2012 Presidential Election

[PathMaster]

Originally Posted by bean

@PathMaster - It's a statistical measurement, but most pollsters ask enough people to be statistically correct within +/- 3 points. Despite this mathematical uncertainty, most polls by reputable groups tend to be within 0.5-1.5% of election results (when they are taken very near the election day and there isn't a last-minute big news story in favor or against a candidate). So they tend to be pretty close.

However, you should probably consider anything in the "Barely" categories as "up-for-grabs" as voter turnout doesn't always correctly reflect poll results. It's a lot easier to answer your phone than it is to get out and vote.

I understand that.

But when a news show throws up poll results of 49% in favor of 'A' and 46% in favor of 'B', but the margin of error is 5%, it is funny. Especially how they spin the outright win by 'A'.

Mags: That was a good Maddow piece. Horribly out of sync for me, but good nonetheless.

[bean]

Originally Posted by PathMaster

But when a news show throws up poll results of 49% in favor of 'A' and 46% in favor of 'B', but the margin of error is 5%, it is funny. Especially how they spin the outright win by 'A'.

Which story or which poll are you talking about that has so few respondents that it is +/- 5 points?

My point is very similar to yours, that the polls that are within 3 points could still go either way. However, I can't remember seeing a poll that was off by as many as 5 points - except Rasmussen's and that was the very worst example of their bias.

[PathMaster]

Just watch the national news some nights. They will be there. Three is common, Four not so much, but I have seen fives before. I also exaggerated for affect, so thus no specific example.

[fitbabits]

Hipsters? Pearl Divers? Love Birds?

[Ink Asylum]

That looks like merch for the DNC convention, and I'm pretty sure it's tongue in cheek.

[fitbabits]

Originally Posted by Ink Asylum

That looks like merch for the DNC convention, and I'm pretty sure it's tongue in cheek.

It is for the DNC, and I hope it's tongue-in-cheek. Otherwise...

[Narradisall]

How awesome would it have been if Obama said "and one more thing, then turned around to reveal the iphone 5".

[Ink Asylum]

Florida pizza shop owner powerlifts Obama

Florida pizza shop owner Scott Van Duzer lifted President Barack Obama a solid foot off the ground in a bear hug during an unscripted stop at his Fort Pierce, Fla., store. Literally.

So what did the Secret Service think about Van Duzer — a registered Republican who says he'll vote for Obama in November — hoisting the president? "He said I was all right as long as I didn't take him away," Van Duzer told reporters.

[VerseD]

So how about that presidential debate?

[ShivaX]

Originally Posted by VerseD

So how about that presidential debate?

Missed it. Everyone is saying Romney won, so I assume he probably did.

[Krispy]

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/20...ate/?mobile=nc

(Live blogging by a friend.)

[MagGnome]

Heard it was terrible. I'm glad I skipped it.

[Narradisall]

I heard someone saying it was almost like Obama had told it wouldn't be Presidential to attack (well not directly in a speaking capacity).

[Suave Peanut]

I watched it with a heavily-biased group of liberal friends. Romney made himself extra unlikeable.

That's... pretty much all I can remember.

[Kelegacy]

It was incredibly boring and poorly moderated and even though I am a liberal I think Romney did a better job. Obama just seemed too cool and not looking to engage in a fight. I want him to push Romney on some of his comments and plans. Maybe next time.

[Psykoboy2]

That was some horrible moderating. Almost worth it to watch how bad of a job it was. Seriously PBS...you can/should do better.

[fitbabits]

Romney stating in front of millions that he would end funding for PBS was ballsy...

He's still a world class fiend, but he 'won' last night's debate.

Also agreed on the moderating - way too soft. "You have two minutes..."...but if you continue to speak over me I'll just let you go right ahead.

[PathMaster]

I hope the next moderator puts them both in their place. Both just ran right over Jim, but Romney seemed very particular in getting his jabs in past his limits.

I missed half of it in the middle, but the parts I saw/listened to Romney came off like an ass.

I am clearly bias.

[Psykoboy2]

Originally Posted by PathMaster

I hope the next moderator puts them both in their place.

Not sure who has the next one, but given this is one of the most talked about aspects of the debate last night, I can almost promise you a mention will be made about how much more strict the moderation will be.

[Widgetcraft]

Originally Posted by fitbabits

Also agreed on the moderating - way too soft. "You have two minutes..."...but if you continue to speak over me I'll just let you go right ahead.

I only caught the last bit of it and the closing statements, but yes, it seemed like they could just keep talking for however long they wanted. I kept thinking, "Okay Obama, you know your time is up... no, you can't rattle on for another solid minute. Or maybe you can." Mitt Romney seemed to only barely restrain his seething hatred; someone needs to work on that with him. He had this blatantly fake, unmoving smile, and he seemed to be forcing himself to blink.