Which polls do you trust -- and why?

[cosmik debris]

Everyone likes to see polls that support their candidate, but which polls are the most trustworthy? Why do you believe that?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. The gallup and Rasmussen tracking polls are very good because

the cumulative samples are enormous. Gallup polls 1,000 people each day, so if a candidate leads for two weeks straight you're looking at a very large underlying sample. In that case, one can say with some confidence that the candidate is probably really ahead, though the exact percentages are inexact.

Of the companies, robo-polling has been doing respectably. Survey USA has had a decent run.

[cosmik debris]

4. Thank you n/t

[Tejas]

2. Polls are inconsequential

Good question but hopefully nobody uses the results of polls to tell them how to vote.
We are still individuals with a brain.


The MSM might think otherwise however.

[cosmik debris]

3. I was looking for the polls with the best track record for prediction

I don't know anyone who is stupid enough to vote because of what a poll says.

I just want to know which polls are considered to be a better representation of the electorate.

[rocktivity]

5. Swore off them on Iowa night

I looked at the 38 percent on the TV screen and thought, "Hillary got THAT much?...wait, that's not Hillary...and that's not Hillary in the second-place slot, either!" That's why I have made it my mission to keep the polling trolls, moles, and evil spirits away from DU:

GET THEE BEYOND ME, POLLS! UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN!!!!



But seriously, folks, if you must indulge, stick with polls that sample a minimum of 1,000 people and have a maximum margin of error of three per cent. Use polls responsibly and in moderation--the reputation you save may be your own!

:headbang:
rocknation