Another one of those damn polls that are obviously meant to promote one candidate as they disparage their opposition…

This was one of those attempts to manipulate or alter my views about a candidate under the guise of conducting an opinion poll.

Known as a push poll, it is more an interactive marketing technique than a genuine attempt to survey attitudes and positions -- to influence opinions rather than measure them. Unlike traditional polling, which aims to gather information about an individual’s opinions and attitudes, push polling is designed to sway an individual’s opinions by asking leading questions or making false statements about a candidate or issue.

It’s all in the questions…

1. “Do you believe Candidate X should be indicted for [crime]?”

2. “Would you still vote for Candidate Y if you knew they had been indicted for [crime]?”

3. “Do you think Candidate Z is too old to be an effective leader?”

4. “Would you be less likely to vote for Candidate A if they raised taxes?”

5. “Do you believe Candidate B is secretly a [insert derogatory term like racist, bigot, homophobe, white supremacist]?”

6. “Would you still vote for Candidate C if they were caught in a [negative situation or scandal]?”

7. “Do you think Candidate D is too unpredictable to handle the job?”

8. “Would you be more likely to vote for Candidate E if they promised to [political promise that is unlikely to be fulfilled]?”

9. “Do you believe that Candidate F has betrayed our country?”

10. “Would you still vote for Candidate G if you found out they had [negative information about the candidate]?”

They don’t care about what you think, as they hide behind false identities and phone numbers…

There should be no doubt that the anonymous sponsors of these unethical polls are attempting to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. The pollster does not care about a respondent’s opinion on any particular issue. Instead, the pollster makes statements about the issues or candidates that are meant to be persuasive or misleading, which are often harmful and designed to create a negative impression of the target in the minds of the respondents.

The trouble with push polling is that it can be difficult to distinguish from traditional polling. Push pollsters often use similar techniques and questions to those used by legitimate pollsters. They may also use similar phone numbers or call centers to reach their targets, often hiding behind an AstroTurf organization that exists only in some political consultant’s office. Making it extremely difficult for people to recognize that they are being subjected to a push poll leading to confusion and misinformation about candidates and issues. 

Even a slandered and maligned candidate or issue sponsor may have trouble tracing the source of information being spread or have the time, effort, and phone lists to combat the misinformation. Hardcore push pollsters often use anonymous phone numbers and may also use call centers located in different states or countries to reach their targets. This can make it challenging to hold push pollsters accountable for spreading false or misleading information.

The dangers of push polling…

1. Spreads false information: Push polling is often used to spread false or misleading information about a candidate or issue to sway public opinion. This can lead to confusion and misinformation about candidates and important political issues.

2. Damages reputation: Push polling can be used to spread false or damaging information about a candidate’s personal life or political record in an effort to damage their reputation and influence the outcome of an election.

3. Undermines trust: When people realize that they have been subjected to a push poll, they may become skeptical of all polling and political information and may be less likely to participate in future polls or elections.

4. Creates confusion: Push polling can be difficult to distinguish from traditional polling, leading to confusion and misunderstanding about public opinion.

5. Hard to trace: Push pollsters often use anonymous phone numbers and call centers located in different states or countries, making it difficult to trace the source of information being spread.

6. Unaccountable: It can be difficult to hold push pollsters accountable for the false or misleading information they are spreading, which can undermine public confidence in political campaigns and polling.

7. Ethically questionable: Push polling is widely regarded as unethical, as it is often used to manipulate public opinion and spread false information.

8. Skews public opinion: Push polling can create a skewed representation of public opinion, making it difficult for pollsters to measure public sentiment on a particular issue accurately.

9. Wastes resources: Push polling can be expensive, time-consuming, and can divert resources away from other important political activities, such as voter outreach and education.

10. Harms democracy: Push polling can undermine the democratic process by shaping public opinion in a deceptive and manipulative manner and making it difficult for people to make informed decisions about who to vote for and what policies to support.

Bottom line…

If a push pollster contacts you, think before you answer. If the pollster is human, waste their time with crazy, off-the-wall questions or comments. Feel free to give them erroneous information.

We are so screwed when these slimeballs attempt to screw with our minds.

-- Steve