Discussion

AlexiaANDRobert

A friend sent me this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIHz5tevLAwThoughts?Opinions?

NuggetBrain

I disagree with most of this paragraph because it puts a halo over Democrats and villianizes Republicans, even though both sides are acting out of self-preservation rather than concern for this country. WTF? Did you miss the part where I said Democratic elected officals are the same way?  Reading fail.

mrsLesGrossman

From what I understand, they no longer use phone books so land line vs cell phone status does not affect your ability to get a call. Neither does having an unlisted number. They randomly select a # to start with, randomly select a frequency, and start calling. So, for example, they select 555-555-1234 to start with an a frequency of 10. The next number called would be 555-555-1244, regardless of whether or not it is a cellular phone. This is just what I learned in class recently, so forgive me if it is inaccurate.  It is inaccurate, they need to have control in a survey and it is done by knowing who you are polling.  People are chosen by their political affiliation, age demographic, and sometimes region based on the poll.  They will never randomly call people because the margin of error would be too high.  For example, if you opened an NY phone book you might get more democratic opinion(NY electoral votes are historically democrat) and if you were in Texas, for similar reasons, you'll find favorable republican opinion. 

ggmae

I disagree with most of this paragraph because it puts a halo over Democrats and villianizes Republicans, even though both sides are acting out of self-preservation rather than concern for this country.Exactly. It's all about which party can out-do the other and which can make the other look worse. It's so sad because this seems to take more precedence than actually attempting to make this country a better place. I find myself rolling me eyes at most of the political news coverage these days.

mrsLesGrossman

Also, about not raising as much of the health care issue when Clinton was in office- of course it wasn't because it was no where near coming to fruition like it is now.  That topic was swept under the PR rug.  That is not a surprise for anyone involved in politics. 

SarahSmile23

WTF? Did you miss the part where I said Democratic elected officals are the same way? Reading fail. You're correct. I was on the phone with a client and did not read as carefully as I should have. You did refer to both Republicans and Democrats in power, so I actually agree with you. I don't mind admitting when I am wrong!Mrs.E, thanks for the information. It was actually a statistics teacher who misinformed us about how polling samples are collected. I'm tempted to email him and ask him to elaborate on what he told us in class. He should not be misinforming his students.

mrsLesGrossman

That is funny and yeah, tell him he is wrong.  How could there be control if it went by a phone book? 

SarahSmile23

IIRC, he said this is how they get a truly random sample for certain areas, based upon the area codes.Great discussion, ladies. I have to head out! I'll catch up on this thread later.

AlexiaANDRobert

I think he did a really good job while he was in office and a lot of the things he did won't show for a few more years. Results aren't instant. ...I feel like Obama commands respect when he sure as hell hasn't earned it.That's the most hypocritical thing I've ever read.tlv - How is that hypocritical? I didn't say he hasn't earned it AS PRESIDENT - TO ME, he hasn't proved himself worthy of the position AT ALL.

AlexiaANDRobert

On another note - I'm completely annoyed that work interfered with the discussion, but I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts and opinions!