What are push polls?
Push polls are a form of political polling that is often used to influence public opinion rather than to gather accurate data. Unlike traditional polls, which typically ask respondents direct questions about their opinions and preferences, push polls involve the use of loaded questions or statements designed to sway the respondent’s viewpoint. These polls can be conducted through various means, including phone calls, emails, or even in-person interactions.
Push polls are often associated with negative campaigning, as they are used to spread misinformation or to attack political opponents. The goal is to create doubt and uncertainty among the electorate, making it more difficult for them to make informed decisions at the polls. While push polls are illegal in some jurisdictions, they continue to be a contentious issue in political campaigns around the world.
Understanding the Purpose of Push Polls
The primary purpose of push polls is to manipulate public opinion. By presenting false or misleading information, push pollsters aim to create a negative perception of a candidate or an issue. This can be achieved by using loaded questions that are designed to make the respondent feel uncomfortable or to question their own beliefs.
For example, a push poll might ask a respondent, “Do you support Candidate X, even though he was caught in a scandal?” This question is designed to make the respondent question their support for the candidate, regardless of their initial opinion.
The Tactics Used in Push Polls
Push polls employ various tactics to achieve their goal of manipulating public opinion. Some of the most common tactics include:
1. Loaded Questions: As mentioned earlier, push polls often use loaded questions that are designed to influence the respondent’s viewpoint.
2. Misinformation: Push pollsters may spread false or misleading information about a candidate or an issue to create doubt among the electorate.
3. Anonymity: Push polls are often conducted anonymously, making it difficult to trace the source of the misinformation.
4. Selective Targeting: Push pollsters may target specific demographics or groups of voters to maximize the impact of their tactics.
The Impact of Push Polls
The impact of push polls can be significant, particularly in close elections. By creating doubt and uncertainty, push polls can influence the outcome of an election. In some cases, push polls have been known to cause political candidates to drop out of races or to affect the public’s perception of a candidate’s character and qualifications.
Conclusion
Push polls are a controversial and often illegal form of political polling that is used to manipulate public opinion. While they may be effective in the short term, push polls can have long-term negative consequences for the integrity of the democratic process. As voters, it is important to be aware of the tactics used by push pollsters and to seek out accurate information to make informed decisions at the polls.
