I'm confused about reaction to the polls

[canuckybee]

If Kerry pulls ahead, I hear posters worrying that if it begins to look like Kerry will win, people will not bother to vote. And yet, when Bush pulls ahead, posters say it is going to cause the momentum to shift in his direction. So which is it? Is it good to be ahead, or not? Seems like we are determined to see the down side no matter what.

[Kierkegaard]

1. Many are understandably worried over the outcome

of this election, and given it's importance, justifiably so. Considering the level to which our current administration is willing to stoop to remain in power, there should be no surprise in the skepticism and reactionary postures displayed here amongst some DUers.

Fortunately, being skeptical, cynical or disquieted doesn't appear as if it is going to prevent anyone I've read or talked to at DU from being proactively involved in kicking these fascists out of our government.

Don't let it change your attitude. Forge ahead and let's get this thing done...

[DerBeppo]

2. here's how it breaks down here

specific polls are deemed unreliable and right wing until they show kerry with the lead.

once kerry has the lead someone will trumpet them as a fair poll that finally got it right until someone else warns us all not to get too excited or run the risk of complacency.

then another poll comes out showing the opposite and all polls are again written off as useless and untrustworthy.

so, you either buy the polls or you don't. i choose to believe all nationwide polls are completely and totally useless given our electoral structure. statewide polls are usually more accurate.

there are always going to be a chicken little aspect to many here because of fear, anger and uncertainty. just ignore it and try and stay focused.

[NoSunWithoutShadow]

3. Forget the polls

They're not capturing newly registered voters or young people with no LAN line phones, only cell phones, usually unreachable to pollsters.

Any time someone says they're worried about Kerry winning, I smile and say, "Kerry is going to win." Repeat it over and over, you'll feel better.

[canuckybee]

4. I guess the thing that bothers me

is the that the republicans do not seem to react with the same angst that we do. If any poll shows them ahead, they are singing out the news loud and clear with no caution. More and more I am coming to the conclusion we are quite simply a different species altogether. Not that this is a bad thing, I am happy not to be like them. But the way they attack an election is so different. I wonder some days if we can ever prevail. We question so much, we are so much more introspective, bottom line: I think we are just plain nicer people....not sure if that makes for a winner.

I do believe that Kerry is going to win this one. But in the moments when I have doubts, I admit to myself, that if we lose this one, it will be difficult to sustain hope for the future.