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Ep 66Early Voters Head to the Polls

Midterm election voting is already underway in many states. What information can we gather from the early vote tallies? What are the pitfalls analysts can encounter? On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, Michael McDonald (@ElectProject on Twitter), Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Florida and the man behind the U.S. Elections Project, joins the crew to share his expertise. Plus, our Marist Poll team has new poll numbers out. We break down our latest national NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll as well as our battleground state polls of Mississippi and Georgia, conducted with NBC News. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Oct 26, 201837 min

Ep 65Exit Polls

The exit polls have drawn criticism in past elections, especially in 2016. Is there a value in conducting exit polls? Have there been any changes made to the process? And, what the heck do terms like “leaning,” “too close to call,” and “too early to call” actually mean? We speak with “Mr. Exit Poll” Joe Lenski, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Edison Research, who conducts the exit polls on Election Day. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Oct 19, 201824 min

Ep 64Election 2018: Nevada, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Nevada, Minnesota, and Wisconsin – three states that will be critical during this year’s midterm elections. On this week’s Poll Hub, the team goes behind the numbers of the latest NBC News/Marist Polls of Nevada, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Among which groups is enthusiasm for the midterm elections strongest? Where do the candidates need to make inroads? And, did the contentious Senate confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh make a difference in the court of public opinion? We have answers. Plus, likely voter models, persuadables, and sample size – it’s time to put our poll geek hats on! About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Oct 12, 201835 min

Ep 63The Kavanaugh Effect

The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll has been closely tracking Americans’ opinions of the testimonies of Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. But, beyond the sexual harassment allegations and the FBI investigation, are there implications for the midterm elections? We take a look at the latest poll numbers. Plus it’s a poll controversy (no not a political scandal) in New Jersey. Why did the Stockton University Poll draw fire for its latest survey of the New Jersey Senate race between Robert Menendez (D) and Bob Hugin (R)? Was the criticism warranted? Our expert team provides its assessment. And we’re getting extra wonky this week. The Marist Poll is not immune from criticism. The Poll Hub team directly addresses the argument that we should weight our polls by education level and shares the results of a research experiment. Was there a difference when The Marist Poll weighted its recent surveys of Missouri, Tennessee, and Indiana by education? You’ll have to listen to find out. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Oct 5, 201831 min

Ep 62The Red and the Blue

In this special edition of Poll Hub, MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki joins the round table! Kornacki offers insight into his soon-to-be released book, The Red and the Blue: The 1990’s and the Birth of Political Tribalism. Kornacki regales the listener with powerful stories of some of the era’s most recognizable players – Bill Clinton, Pat Buchanan, Newt Gingrich, and even Donald Trump – and explains how their emergence onto the political scene more than twenty years ago laid the foundation for today’s political climate. Why do Americans identify so closely with a political party today? How did the terms “red state” and “blue state” evolve? Kornacki answers those questions and more with his signature wit and enthusiasm. And what would an interview with Steve Kornacki be without a discussion of this year’s midterm elections? Kornacki shares his observations about this November’s elections as the Poll Hub team breaks down the latest NBC News/Marist Polls of Arizona, Florida, and Ohio. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Sep 28, 201835 min

Ep 61Election Security

From interference from foreign countries such as Russia to domestic voter fraud and obstacles to the voting process, the latest NPR/Marist Poll gauges Americans’ attitudes about the safety of the U.S. electoral process. On this episode of Poll Hub, NPR’s Brett Neely joins the team to discuss the impetus for this in-depth study and what it means for this year’s midterm elections.Plus, registration-based sampling. How did this method of sample selection hold up during the recent primaries in New York? Poll Hub has the answer.About Poll HubPoll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Sep 21, 201825 min

Ep 60Tracking Trump (Ep 60)

Some national polls are showing President Donald Trump’s job approval rating on the decline. Has the president’s rating really been bouncing up and down or is it all in the timing? The NPR/Marist Poll does show a drop in the president’s approval score among those in one very significant part of the country. The Poll Hub team explains. Plus Democrats have a growing advantage in the generic ballot question. We dive deep into the numbers. And it’s time to get real (time) about polling! The Siena Research Institute recently launched an initiative with The New York Times to report real-time poll results. The Poll Hub team speaks with Don Levy, Director of the Siena Research Institute, about this daring project. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Sep 13, 201827 min

