Are polling accurate?

[question everything]

I was listening to NPR - "Talk of the Nation," I think.

One of the guests expressed her doubts about polling in general, and an example was used that just before the CT primaries, Lamont was predicted to beat Lieberman by 14 point, while at the end, he was ahead by only 4.

There are several reasons for such skepticism:

First, many, especially younger voters, do not own land line phones, only cell phones and cell phone numbers are not readily available as the ones on the White Pages.

Second, many have unlisted number; I believe that almost 50% of Californians have their unlisted.

Third, households like ours that screen all calls in the evening. Yes, we are on the "do not call list" which leaves charities and political calls free. Especially this time of year, sometimes I do answer and someone very polite wants to update me about how the Democrats are doing and I just say that I am sorry, do not have time to talk and hang up.

Two years ago I volunteered to conduct a semi survey on behalf of the Kerry campaign. Most of the calls were answered by an answering machine. I did not go back to do this. I just imagined myself on the other side of the line and felt it was futile.

[hurricaneric]

1. Something to investigate

A couple weeks ago I read a brief story about a particular polling company that had produced inaccurate polls for Lieberman and Bush. According to the report, the pollsters were told to talk to dogs and cats. I haven't seen the media pick the story up since the first time I saw it, but it could explain your question.

[question everything]

2. LOL. I think that I've heard something

but not about the cats and dogs..

Welcome to DU

:toast: :bounce:

[daa]

3. I believe polls before I believe Diebold nt