Tatishe M. Nteta, Provost Professor of Political Science and Director of the UMass Poll, breaks down the surprising election results and the misconceptions about polling accuracy. He discusses how polls serve as snapshots of public opinion rather than predictions. Nteta highlights the impact of swing states and voter dissatisfaction, revealing why expectations often don’t match outcomes. He also addresses the evolution of polling technology and the growing skepticism surrounding its reliability, stressing the necessity for restoring public trust in polling.

Tatishe M. Nteta, Provost Professor of Political Science and Director of the UMass Poll, delves into the surprising dynamics of electoral polling. He explains how many misinterpret polls as predictive when they are actually descriptive snapshots of sentiment. Nteta discusses the shift to online polling methods and the challenges of reaching diverse demographics. He also tackles biases in exit polls and the importance of restoring trust in polling organizations, advocating for transparency and inclusivity to enhance public confidence.