Surprise! South isn’t like the rest of the country
Last week, Steve Benen of the Washington Monthly put together an interesting chart using results of a weekly nationwide Research 2000 poll. He took the question “Do you have a favorable view of the Republican Party?” and charted the results by region.
As the Cookie Monster might note, one of these regions is very much not like the other.
While public attitudes toward the GOP are largely positive here in the South, they are very much negative in the rest of the country. Just 7 percent of voters polled in the Northeast think favorably toward the Republican Party, and numbers in the Midwest (13 percent) and West (14 percent) aren’t much better.
Not surprisingly, charting favorability toward the Democrats would produce a mirror image of Benen’s chart. While just 41 percent of voters think favorably of Democrats, and 50 percent perceive it unfavorably, those national numbers vary widely by region. In the Northeast, 62 percent view the Democrats favorably, while just 20 percent do so in the South.
The poll was done for the liberal DailyKos site, which will no doubt taint it in the eyes of some. But the national numbers it produces track closely with other polls, suggesting that it is not an outlier. Nationally, Research 2000 put Barack Obama’s favorability rating at 54 percent, while the average of major polls at Pollster.com puts it at 53.6 percent. (Here in the South, Research 2000 put Obama’s favorability number at just 27 percent, with 67 percent viewing him unfavorably.)
The standard question of whether the country is headed in the right direction or is on the wrong track also suggests the Research 2000 findings are in the mainstream. Its results put the numbers at 40 percent right direction, 54 percent wrong track, while the poll average at Pollster puts it at 38.6 percent right direction, 54 percent wrong track. In other words, the poll “trues up” pretty well.
And yes, we here in the South are considerably more pessimistic about the country’s direction than our fellow Americans. Just 30 percent say we’re headed in the right direction, while 63 percent say we’re on the wrong track.
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450 comments Add your comment
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
10:15 am
OK Bosch,in the World According To Bosch what is the diff between wingnuts and Repubs? ?????
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:15 am
Just the very fact that he reads the Daily Koss shows he has no reasoning skills. And if other polls show similar results, why did he post this one? The Koss only has credibility to idiots.
that’s the problem with liberals, they are indeed the dweebs that attend liberal arts schools so “they can learn to talk reeeeal purty”.
It was so true after every Obama speech. He promises pie in the sky BS and the Republicans need to come on and explain why the math won’t work.
You guys keep worshipping “purty words” the rest of us will continue to face the reality of this nightmare this idiot in chief is creating.
Doggone/GA
September 22nd, 2009
10:16 am
“I just saw sunlight”
It’s just a figment of your imagination!
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
10:16 am
FIRST on page 2!
godless heathen
September 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
Scuse me Kam, should have said 2.9% more than the rest. This is percentage and not absolute numbers. So if you take the 2.9% from the 52.9% you must add it to the other side.
52% is technically two more percent than 48%, not 4 percent more. Or to put it more simply, say there 100 votes and 52 were cast for Obama. Only 2 need to change their votes to make it a tie. 2/100 = 2%
AmVet
September 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
Notwithstanding that Dixie has countless fine people and a charm that is often wonderful, she is noentheless also synonomous with unrivaled racial brutality and blind, often Christian-based hatred. And that the worst of these characteristics have risen to the fore in many of their leaders is why I refer to the Democrats turned Republicans as The Old White Guy Party of Dixie.
The inherent distrust of secular education by a staggering amount of the populace here is the KEY to their “ideology” and their many hyper-entrenched and localized failures. They deem it too “liberal” and loathe it as non-Biblical. They neither value it nor promote it. And then blame the evil liberal teachers that Johnny and Susie are functionally illiterate when they “graduate” from high school. But the worst part is that these children, like their parents, have almost zero intellectual curiosity.
And in terms of mathematics and the sciences, these HS grads function at about a seventh grade level. Many of the greatest problems facing us as a people will require open, not closed minds. Will require a determined effort to discover the truth, not a blind adherence to some outdated and repudiated mythology and superstition.