Ep 59Midterm Poll-iferation

Rack ‘em up! The Marist Poll and battleground state polling partner NBC News have completed a dozen state polls since the beginning of the summer. On tap this week – Missouri, Indiana, and Tennessee.On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, the team takes a close look at the dynamics driving the contests. High on the list is Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill’s re-election bid. According to the NBC News/Marist Poll, only four points separate McCaskill from her Republican challenger Josh Hawley. And it could come down to how well the candidates are defined in the state.In Indiana, independent voters are profoundly impacting the electoral landscape. How is this playing out in the U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Joe Donnelly and Republican Mike Braun? We have the answer.Plus, Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Phil Bredesen are in a dead heat in the Tennessee Senate race. What is going on in this traditionally red state?About Poll HubPoll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Sep 7, 201825 min

Ep 58Arizona & Florida: Breaking Down the Primary Results

That’s a wrap! The Poll Hub team breaks down Tuesday’s midterm election primaries in Arizona and Florida. Was Martha McSally’s win in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Arizona really a slam dunk? And surprise! Andrew Gillum won the Democratic primary for Florida governor. What happened?Plus the Poll Hub team shares their personal memories of the late Arizona Senator John McCain.Are the polls ready for the 2018 general election season? What poll consumers need to watch as we approach Election Day.About Poll HubPoll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Aug 31, 201836 min

Ep 57Illinois, Texas & Pennsylvania: Elections 2018

Illinois, Texas and Pennsylvania are the latest trio in our midterm election battleground state polls with NBC News. In this episode of Poll Hub we break down the numbers and assess the relevance of these states as we head into the thick of the election season. Pennsylvania shocked the nation in the 2016 presidential election. So it’s no surprise that pollsters would turn to the Keystone State in 2018. But why survey the traditionally Republican state of Texas and the traditionally Democratic state of Illinois? We explain. Plus how education, gender, and enthusiasm factor into the midterm election battle. And summer’s days are numbered. A look at the past summer jobs of the Poll Hub crew. How did these jobs impact the team’s future career paths? Trust us. This is a must listen! About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Aug 24, 201833 min

Ep 56Trump v. Nixon for Lowest Approval Rating

In this week’s episode of Poll Hub, a look at the midterm primary results in Minnesota and Wisconsin. How did the polls help inform in the days and weeks leading up to these primaries? Why does timing matter? We have the answers. Plus, he’s baaack! Harry Enten, Senior Writer and Analyst for CNN Politics, returns to the Poll Hub table. Enten recently asked the Marist Poll to survey President Donald Trump’s job performance on a scale from excellent to poor. Enten explains why that question wording allows for a deeper dive into the president’s job approval rating especially in comparison to past presidents, and what those opinions could mean for this year’s midterm elections. And, Rasmussen Reports recently announced its Citizen-Sourced National Midterm Election Polling Project. Is it a good idea to ask the public to pay for polls? The Poll Hub team breaks it down. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Aug 17, 201824 min

Ep 55An Interview with Senator Charles Schumer

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) joins this week’s episode of Poll Hub. In this critical midterm election cycle for Democrats Senator Schumer assesses his party’s chances of reclaiming Congress, shares why he thinks the battle for the House and the Senate is close, and discusses what the Democrats are doing to prevent Russian interference in this year’s elections. And President Donald Trump’s appointment of Brett Kavanugh to the United States Supreme Court… Senator Schumer offers his views on what Democrats need to do to block Kavanugh’s confirmation and why health care is the dominant issue across the country. Plus many during the early days of President Donald Trump’s administration opined that Senator Schumer and the president could work together. What happened? Senator Schumer weighs in on why two guys from New York just couldn’t make it work in Washington, D.C. The Poll Hub team also breaks down Tuesday night’s midterm primary elections. Why it was a good night for the polls, the trends behind the numbers, and the role turnout played in Michigan… That’s on tap in this episode of Poll Hub. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Aug 9, 201823 min

Ep 54Answering the Critics’ Questions

Following the release of The Marist Poll’s latest midterm battleground state polls with NBC News covering Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota, social media comments questioned the Poll’s methodology and accuracy. In this week’s episode of Poll Hub, we address some of our critics’ comments and answer their questions. The topics on the table include weighting by education, balancing to party identification, and interview mode. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Aug 3, 201827 min

