Which poll results are most likely to get people to vote?

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

I've been thinking about bias in the polls, either intentional or through bad methodology. I'm not sure it's clear whether a poll showing, say, bush in the lead is more likely to get republicans to vote or to keep democrats from voting. I think it's equally likely that democrats would be more likely to vote if they feel that their vote is really needed in order to get bush out of office.

On the other hand, polls that are tied will have two effects (and I am a little more certain about this): it will inspire both sides to get out and vote, in hopes that their vote will help swing the balance one way or another; and it will give the impression that the race is more "hotly contested", thus leading to better television ratings. Since the news networks are interested first and foremost in ratings, I would not be surprised if they are emphasizing how close the race is, or even skewing poll results to make the race look more even.

In summary: Polls are b.s. and are not to be trusted.

[Buddyblazon]

1. "Which poll results are most likely to get people to vote?"

The one they have on Nov. 2nd...they call it election day.

[blackcat77]

2. Fuck the polls -- just read the papers

If THAT doesn't inspire you to vote for Kerry, you're hopeless.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

3. I think you guys sort of missed the point of my post

[Warpy]

4. Most folks won't be paying attention

Lots of folks are royally pissed off at the mess Bush has made of everything he's touched and quite a few folks are scared and honestly think Bush is gonna save them from the bogeyman. Neither group is going to pay any attention at all to the polls.

The wishy washy types in the middle who don't pay attention to what's going on are probably not paying attention to the polls, either.

Morons, alas, will always be with us, and tney'll always base their vote on the wife's dress or the candidate's tie or the last sign they saw before they went into the polls or even what they had for breakfast and how well it's sitting.

[Buck Rabbit]

5. Close pollresults inspire both sides.

A lopsided lead for one side of a poll suppresses voting, unless there are other races at stake.

There are some incredibly stupid people who are bandwagoners and vote for who they think is going to win. Find someone who is a fan of both the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers and he might cast a vote for whoever is ahead in the polls.

(Putting on my flame suit for the onslaught of the Laker+Yankee fans.)

[billyoc]

6. Entertainment Tonight

Face it, most of the country doesn't know where their own state is on a fucking map.