And this unending quest for discovery and knowledge has very sadly become almost exclusively the domain of non-conservatives. And for the conned, there is the rub.
Yet, in light of all of this, the reactionary foot dragging, the endless denying and the flat-earth policies still remain steadfast and “true” in Dixie. War is always good, corporations are your friend and our government of the people, by the people and for the people is your enemy.
For gawds sakes, look at our previous West Wing occupier! Stultifyingly stupid by presidential standards. Imperious and deadly. Clearly in WAY, WAY over his head. “Advised” by little weasels and rats like Rove, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz et al. And the conned thought it was all fun and games. And here in the Deep South they thought he was the new Ronnie on a White Horse as evidenced by their reverence for him at the polls.
Until the fake conservatives made blunder after blunder and blunder and then got destroyed in the next two elections. Then the laughing stopped.
So, until this changes and the imploding GOP finds a way to reinvent itself and attract reasoned and reasonable Americans to it’s core beliefs, they are gonna see many more dark days ahead. And even if they do pull themselves up off of the floor in 2010 their long term future looks horrific…
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
10:19 am
Nothing is Free
READ CAREFULLY
in the 5th paragraph of Jay’s post there is a BLUE word.
The blue word says pollster.
point your mouse at the blue word.
click
Yes You Can!
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:21 am
“And if other polls show similar results, why did he post this one? The Koss only has credibility to idiots. ”
wow. I mean … just … wow … talk about hearing the point go “whoooooshing” by … (I wonder if his hair flapped in the breeze)
the point was that the poll commissioned by Kos (not performed by Kos, just commissioned) wasn’t an outlier, that, even though it’s by the right’s favorite Great Satan, it’s still a valid poll.
thanks for the chuckle, though …
Brad Steel
September 22nd, 2009
10:22 am
thomas,
please post another numbers jumble. i loved it!
your whacky posting made a very clear point that numbers jumbles are fun, fun, fun!
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
10:22 am
If you spent a buck on the lottery and your prize was a Congressional seat, tell me again what you won.
FREE HEALTHCARE!!!
Good answer Normal! I’m with you
Finn McCool
September 22nd, 2009
10:22 am
Peadawg wrote: now Republicans are terrorists?
Yeah, they blow up federal buildings and shoot abortion doctors. That’s terrorism.
We have less to fear from foreign islamic terrorists than we do from these wingnut terrorists! They lose elections and then they wig out and start blowing stuff up.
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
10:23 am
Protect Insurance Companies: Will Ferrell, Jon Hamm Speak Out Against The Public Option. Well, I find it hard to argue with them. They really present a compelling argument.
joe matarotz
September 22nd, 2009
10:24 am
Evidently, the level of education is inversely proportional to the willingness to accept Boortz, Beck, Limburgher et al. as serious journalists.
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:25 am
AMvet
**I refer to the Democrats turned Republicans as The Old White Guy Party of Dixie.**
Can you name a single segregationist from the 50 or 60s that became a Republican other than Strom Thurman? You should be ashamed of yourself for publicly lying like that.
And please. Hold down the regional bigotry as much as your liberal background will let you. The longest and bloodiest race riots in the country were in South Boston: yet another liberal democratic stronghold.
I loved your description of the Bush White House while this idiot continues to talk really purty while the country continues to slide into depression. I wouldn’t expect you to be any smarter.
But liberals need to hate somebody. It makes your hysterical politics appear to make sense. So please. Continue to point out why others are beneath you. I’m sure it makes you feel better.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:25 am
mathless heathen –
“52% is technically two more percent than 48%, not 4 percent more. Or to put it more simply, say there 100 votes and 52 were cast for Obama. Only 2 need to change their votes to make it a tie. 2/100 = 2%”
dearest. please. use google archives and read any/all analysis of polls leading up to the election, including the election, itself. you’ll see that someone is ahead by a margin of X%. that X /= what it takes to get to 50%. X = Candidate A%-Candidate B% … in other words, if Obama won 52.9% of the voters and McCain won 46.5%, then Obama won by a margin of 6.4%.
oy.