Ep 53Polls, Polls, and More Polls

The Marist Poll has just released comprehensive data both nationally and in the upper Midwest. In this edition of Poll Hub, the team provides a detailed analysis of the electoral climate. In the latest NBC News/Marist Poll numbers of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, President Donald Trump’s approval rating is upside down. Trump surprised pundits when he narrowly carried Michigan in 2016. With an open seat governor’s race on the line, Senator Debbie Stabenow up for her fourth term, and multiple initiatives on the ballot, there are signs Michigan could revert to blue. The team picks up the analysis including a discussion of the key demographic groups on which to focus this midterm season. In Minnesota, Hillary Clinton narrowly defeated then candidate Trump. This electoral cycle, Minnesota Republicans face an uphill climb. Though Tim Pawlenty is well-positioned to win the Republican nomination in his quest to re-claim the governorship, he trails his potential Democratic-Farmer-Labor opponents in hypothetical general election contests. The Poll Hub team assesses the contest plus looks at Tina Smith’s chances to win the U.S. Senate seat she inherited from former Senator Al Franken. Which groups drive the narrative in Minnesota? We’ve got that answer. In Wisconsin, where the Tea Party helped propel Governor Scott Walker to victory in 2010, Walker now faces possible defeat in his current re-election bid. Plus, many say Walker does not deserve to be re-elected. What’s going on? Plus, a look at whether or not Paul Ryan’s constituents approve of President Trump’s job performance in this episode of Poll Hub. Then, a look into the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll national survey findings. In a survey conducted completely after President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the poll uncovers Americans’ attitudes about the United States’ relationship with Russia, the legality and ethics of President Trump’s interactions with the nation, and whether or not Americans want President Trump to be tougher in his dealings with Russia. Like the upper Midwest, President Trump’s approval rating nationally is upside down, but Republicans stay committed to him. The president’s silver lining is the economy. What does this all mean in the context of the midterm elections? We answer that question plus explain the emerging role of women, Democrats, and voters under 30. A busy day for Poll Hub. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Jul 27, 201837 min

Ep 52Trump Putin Fallout (Ep 52)

Following the Trump/Putin Summit and the President's European allies trip, there has been bipartisan outrage over Trump's friendliness towards Russia. Some have called the President's performance traitorous, disgusting, worrisome - but there's no evidence that Congress, led by Republicans, will actually do anything. And that's probably smart politics on their part. And why did 538.com's Nate Silver describe the Axios story on their own Survey Monkey poll of battleground state Senate races in 2018 this way? The Axios treatment of this poll is basically "How to repeat all the errors the media made when covering polls in 2016, in one chart". We've got a pretty good idea. Then our Director of Data Management and Technology, Stephanie Calvano, helps us understand how pollsters get their samples - and how that can dramatically impact the quality of polls. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hubis produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America's leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Jul 20, 201835 min

Ep 51The Kavanaugh Nomination (Ep 51)

President Donald Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh this week to succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy on the United States Supreme Court. In this episode of Poll Hub, the team enlists the expertise of Marist College President and legal expert David Yellen. Prior to his arrival at Marist College, President Yellen served as Dean and Professor of Law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law for 11 years and was a member of the faculty and served as Dean at Hofstra Law School. President Yellen provides perspective on the Kavanaugh nomination, its implications for the Court, and the hot-button issues on which the Court has ruled. He also offers insight into what we can expect from the confirmation process and comments on the suggestion that Supreme Court justices serve limited terms. As always, Poll Hub digs into the numbers and provides context to the Kavanaugh nomination. What do Americans think of the Supreme Court? Poll Hub has the answer.

