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What A Day

Are The Polls Wrong...Again?

Oct 26, 2024
In this discussion, Dan Pfeiffer, a Crooked Media contributor and expert on election polling, breaks down the current state of polls ahead of the elections. He highlights the conflicting results, noting how Trump and Harris each have their moments of leading. Pfeiffer reflects on the pitfalls of past polling, especially from 2016, and explains how demographic shifts and communication changes complicate accuracy. He emphasizes the need for personal voter outreach and the unpredictable nature of upcoming elections, urging listeners to engage actively.
33:54

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Quick takeaways

  • Polls have increasingly struggled with accuracy, especially in capturing the turnout of non-college-educated white voters in recent elections.
  • Emerging political factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and reproductive rights are complicating the landscape of voter behavior and polling predictions.

Deep dives

The Challenges of Polling Accuracy

Polling accuracy has become a significant concern following the discrepancies observed in the last two presidential elections. Analysts note that polls underestimated Donald Trump's support, particularly from non-college-educated white voters, which skewed predictions about the election outcomes. The 2016 election highlighted how crucial state-level polling is since a lack of data in swing states led to unexpected results. This trend continued into 2020, where even established polling organizations failed to predict turnout accurately, leaving the industry facing intense scrutiny.

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