Lawrence O'Donnell, Jeff Zients & John Della Volpe
Sep 20, 2023
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Lawrence O'Donnell imagines TV from a Trump house arrest. Jeff Zients details Biden's moves to negotiate drug prices. John Della Volpe measures grains of salt with polls.
Polls can be used as propaganda and shape narratives instead of providing true insights.
Partisanship influences polling results, leading to polarized views even on non-partisan issues.
There is a need for better polling that focuses on important issues and provides deeper insights into the values and concerns of everyday Americans.
Deep dives
Polling and the Disconnect with Everyday Americans
There is a disconnect between the media polls and what everyday Americans care about. Polls are being used as propaganda, shaping narratives rather than providing true insights. Polling based on probability sampling is more accurate and can utilize various methods like telephone, mobile phone, or internet-based surveys. However, convenience sampling and biased questioning can lead to misleading results. There is also a lack of curiosity in polling, with repetitive questions that don't capture the nuances of public opinion. This disconnect can fuel cynicism and disincentivize voter participation.
The Impact of Partisanship in Polling
Partisanship plays a significant role in polling, with Republicans and Democrats often giving biases responses based on their political affiliations. This can result in polarized views even on non-partisan issues. Media consumption, particularly from certain outlets like Fox News, can reinforce these biases and negatively impact public opinion. There is a need to reestablish civic IQ and the ability to discern propaganda from facts in order to foster more informed and balanced political discussions.
Challenges with Polling Methodology
Polling methodologies have evolved, with a shift towards probability-based samples that recruit participants based on their location rather than their telephone type. However, junk polls and convenience samples still exist, leading to biased results and potential manipulation of data for political purposes. Balancing the need for cost-effective polling with accurate and representative samples remains a challenge.
The Need for Better Polling and Insights
There is a demand for better polling that focuses on important issues and provides deeper insights into the values and concerns of everyday Americans. This includes understanding the disconnect between media narratives and public opinion, tackling partisanship biases, and addressing the lack of curiosity in polling questions. By improving the quality and relevance of polling, a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of public sentiment can be achieved.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Elections and Public Discourse
The current landscape of polling and public opinion can have a significant impact on elections and public discourse. The use of polls as propaganda, biased questioning, and the polarization of responses based on partisanship all contribute to a climate of cynicism and division. Efforts should be made to engage younger generations in civic life and politics, reshape media narratives, and focus on issues related to basic rights and the needs of everyday Americans.
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell imagines the amazing TV we will get from a Trump house arrest. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients details the Biden administration's moves to negotiate drug prices for the American people. Pollster John Della Volpe measures the grains of salt we should be taking with many of the polls that are lighting up op-eds these days.