Jul 12, 201830 min

Ep 50A House Divided (Ep 50)

Poll Hub celebrates its fiftieth episode! On this special episode, the Poll Hub team clears up a bit of confusion. Dr. Lee M. Miringoff found himself amid a Twitterstorm last week about comments he made during a recent interview on the Hill.tv’s, What America’s Thinking. Find out just what Dr. Miringoff did and did not say in reference to the analysis of 2016. Then, a look at Americans’ views about the media. Last week’s mass shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland brought renewed attention to President Donald Trump’s critical statements about the press. Do Americans agree? We break down the poll numbers. And, the role of excitement and demography in the outcome of the Democratic primary in New York’s 14th congressional district. Yep, we are still talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s upset victory! About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Jul 6, 201830 min

Ep 49Arizona, Florida, & Ohio: Election 2018 (Ep 49)

The Marist Poll and NBC News are at it, again – polling hotly contested midterm election contests. On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, the team breaks down the meaning behind the numbers. Which demographic groups are emerging as influential? Are notable proportions of voters persuadable? How do opinions of President Donald Trump fit into the electoral landscape? Plus, it’s up to you New York! We discuss the results of some of the most watched congressional primary races in New York State. And, we get wonky. How can respondents tell if they are taking a “push poll?” The Poll Hub team explains.

Jun 29, 201835 min

Ep 481968 Rewind (Ep 48)

During the spring semester at Marist College, The Marist Poll and the Poll Hub team welcomed four distinguished guests to campus as part of a special four-part series commemorating fifty years since 1968. 1968: The Year that Rocked American Politics focused on the tumultuous and tragic events of that pivotal year and its lasting impact on today’s political system. Each guest – E.J. Dionne, Jr. (syndicated columnist at The Washington Post and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution), Bob Herbert (journalist and writer and producer of the documentary, Against All Odds), Lynn Novick (co-producer and co-director with Ken Burns of the 10-part, 18-hour epic documentary, The Vietnam War), and Jeff Greenfield (author, journalist, and former aide to Robert F. Kennedy) -- brought their own unique perspective and expertise to the series. Their individual appearances can be heard in previous podcasts. In this week’s episode of Poll Hub, we share a roundup of our recordings with these four guests and feature previously unreleased audio from each of their appearances. 1968: The Year that Rocked American Politics was presented in conjunction with the class of the same name taught by Dr. Lee M. Miringoff.

Jun 20, 201826 min

Ep 47They’re at It, Again!

Perhaps, the great Yogi Berra said it best -- It’s deja vu all over again!The lack of distinction between public opinion polls and forecasters in 2016 created a false aura of inevitability around Hillary Clinton. Two years later, pollsters witness emerging, untested polling methods that run the risk of muddying the electoral narrative, once again. Are these polling techniques good or bad science? What do pollsters and analysts need to do to better communicate the meaning behind the numbers to the public? The Poll Hub team weighs in with special guest Harry Enten, Senior Writer & Analyst for CNN Politics.Then, The Marist Poll discusses a term to better explain what the electoral landscape looks like in some of 2018’s most competitive races. Find out who the persuadables are in this week’s Poll Hub.Plus, President Donald Trump is highly popular, at least among Republicans. What does that mean in 2018?

Jun 14, 201833 min

Ep 46Add to Cart

In this episode of Poll Hub, Pallavi Gogoi, NPR’s Chief Business Editor, joins the table to discuss the latest NPR/Marist Poll results. The just-released survey focuses on Americans’ shopping habits and the prevalence of online purchases. As the group reveals, Amazon leads the pack when it comes to online merchants, and shoppers place a great deal of trust in this online retailer.But first, Harry Enten, Senior Writer & Analyst for CNN Politics, shares the latest developments in the 2018 midterm elections. While Enten notes that talk of a “wave” is premature, certain themes are emerging. Enten discusses the role of women in the Democratic primary as well as what should and should not be included in a likely voter model.

Jun 7, 201824 min

Ep 45Erasing the Racial Divide? (Ep 45)

Roseanne Barr’s racially charged tweet this week brought race relations back into the headlines. In this week’s episode of Poll Hub, the team takes a look at how attitudes about race differ from generation to generation and how those views have evolved over time. Then, the Associated Press revised the AP Stylebook to include a chapter on polls. The Poll Hub crew speaks with Emily Swanson, Polling Editor at the Associated Press, about the decision to make the change and the key recommendations on polls and polling the AP now provides to journalists.