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
10:25 am
Mrs. G, I can do brunch too. I love smoked bacon! Sorry everyone, I will try to stay on topic now!
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
USinUK
** it’s still a valid poll.**
Your standards of validity compares with your standards for choosing leaders.
Nuff said.
DannyX
September 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
I see a lot posts claiming Democrats have lost it, are failing miserably, and Americans have lost confidence in them.
Surely the polls like the one Jay produced should show a big increase in Republican popularity. The fact is most polls show that Republicans haven’t gained much if any. The crazy factor has the Republicans looking like a bunch of loonies out of touch with reality.
If the Dems are as unpopular as Republicans pretend, why do Americans still favor Dems over Republicans in Congress? Nancy Pelosi the most hated person in America? How bad is it for Republicans then? Republicans in Congress got a 27% approval rating and 70% disapproval, almost 10 points lower than the Democrats. (Gallup, last week)
Apparently the side show of screamers, birthers, racists, amnesia, the tantrums, Fox News phony journalism and lies the Republicans put on after the election isn’t what the American people want at all.
…..Republicans have the ball first and goal at the 8 yard line……..FUMBLE! The Dems may have recovered….
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
10:29 am
“Liberals need to hate something”…….there’s your sign!
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
10:30 am
“52% is technically two more percent than 48%, not 4 percent more. Or to put it more simply, say there 100 votes and 52 were cast for Obama. Only 2 need to change their votes to make it a tie. 2/100 = 2%”
That’s also why folks that choose to sit out the election have such a big impact. And, that does not even include the benefit of voting third party. You Republicans are just so good with cyphering.
david wayne osedach
September 22nd, 2009
10:31 am
Won’t it be something when it turns out the south was right!
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:31 am
Ask David Paterson about the popularity of the dims.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:31 am
shorter Nothing is Free –
“lalalalalalalalalala” (with fingers firmly in ears)
Doggone/GA
September 22nd, 2009
10:32 am
“Won’t it be something when it turns out the south was right!”
The South is already “right” – but it’s getting less and less right as time goes by.
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:32 am
Mrs. Godzilla
Big secret to ya. Everybody already knows it.
Archie
September 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
I must say I like the headline but I am amazed that the South has not advanced much beyond 1863 when it comes to certain things…
godless heathen
September 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
“any/all analysis of polls leading up to the election, including the election, itself.”
A common error. 52% is 2% more than 48% because it only takes a 2% change to make it even.
None of this smoke belies the point that the Daily Kos poll was not supported by the recent election. I know you libs want to believe the Obama was elected by everyone in the country except for a few ignorant southerners and racists, but the numbers don’t support this. And his difficulty in getting his health care agenda through congress is a reflection of this.
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
godless heathen,
pray that no one else gets your math teacher.
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
10:35 am
david wayne osedach
September 22nd, 2009
10:31 am
Won’t it be something when it turns out the south was right!
If you believe in miracles.
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:35 am
USibUK
Oh, I can hear it. Along with promises of Hope and Change and how spending will keep the unemployment from going over 8%. I HEAR a lot.
So when you are ready to accept a poll commissioned by Rush Limbaugh, I’ll accept the results offered by the Daily Koss? Will that work for you?
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:37 am
mathless –
“A common error. 52% is 2% more than 48% because it only takes a 2% change to make it even.”
seriously. no. that’s a 4% margin.
Normal
September 22nd, 2009
10:37 am
You know the Dems and Repubs should have a football game to see who runs Congress. I can see it now…
The game would go something like this, for 3 1/2 quarters it would be fumbles, picks, three and outs, and punts. But then, the Dems score! The crowd goes wild!!. The Repubs, knowing they have no chance, leave the field in disgust…10 plays later, the Dems score again…
Oh yes, our leaders at work…
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:42 am
Normal
The dims and Pubs having a football games? LOL!!
