what are the functions of public opinion polls as presented in the media?
2007-10-22 09:55:38 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Ask Gore and Kerry who believed every poll that came out. They sure were great Presidents.
2007-10-22 10:16:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Politicians are not driven by polling -- unless it's internal polling done for them by a company hired by them or - for example - an organization the politico is allied with. And even then, that may not sway the vote/opinion.
The media will try to shape public opinion through polling....by the way questions are asked. It is a function of the media I detest....and I did write for several newspapers. I always felt our role was to report, not construct the news.
2007-10-22 10:02:22 · answer #2 · answered by Zombie Birdhouse 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Tough question, but I think the government has to do both. Much of the time, public opinion should make the rules, which is why the legislative branch has the most representatives. But some aspects of governing are too complicated, or too polarizing for the average citizen to make the right decision. For instance, nobody would want NASA to execute their missions based on public opinion. The average person has no understanding of Rocket Science. Someone with expertise has to be in charge to make critical decisions that the public may not understand. It is rare, but sometimes, the leaders know what is better for the people than the people do. But for most purposes, public opinion should rule.
2016-05-24 19:19:18 · answer #3 · answered by tamra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Politicians are driven by public opinion polls. Leaders are driven by their vision. This is a critical difference and one that our current political landscape exemplifies. It is easy to see which candidates are driven by the polls and which have a vision of the country.
2007-10-22 10:00:21 · answer #4 · answered by Matt W 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
OMG yes. Hillary especially.
She said when she becomes president, she would maek sure every baby born would receive $5000 (including illegal immigrant babys). People hated this idea via opinion polls. Days later she withdrew her statement.
2007-10-22 10:37:41 · answer #5 · answered by Fred Head 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some do and some don't. I wish Congress would listen to public opinion or we wouldn't have had the amnesty bill in June.
Thanks to opinion polls Hillary dropped the "baby bond" proposal. 2/3 were against it and she didn't want the issue to hurt her campaign.
2007-10-22 10:06:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think it's pretty obvious that politicians are driven by these polls. If they weren't than we would actually have a choice in candidates rather than mindless drone #1 vs. mindless drone #2. I hope this election is different!
2007-10-22 09:58:51 · answer #7 · answered by Colonel Obvious AM 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
No, all politicians know that polls are bought by politicians to con you into thinking who is a frontrunner and to create the drama for headlines. Learn.
2007-10-22 10:04:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Liberal/democrats are very driven by public opinion...as are those on the right to a lesser degree. Anything to get elected huh?
2007-10-22 09:58:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Yes they are unless they happen to have an actual backbone.
Every Dem candidate is driven by popular opinion.
Most of the Rep candates are too.
There is one that breaks the mold of pandering and that is Ron Paul
2007-10-22 10:25:07 · answer #10 · answered by afreshpath_admin 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