May 31, 201829 min

Ep 44A Wave or a Ripple? (Ep 44)

With five months to go until the congressional midterm elections, debate exists about whether or not the Democrats will create a blue wave. In this week’s Poll Hub, a look at the perceived schism within the Democratic Party. Are progressive candidates better positioned than moderate candidates to take on Republicans in the fall? Is there an enthusiasm gap? Is primary turnout an indicator of what’s to come in November? And, why might both parties lack a consistent message during the general election cycle? The Poll Hub crew addresses those questions and more. Then, yet another school shooting rocked the nation on Friday. According to the Pew Research Center, a majority of American teenagers are now concerned that a shooting will occur at their school. The Poll Hub team takes a look at the statistics and addresses why this school shooting differs from those in the past. And, what’s the future of polling? The Marist Poll’s very own Director of Research and Data Analysis, Mike Conte, joins the round table. He has a report from the 73rd annual conference of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).

May 24, 201829 min

Ep 43Online Best Behavior (Ep 43)

The 73rd annual conference of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) is underway in Denver, Colorado. In this episode of Poll Hub, special guest Randy Brown joined us from the conference to discuss the focus of his latest research. Brown, Vice President of Edison Research, explained how Edison’s measurement of Americans’ audio consumption yielded the conclusion that non-probability panels should not be the only method used when measuring online behavior. And, talk about creating buzz! How one Democratic candidate in the NY-19 race used a poll to gain attention. Was the tactic credible or incredibly misleading? The Poll Hub team breaks it down. Plus, what’s on pollsters’ minds going into the mid-term elections. Our experts share what they think the critical issues surrounding polling will be. Plus, bet on it! The U.S. Supreme Court opened the doors for states to permit betting on the outcome of sports events. Do Americans think that’s a good idea? Poll Hub has the numbers. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

May 17, 201831 min

Ep 42Fake Poll… Claims (Ep 42)

President Donald Trump recently cited a Reuters/Ipsos Poll to show his approval rating among African Americans is on the rise. But, even the organization behind the poll said, not so fast. In this episode, the Poll Hub team breaks down the controversy, analyzes the survey, and explains why the president’s argument was flawed. Also on the docket – the increased use of robocalls. Why these annoying solicitations and scams have a profound effect on the polling industry and where the field of survey research goes from here, on this week’s episode. Plus, the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) has released a guide for journalists to understand polls. The Poll Hub crew addresses why this is critical, especially in an election year.

May 10, 201827 min

Ep 41To Poll or Not to Poll? (Ep 41)

In this episode of Poll Hub, what factors into pollsters decisions to poll? Why do some electoral contests have few public opinion polls? The team at Poll Hub breaks it down. Then, from the mailroom, the crew answers some of the most frequently asked questions about polls. From push polls to how participants are chosen, Poll Hub clears up the confusion and the misconceptions. And, Poll Hub celebrates a very special day at The Marist Poll with an annual tradition. The team shares the results of its yearly poll about age. Do Americans think Dr. Lee M. Miringoff is old now that he’s 67? Find out in this episode of Poll Hub.

May 4, 201825 min

Ep 401968: The Year That Rocked American Politics, The Insights of Jeff Greenfield (Ep 40)

Poll Hub and The Marist College Poll are pleased to present a special four-part panel series, 1968: The Year That Rocked American Politics. In this fourth and final installment of the series, the Poll Hub team welcomes author, journalist, and former aide to Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Jeff Greenfield. Through his unique lens as a staffer on Kennedy’s 1968 presidential campaign, Greenfield offers his observations on the shifting political terrain in 1968, the loss of hope of the 1960s, Kennedy’s decision to enter the presidential contest, the catastrophic events of the year that forever altered the course of American history, and the complicated relationship between Robert Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll), and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Apr 27, 201829 min

Ep 391968: The Year That Rocked American Politics, A Discussion with Lynn Novick (Ep 39)

Poll Hub and The Marist College Poll are pleased to present a special four-part panel series, 1968: The Year That Rocked American Politics. In this third installment of the series, the Poll Hub team welcomes Emmy and Peabody Award winning filmmaker Lynn Novick. Novick, who is the co-producer and co-director with Ken Burns of the 10-part, 18-hour epic documentary, “The Vietnam War,” discusses the significance of 1968 in the conflict, the idea that there is not just one truth to the war, and how her experience working on this groundbreaking documentary influenced her view of the Vietnam War. The entire event was streamed live on Facebook as will our future conversation with author and political analyst, Jeff Greenfield. You can watch on our Facebook Page and if you follow us there, you’ll be notified when our next session goes live.

