Here is a prime example of how different wording in a poll can alter its
outcome.

Should the National Security Agency be allowed to intercept telephone
conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people
living in the United States?

Yes 64%

 No 23%

That was Rasmussen’s
poll released earlier this week. Notice the poll does not include the word “warantless”.
This poll was even referenced during a White House press briefing this week by
Scott McClellan (Think
Progress has more on that).

Now for today’s new poll done by

AP-IPSOS:

Should the Bush administration be required to get a warrant from a judge
before monitoring phone and internet communications between American
citizens in the United States and suspected terrorists, or should the
government be allowed to monitor such communications without a warrant?

Should be required to get a warrant 56%

Should be allowed to monitor without a warrant  42%

Not sure 2%

So only 64% think the administration should be able to tap period. That is
with or without a warrant since the question did not clarify it. Actually that
is a very low number. That means the rest of the people might question if the
courts should be allowed to issue warrants at all.

The AP-IPSOS poll gives us a much clearer picture and presents themselves as
a much better company. Considering Rasmussen crafted the question so that it
would be easily spun they have now lost more credibility. Let’s see if Scott
McClellan uses the AP-IPSOS poll this week.