Search

Read the archive   of Wattenberg's   syndicated column     Special Documentary Edition - North Korea: Nuclear Threat In 2002, President George W. Bush delivered his famous ’Axis of Evil’ speech, singling out Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as ... more Is America Polarized? One of the most enduring images of the 2000 presidential election is the map of an America divided between the Republican ... more   Polling on Trial main page Polling on Trial Aired 12/9/2004 Survey research has been used to gauge public opinion in American elections since the 1930’s, and since that time its usefulness has been the subject of much debate. But because of close elections in 2000 and 2004, the arguments over polling have intensified. Some trumpet the usefulness of polls to help journalists, voters, and researchers, while others argue that surveys, especially exit polls, are inaccurate and misleading. What is the truth about polling? Do candidates overuse polls to shape their messages? And does this help or hinder our democracy?   Read the full transcript   Mike Traugott     Senior Research Scientist with the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan and co-author of The Voter’s Guide to Election Polls   Joan Konner     A veteran, award-winning television documentary producer and Professor and Dean Emerita of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University Originally Aired: 12/9/2004     Be sure to also check out: Here are some previous Think Tank programs that may be of interest. The Future of the Constitution, Part One   aired 7/6/2006 John Rawls   aired 3/9/2006 Congressional Corruption Cancer   aired 1/26/2006 Send us your thoughts Think Tank is made possible by generous support from the Smith Richardson Foundation, the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the John M. Olin Foundation, the Donner Canadian Foundation, the Dodge Jones Foundation, and Pfizer, Inc. ©Copyright Think Tank. All rights reserved.     Web development by Bean Creative.