The dims have the ball.
The skinny little quaterback takes the ball and steps back, he starts his speech. My Fellow players, is it so important that you knock me down . . . just as he is driven into the ground.
The dims huddle up. Use the nuclear option to pass a new law that says that the Republicans must play with both hands tied and blindfolded. Rohm Emanuel now goes in, but insists on carrying a baseball bat and a handgun. Yep, another day in Washington.
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
10:42 am
Nothing is Free
But, but, but, you asked why he didn’t post one and you could not seem to find it all by yourself.
forgive me for trying to help you…..
so much for my “help the right wing find the data” badge!
jconservative
September 22nd, 2009
10:42 am
It is Electoral Votes that matter. 269 electoral votes needed to be president.
The Republican ticket only received 28 electoral votes from states carried by 60% or more. That is a real problem going forward.
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
10:43 am
Normal at 10:37,
I can see that happening too. This is getting too twilight zone-ish.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:43 am
NiF –
“So when you are ready to accept a poll commissioned by Rush Limbaugh, I’ll accept the results offered by the Daily Koss? Will that work for you?”
if a Limbaugh poll is reiterated by other national polls, then, I would have no problem with it.
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
10:44 am
Normal, you are on a roll this morning!
FinnMcCool
September 22nd, 2009
10:44 am
Will Ferrell, Jon Hamm, etc on the Public Option:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/22/protect-insurance-compani_n_294406.html
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
10:46 am
Nothing is free, here is Research 2000’s website. They are the people who actually did the polling and compiled the numbers. Kindly inform us what it is about them that you find so incredibly loathsome that you need to insult anyone who gives credence to their findings?
And god-free heathen, who on earth is saying anything like “Obama was elected by everyone in the country except for a few ignorant southerners and racists”? Where are you getting this?
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:46 am
USinUK
Other national polls? LOL!!!
So where are the polls that say what the Koss poll says? Remember, they need to be reputable and current.
Midori
September 22nd, 2009
10:46 am
I want to dedicate this to Nothing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ5-BTdcqjk
mike
September 22nd, 2009
10:47 am
If you look at the poll, you will also see that the Northeast polls pretty differently than the Midwest and West too. All this poll shows is that the South has the highest percentages of conservatives, the Northeast has the highest percentage of liberals and the West and Midwest are more middle of the road. If a non-partisan organization did the poll, it probably would have shown much less difference between the South and Northeast’s deviation from the norm.
If Jay was interested in casting light instead of heat, he would have titled this piece “Surprise! South and Northeast are most partisan!”. Instead he wants to add this as further “evidence” of how wrongheaded the South is. I wonder if he also thinks the Northeast is wrong for deviating from the norm? I doubt it. I am sure that on this matter, like all others, Jay has different standards for folks based on whether or not they share his political views.
Doggone/GA
September 22nd, 2009
10:47 am
“So when you are ready to accept a poll commissioned by Rush Limbaugh”
HECK! I’d just like to SEE a poll commissioned by Limbaugh. No matter what it says. Make a nice change from the stats he just makes up, don’t you think?
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
September 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
The North Koreans said no to repeated attempts at talks, by test-launching long-range missiles in April; Russia and China keep on saying no to tougher sanctions on Iran; the Iranians keep saying no to offers of talks by saying they’re willing to talk about everything except a halt to uranium enrichment; Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is saying no by refusing to meet with Binyamin Netanyahu until Israel freezes all settlement construction; the Israelis said no by refusing to agree to a settlement freeze, or even a settlement moratorium until and unless the Arabs ante up their normalization gestures. Which brings us back to the original Saudi no.
The only thing Obama did manage to get Bibi and Abbas to say yes to is a photo-op at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in NY.
They know a clown when they see one.
