Rasmussen Polls

For the past few years, I've noticed that right-wingers love to throw out the findings of the Rasmussen poll as proof that Americans are delighted with the conservative agenda. I did a little quick research and learned the poll uses a likely-voter profile that tends to favor Republicans based on various demographic assumptions. At any rate, I usually take Rasmussen results with a grain of salt since they'll almost always be out of line with other polls like Gallup, Pew Research, etc.

This afternoon the phone rang, and the caller ID window showed area code 214 with WIRELESS CALL. Against my better judgment, I answered and an automated voice response explained that the Rasmussen polling service was conducting a nationwide survey and would appreciate my participation. I thought, "Aw, what the fuck. Why not ?"

I was then prompted to reply to a series of questions that situated me in a demographic group based on age, sex, income, party affiliation, number of dependent children at home, and so on. The poll was on economic issues, with a long list of questions apparently intended to measure my anxiety level. For example:

In the next thirty days, do you expect to pay more for food and gasoline, less, or about the same as this month ? Press one for more, two for less, or three for about the same.

Or:

Do you think the economy is improving, getting worse, or staying the same ? Press one for getting worse, etc.

This went on for maybe six to eight minutes, although it seemed longer. I'm happy to say that I was able to answer each question honestly, and my responses were probably diametrically opposed to those of your typical tea party voter. I'll be watching the internet for the Rasmussen results to see how I stack up against the rest of America.