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.