Apr 20, 201822 min

Ep 38Mueller under Fire (Ep 38)

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said this week that President Donald Trump believes he has the “power” to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller. But, do Americans think Mueller should be fired? In this edition of Poll Hub, the team discusses the latest poll numbers about the Mueller investigation and whether or not there has been a change in public opinion. Then, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo faces a Democratic challenger in his bid for re-election. Does actress and education activist Cynthia Nixon pose a formidable threat to Cuomo in the primary? What has changed for Cuomo in the last four years, and what could this challenge mean for Cuomo should he run for president in 2020? Poll Hub breaks down brand new NBC 4 New York/Marist Poll numbers.

Apr 12, 201821 min

Ep 371968: The Year That Rocked American Politics, A Discussion with Bob Herbert (Ep 37)

Poll Hub and The Marist College Poll are pleased to present a special four-part panel series, 1968: The Year That Rocked American Politics. In this second installment of the series, the Poll Hub team welcomed journalist, filmmaker, and Distinguished Senior Fellow at Demos, Bob Herbert. Herbert, writer and producer of the documentary Against All Odds: The Fight for a Black Middle Class, discusses 1968 as a pivotal year in the Civil Rights Movement, addresses where the quest for equality stands today, and reflects on his personal experiences during this tumultuous period. The entire event was streamed live on Facebook as will future conversations with Lynn Novick, co-director and co-producer of the film The Vietnam War, and author and political analyst, Jeff Greenfield. You can watch on our Facebook Page and if you follow us there, you’ll be notified when our next session goes live.

Apr 6, 201824 min

Ep 36Census Uproar (Ep 36)

With the deadline to file the questionnaire for the 2020 U.S. Census imminent, the Department of Commerce’s decision to include a question about citizenship is drawing ire. In this episode of Poll Hub, the team gets at the heart of the controversy, discusses the stakes for including the question, and clears up the confusion about the history of the U.S. Census. Then, it’s opening day for Major League Baseball. Poll Hub shares the latest Marist Poll numbers about baseball fans and a proposed rule change which would begin extra innings with a man on second base. Plus, a report from on the ground at spring training from special correspondent John Sparks. Let’s play ball!

Mar 29, 201827 min

Ep 351968: The Year That Rocked American Politics, Talking with E.J. Dionne (Ep 35)

This spring Dr. Lee Miringoff, Director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, is bringing four distinguished guests to the Marist College campus in Poughkeepsie, New York for public conversations about 1968. We’ll talk about the war, civil rights, political upheaval and other issues that framed 1968 and how it relates to our current political climate. Our first guest was E.J. Dionne who is a syndicated columnist at The Washington Post and a Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution. E.J. has been an insightful voice into cultural and political issues over the past several decades and is the author of numerous books including his most recent, “One Nation After Trump” written with Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann. Our discussion took place in the Hancock Center here at Marist in front of an audience that included students, alumni, faculty and staff. This is a portion of the conversation. The entire event was streamed live on Facebook as will future conversations with Bob Herbert, Lynn Novick and Jeff Greenfield. You can watch at our Facebook Page and if you follow us there, you’ll be notified when our next session goes live.

Mar 23, 201830 min

Ep 34The Parkland Tragedy, One Month Later (Ep 34)

Tomorrow marks one month since the horrific school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. To remember those lost and to protest gun violence, students across the country are expected to walk out of their classrooms for 17 minutes. In this episode of Poll Hub, the team uses the latest Marist Poll data to contextualize the scheduled protest. Do Americans think students who participate in the walkout should be punished by their schools? Do residents believe the Parkland students who are speaking out against gun violence will have an impact on the debate over guns, and are Americans more likely to support companies that dissociate themselves from the National Rifle Association?

Mar 13, 201816 min

Ep 33Talkin’ Trump & Tackling the Trash Talk (Ep 33)

The latest Marist Poll has President Donald Trump’s approval rating at 42%, his highest approval rating since taking office. In this week’s edition of Poll Hub, the crew provides an in-depth look at the factors driving the president’s improved standing and responds to the critiques of the poll’s methodology. Plus, Americans have spoken on the question of taxing steel and aluminum imports. Where do they stand? Poll Hub shares the latest findings. Then, CNN’s Harry Enten argues that President Trump may be unpopular, but his support is actually on the rise. Why there is a small flaw in our dear friend’s logic.

