The Decibel Campaign Call: Debate prep and an inside look at polling
Apr 16, 2025
This week features Nik Nanos, chief data scientist and founder of Nanos Research, Shannon Proudfoot, a feature writer at the Globe, and Campbell Clark, a political columnist. They dive into the significance of upcoming debates and share insights on candidates' preparation strategies. Nik reveals how polls are conducted and the intricacies involved in ensuring accuracy, discussing the challenges of translating public support into electoral success. The conversation also tackles public skepticism surrounding polling reliability, making for a fascinating listen!
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Debates Confirm Voter Beliefs
- Debates serve as a microcosm of election campaigns, mainly confirming pre-existing voter opinions.
- Though debates offer compelling theater and engagement, they rarely shift public opinion significantly.
1988 Debate Shifted Voter Support
- The 1988 free trade debate sharply shifted voter support between Brian Mulroney and John Turner.
- The Liberals gained and then lost ground due to debate impact followed by a Conservative ad blitz.
Debates Still Matter Today
- Debates remain relevant despite other media because they are unique shared political events.
- They give voters a rare chance to see leaders directly interact and reveal character outside scripted appearances.