I'm sure I'll get flamed... but why do we run to DU an internet poll?

[nini]

Especially at some 'unknown to most' website? What does this accomplish in the scheme of things?

Am I missing something obvious?? :shrug:

[RebelOne]

1. I think most of us just want to put in our 2 cents.

[GodlessBiker]

2. It's fun.

[dgibby]

3. People like to be on the winning side.

The polls, for the most part, aren't scientific, so if we DU them, it helps the Dems by showing them as winners, which creates a bandwagon effect. At least, that's what I think. Just mho.

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. The uninformed are influenced by poll results

They see a poll that indicates 78 percent of participants believe McSame eats babies and they think, "Gee, maybe I shouldn't vote for him."

It's a low-level version of PsyOps.



BTW — 4 1/2 up with 12 left. :woohoo:

[nini]

15. 4 1/2!!!

:bounce: we've got our fingers and toes crossed!!

[WeDidIt]

5. It goes back to 2000.

During the recount debacle, Republicans (most notably Robert Novak) touted internet polls that had been Freeped (when tehre was a FreeRepublic but no DU) as evidence that the American people opverwhelmingly wanted the recount to end and George Bush to be decalred teh victor.

Never again can any left elaning person allow an internet pol to be skewed in favor of the Republicans because it willsurely be toted as evidence again.

[nini]

18. So, a local newspaper's poll in a small town

is going to have weight nationally?


I can understand the major news polls, but not small town ones.

[WeDidIt]

22. Yep

It'll get cited by rightwingers sure as you're sitting there.

[ben_meyers]

6. To help the other site out with their "hit count"

So they can keep their sponsors happy?

[elkston]

7. You never know who may see it, and it sway their perception

For someone that doesn't follow politics closely, seeing a poll that heavily favors a particular candidate might be enough to win their vote.

These are people who tune in at the last minute and might just be inclined to go with what everyone else is thinking.

[Sodan]

8. Fun /nt

[GoneOffShore]

9. It's fun and cookies are tasty!

[seaglass]

10. We've become the mirror image of Freepers? n/t

[nini]

21. I see it as a battle with the freepers to be honest with you

both sides fight to outdo each other on the polls.

[seaglass]

27. I suppose. In any case to me it's one-upsmanship over something meaningless. n/t

[Cha]

11. Because people read those polls on

news websites in their home towns and everyone loves a Winner which we have in ObamaBiden but we want to let them know.

And, no, we're not the freaking "mirror image of fuckin' freepers".

[bobd0]

12. It's fun and it gives us an opportunity to open some eyes and maybe influence some voters

Would you rather see all the polls at those 'unknown to most' websites in favor of McCain?

[nini]

23. I don't think those little polls make a bit of difference

so, I couldn't care less.

[PCIntern]

13. since you asked...

[Brotherjohn]

14. I view it like a less thoughtful letter to the editor. It might change a few minds (even in...

... some podunk small town) if they see a poll in their local newspaper leans left on an issue. It can't hurt.

Yes, they're unscientific, but it counters the "Freeping" which pulls these unscientific polls the other way. Sad as it is, there are many people who vote for the perceived winner; and if all thesde little polls show the other guy (or issue) winning, that does have an influence. Some people need validation that an issue or candidate is "acceptable" before getting behind it, or even considering it.

[nini]

25. "but it counters the "Freeping" which pulls these unscientific polls.... "

That's what I think - they're unscientific because of the anonymity of these, the ability to vote numerous times etc...

It's a battle with the freepers. We engage in their BS.

[Zomby Woof]

29. Evidence that you are correct

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4016593

[Guava Jelly]

16. I think because

It might help to influence opinions, or coverage.
If McCain Beat Obama by a large number in a poll it gives the page and others fodder.
Hell I duno

[krawhitham]

17. Because people are lemmings

They want to vote for the winner, if we DU all polls so we are the winners in that poll the lemmings are more likely to vote for Obama in Nov.

[nini]

20. are the lemmings even looking at those polls?

?

[Teaser]

19. Lulz. We do it for the lulz.

.

[truthisfreedom]

24. It's instant gratification, plain and simple.

[barack the house]

26. It's a feel good factor. =) Nothjing like boosting morale.Have you DUed pets for Obama yet. J/k

[applegrove]

28. I avoided voting in polls in the USA cause I was canadian and thought

it would be misleading if I answered an american poll so why bother. Then when you realize most polls are probably getting freeped by the other side... it is important we do well in polls cause it helps people feel comfortable with our side of the cause, issue, or feel more comfortable with our candidate. So I now think it is important that we all DU a poll when the call goes out. I can't do much from Canada on this election that will change the course of the world. But I can vote in polls and so I will.