AmVet
September 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
Nothing, against my inclinations to suffer a fool, I’ll go ahead and feed you this one time. Then you’ll have to go leg-humping elsewhere.
What I hate is when our elected con leaders wipe their fat a-sses with the US Constitution. What I hate is when the conned coddled and aided Wall Street criminals and let them walk off with $3,000,000,000,000.00 of we the people’s money. What I hate is that the gangster capitalists are NOT even held accountable to the rule of law while you laughed. What I hate is when the neo-con chickenhawks get nearly 5,000 great young Americans needlessly killed to save daddy’s reputation. What I hate is that morons like you cheered them on.
And you were outraged by NONE of it. Then or now. Were you?
It is you bigots and xenophobes turned Republican that I referenced.
“I loved your description of the Bush White House…”
No you didn’t, prevaricator.
It is simply that YOU have NOTHING (get it?) to refute it. Do you?
Otherwise, countermand my claims and inundate us with BushCo’s stunning successes!
But even in your self-created myopic dementia you know what I wrote is all true. DON’T YOU? But like the rest of your craven Republiconned friends YOU clearly lack the nads to admit the unmitigated failures and the despicable quasi-criminals that you cheered on. And voted for.
Twice.
But by all means, keep up the Obama red herrings! (Who BTW is another fraud in my book) It makes you look like the obfuscating, short term memory challenged, newly outraged, hyper-partisan, poorly written loser/Republican you are…
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
>>FREE HEALTHCARE!!!
>Good answer Normal! I’m with you
You guys do realize that congressmen don’t actually get free healthcare, right?
(while they’re in DC, they do get cared for by local docs on our dime, but they still have to purchase insurance for when they’re on the road, and for their own families.)
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
10:49 am
HECK! I’d just like to SEE a poll commissioned by Limbaugh.
I hear he commissioned a pole or two in the Dominican.
Dave R.
September 22nd, 2009
10:50 am
Sorta off topic, but maybe not. Hope & Change at the U.N. speaking about global warming:
“The journey is hard. And we don’t have much time left to make it,”
Maybe he knows his chances of a Democrat majority to pass phony global warming legislation (global warming being phony – the legislation being true) is going down the tubes in 2010 as well?
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
10:51 am
If you look at the poll, you will also see that the Northeast polls pretty differently than the Midwest and West too.
Ok, mike, here’s some math.
7 Guzinta 14 how many times? Good!
Now, 14 Guzinta 50 how many times? Very good!
godless heathen
September 22nd, 2009
10:52 am
Seriously. What is the percentage difference between 52% and 48%. It’s 2%. Only 2 out of a 100 have to change. Too simple for the liberal mind?
“And god-free heathen, who on earth is saying anything like “Obama was elected by everyone in the country except for a few ignorant southerners and racists”? Where are you getting this?”
It’s the lib talking point of the month that only racists oppose Obama’s plans.
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
10:52 am
FinnMcCool
September 22nd, 2009
10:44 am
Finn,get up to speed dude!Taxpayer just posted that link.
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
i hated guzinta’s……the nuns made me do it though
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
Sorry, I’m not going to be moderated by an ignorant fascist.
Good luck to all you libs in 2010.
And Jay, come and see me about a job when this liberal rag goes under. It’s not like you could get a job anywhere else. I have a broom with your name on it.
Shawny
September 22nd, 2009
10:54 am
Just tells you that outside the south, people are distrusting. Southerners are friendlier by nature, but also are too gullible. I’ll bet that a poll of the dems would be similar.
Hef
September 22nd, 2009
10:55 am
Reading King Tool’s daily Rant was as usual un-inspiring and self absorbed,refreshing. One way thinking is great unless you aspire to be fair & open minded. Don’t go changin,you might hurt yourself.
DannyX
September 22nd, 2009
10:56 am
Actually that football game would be a massacre. The Dems would be dominate on offense and defense. Final score Democrats 72 Republicans 0.
