during primary season, that many locals now intentionally answer different things just to mess with the pollsters.
I might do that too.
My opinions are so conservative, they throw most polls off by their nature.
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