Why the Poll Numbers Range so Widely?
"As you are watching returns, keep a particular eye on Ohio, Florida and Virginia. They are states who went Republican last time and who are now sort of toss-ups. If they go to Obama it will be a shorter night than if they go to McCain," said Brown.
KUSA Nov. 4, 08: - In a matter of hours we will know if the polls were right or wrong. Polling is certainly not an exact science, but until the ballots are cast and counted it is the only indicator the public has.
- Answering final questions before Election Day
"People want to know what is going to happen and they think that polls will give them a pretty good idea. They don't want to be surprised, but it could still happen," said 9NEWS Political Analyst Fred Brown.
The poll numbers for this year's presidential election have ranged widely in the past few weeks and you may wonder why. It all depends on who gets the phone calls.
The latest IDB/TOPP poll has Democrat Barack Obama ahead by 5 points over Republican John McCain. NBC and The Wall Street Journal polls show an 8 point lead by Obama. The current Gallop poll has an 11 point spread.
There is a Web site that averages all the National sources, www.realclearpolitics.com. It compiles information from 14 national sources to come up with its numbers.
As of 8 p.m. on the eve of the election, Obama had a 7.4 lead in its poll average over McCain.
There are still a large number or Independent voters and undecideds. Brown says that will make for an interesting election night.
"As you are watching returns, keep a particular eye on Ohio, Florida and Virginia. They are states who went Republican last time and who are now sort of toss-ups. If they go to Obama it will be a shorter night than if they go to McCain," said Brown.
Colorado has traditionally been a Republican state. Right now it is leaning toward Obama, but only by a slight margin.
What Brown says is most significant about Colorado is more than half of voters have already turned in their ballots.
Click here to see the poll numbers on Real Clear Politics Web site.
Source: KUSA