Of course the next day the Republican blogs would be afire with how the Republicans crushed the Democrats. “We totally dominated them!” “The game was much closer than the score.” “Next time will be different.” “Sure the score was 72-0, but that’s really only a 10 touchdown advantage.” “We’re so much better than them.” “We played an error free game.” We’re truly the best 0-9 team, we just didn’t show it.”
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:57 am
mathless …
from today’s news … an example:
“A new ICM poll for the Guardian is out tonight, and it’s not going to make pleasant bed-time reading for the Prime Minister. The Tories are on 43% (up 2 points), Labour is on 26% (up 1 point) and the Lib Dems are unchanged on 19%. It’s the second highest Tory lead since ICM started polling with the Guardian in 1984.”
what’s the headline? ICM Poll: Tory Lead Hits 17 Points
http://blogs.wsj.com/iainmartin/2009/09/21/icm-poll-tory-lead-hits-17-points/
so, yes, the margin between 52% and 48% is 4%, not 2%, no matter how much you really-really-really want it to be otherwise.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
10:58 am
DannyX – now, that’s funny.
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:59 am
DannyX
Obama throws like a girl. The rest of the team has no backbone and pretty speeches do no good when you are being rushed.
The dims wouldn’t even show up.
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
10:59 am
“only racists oppose Obama’s plans.”….there’s your sign!
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
11:03 am
“Obama throws like a girl”
oh yea????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j87k1j4CpOw
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
11:03 am
All this number stuff is confusing to me but I’ll place my bet on USinUK
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
11:05 am
DB, don’t be so serious! Me and Normal are just funnin
Bosch
September 22nd, 2009
11:10 am
“I’m not going to be moderated by an ignorant fascist”
There’s your sign!!!
Scooter,
To answer your question about Republican vs. Wingnut – I’ll give you an example:
Colin Powell – Republican
Nothing is Free – Wingnut
DannyX
September 22nd, 2009
11:13 am
Sorry Nothing is Free, Republicans need a new coach. “Win one for the Gipper?”
It’s really time to move on. Forget about that man and that myth and join the real world.
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
11:14 am
It’s the lib talking point of the month that only racists oppose Obama’s plans.
You really believe that? Come on.
Here is what the Craziest Most Radical Ex-President Ever actually said that got everyone in a tizzy:
“I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he’s African-American”
He then went on to expand this thought and say, a few days later:
“When a radical fringe element of demonstrators and others begin to attack the president of the United States as an animal or as a reincarnation of Adolf Hitler or when they wave signs in the air that said we should have buried Obama with Kennedy, those kinds of things are beyond the bounds” [...]
“I think people who are guilty of that kind of personal attack against Obama have been influenced to a major degree by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African American.
“It’s a racist attitude, and my hope is and my expectation is that in the future both Democratic leaders and Republican leaders will take the initiative in condemning that kind of unprecedented attack on the president of the United States,
Radical fringe. Intensely demonstrated animosity.
Obviously, that is not “everybody who opposes Obama.” Had he said anything nearly that stupid I’d be among the first to call him out for it.
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
Seriously. What is the percentage difference between 52% and 48%. It’s 2%. Only 2 out of a 100 have to change. Too simple for the liberal mind?
Seriously, dude, or dudette. If I choose not to vote for A then that does not automatically ensure that I choose to vote for B. I could vote for C, for example. So, say that 2% change their minds and do not cast their vote for Obama and vote for Ron Paul instead. Then Obama’s percentage of the vote drops to 50% but McCains vote does not increase by that 2%.
godless heathen
September 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
“so, yes, the margin between 52% and 48% is 4%, not 2%, no matter how much you really-really-really want it to be otherwise.”
But as I have proven to you again and again, this is a common error. Only 2% need to change to make it even. It’s not like I have 6 apples and Suzie has 4, how many more apples do I have than Suzie? Of course that answer is 2. But if you ask the question, how many apples do I have to give to Suzie so that we have an equal number, the answer is 1. So when polls typically incorrectly say that there is a 5% difference between 2 possible choices, what they really mean is that there is a 2.5% difference, because that’s the percentage that will need to change to make it even.
