RealClearPolitics does great work with polling data. They gather all polls taken (Zogby, Gallup, Rasmussen, etc.) in a given period for each major race, average them together, and present that composite as their take on the state of the race. Their Senate Poll Average today presents a compelling picture of what is happening leading up to November 2.
In order for a Senate majority to be captured by the Democrats, they must take six seats from the GOP, without losing any of their own (did you read that, Menendez?). Today's RealClearPolitics average shows the Democrats ahead in six seats currently occupied by the GOP.
Remember, this finding is the average of all polls taken for each of these races. It's not a case of "Ooh, well maybe Zogby shows Ford ahead by 5, but Gallup has him down by the same margin". With the pros and cons of every poll mixed together, the Democrats are still ahead across the board, and on a path to reclaiming the Senate in three weeks.
My lord, three weeks! Do NOT break out the champagne—yet!
10/16/2006 10:10 AM
MrEd wrote:
I'm a little suspicious about the science of combining poll info. They all ask people different questions (even a slight difference in words can make a huge difference), use different sample amounts, and poll on different days. Reply to this
