Wide gap among poll results mystifies campaigns, pundits

Wide gap among poll results mystifies campaigns, pundits



I hate hate hate linking to the Washington Tmes but this headline caught the problem halfway well. But the real issue seems to be buried at the bottom of the inverted pyramid:



One factor is that, with the proliferation of polls, people are increasingly reluctant to participate. Mr. Taylor said that to have 1,000 respondents, it will take about 4,000 or 5,000 calls over a two- to three-day period.



Throw in unlisted cell phone only folks like me while you're at it...



The fundamental problem with polling is you can't make people answer and you can't make them tell the truth. What used to be a margin of error factor is now a fundamental flaw. Almost sad to see a once-great science going the way of the iceman and the slide rule, and we may finally be to the point where the cliche "the only poll that counts is on Election Day" comes true.



and I HATE losing to the Bears...