So simple even a caveman could see it.
TnGelding
September 22nd, 2009
11:17 am
Nothing is Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
And who would you have preferred? He was the best of what we had to choose from.
Bosch
September 22nd, 2009
11:17 am
sfd,
Thanks for posting that, but it won’t do any good. Misquoting people and fake poutrages are key for the wingnut survival. I’d be the first to call him on that as well, and we all know here who my hero is.
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
11:18 am
Colin Powell – Republican
Nothing is Free – Wingnut
Good example Bosch! But is Powell really Repub sinse he endorsed Obama for Prez or was it because they are both black? ????
TnGelding
September 22nd, 2009
11:20 am
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
11:03 am
Bottom! He can shoot that rock, but can he play D? And let’s see him throw.
Normal
September 22nd, 2009
11:21 am
I Report/ Vast White Wing Conspirator (-: You Whine )-:
September 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
WOW Whiner…it sounds like there is more than one “Just Say No” Party out there, huh?
Bosch
September 22nd, 2009
11:22 am
Scooter,
Yes – even though the Evil One said different – he hasn’t officially changed parties. But then again, Powell and I aren’t buds or anything, so he hasn’t told me that directly.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
mathless –
“But if you ask the question, how many apples do I have to give to Suzie so that we have an equal number, the answer is 1 … what they really mean is that there is a 2.5% difference, because that’s the percentage that will need to change to make it even.”
what will make it even isn’t the issue — hell, it doesn’t even matter. the winning margin is what matters. you go to a football game, and the final score is 14-10, the margin isn’t 2, it’s 4. you win an election with 60% of the votes, you didn’t win by 10%, you won by 20%.
Bosch
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
Oh, and Scooter,
I know lots of Republicans who voted for Obama this last go round.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:25 am
Bosch and Scooter –
11:23
so do I.
Mrs. Godzilla
September 22nd, 2009
11:28 am
me too!
Normal
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
You guys do realize that congressmen don’t actually get free healthcare, right?
They will when I get there…Gawd, I’m being corrupted already…
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:30 am
Bosch –
in fact, I’ll go so far as to say that one of the more dyed-in-the-wool republicans I know not only voted for Obama, but has since registered as a Dem out of disgust for the religious wack-jobs running the GOP.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:31 am
Normal –
“Gawd, I’m being corrupted already…”
you’re not cheap … just inexpensive.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
September 22nd, 2009
11:31 am
Well, I’m going to try some of that new math like the one that says the diffrence between 52% and 48% is just 2 points. When we went down to the Country Spot for lunch after they closed the course on us Saturday, I didn’t have enough money with me so Joe Bill paid 4 bucks of my 12 buck meal and I promised to pay him back. This Saturday I’m going to offer him 2 bucks and say that’s all the real diffrence was between what I had and what I owed. I can’t wait till I start explaining how I come up with that figure and watch his eyes glaze over.
Have a good lunch everybody.
Hef
September 22nd, 2009
11:35 am
Bosch & SFD- Not to beat a dead horse,I just and re-listened to Jimmy’s interview on msnbc.com. I think it’s pretty clear that HE did state he thought those who opose Obama views,policy’s,etc,was based on him being a black man. He also stated racism was still very prevelant,so if you add those two statements how could conclude otherwise. I think the AJC also ran a story with the same conclusions,I may be wrong on that.
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
11:35 am
you go to a football game, and the final score is 14-10, the margin isn’t 2, it’s 4.
if you want some real fun, let a FairTax enthusiast insist that it wouldn’t be a 30 cent per dollar tax on goods and services, even though everyone in America thinks of sales taxes as being the amount you pay above and beyond the untaxed purchase price.
They can be quite entertaining.
