i emailed Olbermann a while back asking if he could chase after the raw exit poll data and the methods used and havent had a reply, but then i imagine he is a busy man.
I emailed him because of a interesting set of circumstances.
NBC's head of elections is Sheldon Gawiser,he is also
chairman of the polling consortium's steering committee
Olbermann works at NBC
NBC has not only paid for the data,it was involved in the exit poll decision making
that would seem enough reason for NBC to be willing to ensure release of data,their reputation is at stake.
there seem to be a couple of other reasons why Sheldon Gawiser should be willing to help.
after the 2000 election Rep. Henry A. Waxman wrote a letter alleging he witnessed NBC being tricked into calling it for bush, Sheldon Gawiser was one of those he claims was tricked
http://www.henrywaxman.house.gov/issues/issues_other_nbc_elec_waxman_renews_9_11_01.htmSheldon Gawiser once published a article detailing the questions that journalists should ask about exit polls but havent been.
the questions are so relevant to the current situation.
http://www.publicagenda.org/polling/polling_20q.cfm20 Questions Journalists Should Ask About Poll Results
"Dr. Sheldon Gawiser and G. Evans Witt, cofounders of the Associated Press/NBC News Poll,
detail what reporters should ask to determine whether opinion research is reliable and meets the standards of the field.
Prepared and distributed by the National Council on Public Polls"
"1. Who did the poll?
What polling firm, research house, political campaign, corporation, or other group conducted the poll?
This is always the first question to ask."
"In most cases, reputable polling firms will provide you with the information you need to evaluate the survey"
"2. Who paid for the poll and why was it done?"
"Polls usually are not conducted for the good of the world.
They are conducted for a reason"
why Sheldon Gawiser, chairman of the polling consortium's steering committee and NBC's director of elections paid for them!
or his network did.
I don't really see how Mr Gawiser could refuse us or Olbermann the answers and i cant see how Mitofsky could turn down his "boss" Gawiser
cause reputable people at reputable firms will provide you the information you need to evaluate the survey