straight talk

Pollster Comments- We Only Count Those Who Vote.



Posted: Friday, October 24, 2008

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A very well known pollster was talking about how difficult this election is because of all the switching around. One day for and another against. Yet one thing he stated was a constant was that they only poll those who vote. Does it matter about the rest, no. They are non players and have no influence at all.

Sad but true they rarely if ever influence the outcome and they are not a factor. Of course a few may vote but for everyone that does some of those who vote consistently may drop out. So in reality it is a wash.

So they are concerned this year about just how many will show up and they are concerned that their polls are inaccurate. Why, well just suppose a large number of people who never vote all of a sudden decided to come out to vote? Like I said, not expected, but possible. They are not in their forecasts so hence who they pick may lose. The same holds true if less of those who normally vote don't show up. This is the unknown and they said it is more real then ever before. People are not happy with either candidate.

The pollsters know who most of the retired in certain age and social groups vote for, they know who the majority of the black and Hispanic will vote for and for the most part they know who votes for who and if with the college crowd. Yes the college crowd always an if. They do feel there will be a large turnout this year from this group. Some years yes, some no.

So the only unknown is those average Americans, Joe six pack, the cattle, the Soccer Moms, you know the bottom of the economic , if they come out. Yes, you know those average Americans. Now I realize average Americans do not read much at all about the election. Stupid no just smart, no difference. You see in my opinion regular people use something that just might be discarded when one gets educated called street smarts and common sense. In fact every time I get to talk to average Americans they say they are too busy to use the Internet, or even read a paper and frankly many don't watch the news because it is slanted and could care less. Is that right, no, but it is reality. They basically feel it is a waste of time and frankly the more I delve the more I find that to be true. Hey you live and learn. So if they do get out and vote who will they vote for. Will they all of a sudden swing to McCain? Would they swing a congressional election? I think not, they will follow the cattle along the path.

Ok need an example. In my opinion many people today follow the masses. They use the Easter Bunny approach, if the package looks good, people say it is good, it must be good. Yes they like the wrapper who really cares about the content. Everyone wants to be part of a winner. That is up to advertising then to sell the idea and they will come. Who is this advertising that people trust today? Well it is those who get the concept out door to door. Obama is a smart man in that regard he knows this and uses it well. McCain well, enough said. He is a media man and no one trusts the media. Will he wake up, perhaps, don't hold your breath.

So in my opinion don't worry. Many of those who don't normally vote are not coming out to vote. Not interested, no it matters not to them and they could care less. Take your pick these politicians do not represent them only those who have. That is where their interest is, all of it. However, many of the elderly who can normally be counted on just may not come out as well. That certifies an Obama Victory. Why, well it doesn't take an advanced level of math to figure that out. Yes and the real unknown is just how low or high this turnout will be and if low or high are we talking those who always vote, or the ones that never did and joined in.

While I am voting is not for either of them or any of those in office. So if there are many like me voting third party that could swing a state expected to go to lets say Obama. Some will say a wasted vote. Not in my book. You screwed me once yes even more then once and now it hurts big time. Sorry if my one vote changes a seat or even the election I have won . Hey who knows maybe if we all did that we can really make change. Yes really Congress and then we just might see some change on our behalf. Remember I said might. The ball is in your court.

Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2008 Copyright 2008 Robert Melaccio Sr.



Robert Melaccio Sr. has worked in the computer industry for 40 plus years in a diversified business and managerial environments. He enjoys freelance writing, giving seminars for young adults and teen groups as well as being an accomplished award winning poet of published poetry. He has worked teaching and as a youth minister. He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

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