Having said that, in gh’s partial defense, I’ll admit to falling prey to the siren song of “X votes swinging this way means Y happens instead” in 2004, when it was down to around 60 thousand or so for Bush instead of for Kerry in OH.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
Bosch … speaking of food … I made my first chutney over the weekend (it’s okay – I have some ideas for v.2.0) … so, tonight, it’s going to be chicken breast with homemade plum chutney and mozzerella, wrapped in proscuitto, served with steamed spinach and … a veg to be named later.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 am
dB –
“Having said that, in gh’s partial defense … ”
oh, I understand what he’s saying … but a winning margin is a winning margin, it’s not a “what it would take to make it a tie” margin …
stands for decibels
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 am
a veg to be named later.
My Little League nickname.
Normal
September 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:31 am
Normal –
“Gawd, I’m being corrupted already…”
you’re not cheap … just inexpensive.
My slogan in Congress…20% off one day only. Name your Bill, I’ll name my price!
godless heathen
September 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
I stated – between 2 choices. Obama vs others. And percent of the vote. The number that don’t vote is irrelevant. Score of a football game is irrelevant. Cost of lunch is irrelevant. We are talking about percentages that must total 100. Can’t take from one without giving to the other side.
The difference between 52% and 48% is 2%. All day long.
Bosch
September 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
USinUK,
Dang! I’ll get on the first plane to London. Be there in a few hours.
That sounds tasty. I made chutney once, I didn’t mean to….it was just how whatever I made turned into.
Hef,
He said “When a radical fringe element of demonstrators and others ” – that does not – no where even close equate to “all those who oppose Obama in any shape form or fashion is a racist.” Sorry, but it’s exagerrating what the man said and twisting it into a fake poutrage.
Scooter
September 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
I know this is a dumb question y’ll but how does someone register to be
Dem,Rep or Ind? Way back when I registered I don’t remember being asked that question. ?????
Taxpayer
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
You guys do realize that congressmen don’t actually get free healthcare, right?
Right, some people also claim that they work for their taxpayer money (saying no is hard work) or that the insurance companies really pay for their coverage in exchange for their vote, etc. I read somewhere that the representatives get their health insurance subsidized (to the tune of about 70%) by those that they work for. If that’s true, then I guess the taxpayer does not subsidize their coverage. They also get ‘group’ coverage so they cannot be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions or dropped if they try to file a claim. On top of that, they can just vote themselves a raise to cover increases in premium costs. Cool stuff, huh.
mike
September 22nd, 2009
11:46 am
stands for decibels –
I was talking about the whole poll, not the cherry picked segment chosen by Bookman, which of course you focused on solely like an unthinking sheep.
Take a look at the right track/wrong track numbers or the approval of Democrat numbers.
I also noted that I believed the poll to be skewed as it came from the hyper-partisan Daily Kos. As a result, I am not doing the simple division that you are.
Hmm. Can’t read and can’t think for yourself. Typical mindless partisan. Keep on bleating!
Normal
September 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
SCOOTER: In Georgia, they don’t require it. they just assmume you are a wingnut
mike
September 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
Redneck Convert –
Thanks for your regular does of bigoted stereotyping. You are a fine example of that liberal “tolerance” we keep hearing about.
Do you do black face too? I mean since you are such a fan of ignorant and hateful stereotypes and all.
Doggone/GA
September 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
“Thanks for your regular does of bigoted stereotyping.”
Thanks for your regular dose of mischaractering RC’s schtick.
mike
September 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
Normal –
Are you going to do like you say and refrain from name calling? I’d say that you were being a hypocrite, but then you would scold me.
USinUK
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
mathless –
“The difference between 52% and 48% is 2%. All day long.”
mmmhmmm … you just keep telling yourself that everytime you read headlines like: http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/2263
… just keep saying “everyone else is wrong! so very wrong! I am right! the cheese stands alone!!!”
Normal
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Mike does seem to be a bit of a sour tart today, huh? Mike, chill. Debate the message and quit trying to kill the messagers…