Blogcritics Comments on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Comment by Dave Nalle on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 22:53:43 EDT

Polls like this remind me why it's such a good thing that we're governed as a federal republic and not by direct democracy. Dave

Comment by Lee Richards on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 21:23:08 EDT

#3: Charles, Do you seriously think that any general or commander in Iraq who wants to remain a general or commander is going to tell Bush anything he doesn't want to hear?

Comment by Sisyphus on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 17:23:06 EDT

"The poll was only the opinion of 1007 adults (not necessarily 1007 voters)" A person's opinion don't matter unless he or she is a voter? I'm not so sure about that. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that non-voters enjoy fewer rights than voters, including the right to an opinion. There are a lot of reasons to not vote apart from apathy. Otherwise, I share many of your concerns about opinion polls. Of course, polls can be useful providing you look at all the data and not just extrapolated headlines.

Comment by Charles on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 14:06:46 EDT

Zedd, The closing sentence regarding the gallup poll was meant as sarcasm, sorry you couldnt pick up on that. And Lee, As for as Bush seeking advice of someone more knowledgable, I would much prefer it was a General or commander on the ground in Iraq than any Senator

Comment by Zedd on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 13:08:57 EDT

Signorile Lee: The Constitution does make the president the commander-in-chief, but it sure doesn't guarantee that he/she will be COMPETENT. The Constitution also does not guarantee that the electorate be highly informed. The general public is ignorant about most matters of importance, especially in politics. This sample group represents the American public. Knowing who Pelosi is, is neither here or there when it comes to wanting your daughter or cousin to come back home alive and soon from Iraq. Also, you cant have it all ways. Because you don't like the results of the polls regarding the pull out you scrutinize the validity or significance of the results, then you end your piece by quoting poll results that make your argument.... Sort of weakens your entire article. Also do a mini study on sample taking. You'd be surprise just how reflective polls are of the views of the general population.

Comment by Lee Richards on The Problem With Gallup Polls

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 10:32:21 EDT

Opinion polls are like petitions: a lot of people will thoughtlessly agree with something, when they really have no idea what they're supporting. The Constitution does make the president the commander-in-chief, but it sure doesn't guarantee that he/she will be COMPETENT. Bush has demonstrated that not only isn't he a good CIC, but that he's too stubborn or stupid or both to seek advice and counsel of those more experienced and knowledgeable(such as Senator John Warner).