Karl Rove, asked by NPR reporter Robert Siegel about bad poll numbers for Republicans, responded by accusing Siegel of “bias”.
After midterm election interviewer Robert Siegel stated that “many might consider you on the optimistic end of realism” regarding Republican hopes to retain both Houses in November, Rove suggested that the NPR host was biased.
“Not that you would be exhibiting a bias or anything like that,” Rove said. “You’re just making a comment.”
“I’m looking at all the same polls that you’re looking at every day,” Seigel responded
“No you’re not!” Rove exclaimed.
Rove bragged that he gets to see polls unavailable to the general public. He said we only hear about general polls, while he has access to information on individual races. Gee, I didn’t know I had a Rove-level security clearance, but I’ve been hearing poll results on individual races for months.
Rove claimed that the polls “add up to a Republican Senate and a Republican House.”
Well, maybe his polls do. Or he thinks Diebold has everything under control. Just about every other political expert expects the Democrats to take back the House, and the Senate remains a toss-up. But Karl’s not worried.
“You may end up with a different math, but you’re entitled to your math,” Rove said. “I’m entitled to ‘the’ math.”
Given the Bush administration’s attitude toward science, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that they think math is a bit — uh — fluid. ”Two plus two equals four” is just a theory, after all. And Karl is entitled to develop an alternative theory of his own.
Am I entitled to “the” bitch slap?
That’s right Kathy; Rove is completely wrong in predicting the future based on polling data. Heck we all know that the mathematical theory used to support many of the statistical data of polls is 100% iron clad protected against manipulation and bias of the morally superior main stream media. I am constantly amazed at the care and humility the media uses when presenting statistical data on polls taken to give an “accurate” opinion of the public opinion. Those guys at CNN and CBS especially have truly represented the American populace in every story and poll they do. I wish Rove would have the clue bird take a dump on him to help him realize that he should listen to the intellectually superior journalist in the MSM to help predict the future and shape foreign policy. Everyone else knows that the democrats possess perfect knowledge on everything and that they will clearly win the elections. (Feel free to insert my sarcasm throughout my post in case it wasn’t strong enough)
It isn’t just a theory, it’s a way of life for many people: How to Lie with Statistics. “What, you don’t believe day is night, black is white, and Jefferson was the Anti-Christ? I’ve got the numbers to back it up…!”
BL, I’m not making predictions about the elections. Anything can happen between now and Nov. 7. But the polling data that the lowly public is allowed to see does suggest that the Democrats will take back the House. Asking Karl Rove about those numbers is not an indication of “bias”, although I do think Karl’s response could be an example of “spin”.
Exactly Jeff, that is why I am poking at Kathy for picking on Rove for his statements. Democrats have their polls, the Republicans have their Polls and the Media has their polls. Depending on the numbers polled, sample population, distribution used, values selected for the computations in statistical formulas can be manipulated easily. Obviously Rove has some knowledge to accurate polls because they seemed to understand the last couple of elections pretty well. Contrast that with the media that failed miserably in polling accuracy of those same elections (or as Rove suggested used bias to taint the polls with a liberal flavor). I think we all remember the exit polling in Florida that claimed Gore won even before the central time zone polls of the Florida panhandle were even closed. Given that the panhandle traditionally votes more conservative, the bias argument could be used to suggest that the polls were used to discourage voter turn out in the panhandle. I was also chiding Kathy on the suggestion the republicans use the government to run some secret polling program to know the outcome of elections.
“I was also chiding Kathy on the suggestion the republicans use the government to run some secret polling program to know the outcome of elections.”
BL, did you actually read the article to see what Rove said, or did you just assume the liberal media made up his words? He’s the one who says he sees the “real” polls that aren’t available to the public.
I know all about “figures can’t lie, but liars can figure”, and I know polls aren’t infallible. I object to Rove’s implication that all the polls out there showing Democrats leading Republicans are biased, while internal White House polling is not. It’s a typical talking point of any politician, regardless of party — if the polls show you’re ahead, they’re great; if they show you’re behind, either you don’t put much stock in polls or your own internal polls show different results. I’m just calling him on the BS.
Polling doesn’t matter when Diebold makes sure it will deliver Ohio……
Rove is looking at the poll numbers which indicate the elections that will go over to Republicans as a result of fraud. I guess he would be seeing numbers in favor of the GOP. They have to steal elections to win.
My point was, that both D’s and R’s have internal polls that aren’t released to the public. Plus I am sure every administration runs polls as well. That was my point, I wasn’t arguing that they had them, I was arguing that both sides use them and you seem to villianize it when Rove doe sit. As for Donna’s comment, I am not surprised top hear the drumbeat of “Republicans stealing elections” start so soon. Conspiracy theorists Unite!