Mar 9, 201822 min

Ep 32High on the Hooey (Ep 32)

A recent Washington Post analysis by Philip Bump asserts Democrats are more likely to say they approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance when they respond to a poll conducted online or via IVR than by telephone. In turn, Bump argues, the president’s job approval rating is higher in polls conducted online rather by phone. In this episode, the Poll Hub team debunks Bump’s analysis through an in-depth discussion of social desirability, mode effects, and a study from the Pew Research Center and explains why omitting house effects from the analysis of survey research is dangerous.

Mar 2, 201824 min

Ep 31Parkland Aftermath: The New Gun Debate (Ep 31)

The latest mass school shooting – the killing of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018 – has renewed an age-old American debate about guns. Does the Second Amendment (2A) protect the right of any American to own any gun under any circumstance? Should we ban assault weapons like the AR-15 used in Parkland? Should background checks and age limits be reassessed?

Feb 23, 201825 min

Ep 30Let’s Party! (Ep 30)

It is a common pollster criticism during election seasons – oversampling either Democrats or Republicans. In this episode of Poll Hub, the team explains why modeling to party is an incorrect assumption, what party identification does and does not mean, and whether the two party system is in jeopardy. And, U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia has already taken steps to interfere in this year’s midterm elections. But, according to the latest Marist Poll, a majority of Americans do not think Russia will play a role in the elections. What accounts for the disconnect? Poll Hub takes a look.

Feb 15, 201825 min

Ep 29Census and Sensibility (Ep 29)

Unlike his predecessors, President Donald Trump has tied his job performance to that of the stock market. With the Dow Jones plummeting at the beginning of the week, what does this mean for the president? Do Americans attribute the market’s ups and downs to him? Poll Hub breaks it down. And, it’s time for the U.S. Census. Every ten years, there is debate about the questions to be included, and this year, that disagreement focuses on citizenship and race. What’s at stake? Why should we care? Spoiler alert: money is involved. Poll Hub explains.

Feb 7, 201819 min

Ep 28Is the Nunes Memo Watergate 2.0? (Ep 28)

The contents of the so-called “Nunes memo” are expected to be released as early as today. The memo has created a firestorm that, to some, signals a constitutional crisis nearing the level of Watergate. In this episode, Jay DeDapper speaks with Benjamin Wittes -- Editor in Chief of Lawfare, Senior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, and author -- about the risks of releasing this sensitive information and what it means for the oversight Congress has over the intelligence community. Also, this week – President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address. The Poll Hub team discusses the post State of the Union “bounce” and what the polls taken immediately after the speech mean (and don’t mean) for the president. And, the NFL’s biggest day of the year is Sunday! Do Americans want the Philadelphia Eagles or the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl? The results of the latest Marist Poll. About Poll Hub Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean. Poll Hub is produced by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, home of America’s leading independent college public opinion poll, The Marist Poll. Lee Miringoff (Director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion), Barbara Carvalho (Director of The Marist Poll) and Jay DeDapper (Director of Innovation at The Marist Poll) dig deep to give you a look at the inner workings of polls and what they tell us about our world, our country, and ourselves.

Feb 1, 201827 min

Ep 27Gettin’ “Giggy” with It (Ep 27)

The American workforce is undergoing a profound change. According to the latest NPR/Marist Poll of the future of work, one in five American workers are contract workers. Who are they, and what kind of an impact do they have on the labor force? Poll Hub has the answers. And, the language of polls… Survey questions are a sign of the times. In this segment, the Poll Hub team looks back on questions dating back more than half a century and discusses how their phrasing has evolved over time. On the table are questions about race relations, interracial marriage, and a woman’s place in the workplace.

Jan 25, 201823 min

Ep 26Triumph or Trumped? (Ep 26)

Tomorrow marks one year since President Donald Trump took the oath of office. So, how’s the president doing? Despite a year marked by a job approval rating hovering in the thirties and a majority of Americans rating Trump’s presidency as a “failure,” there are some bright spots for the president. What are they, and what impact could President Trump’s job approval rating have on the 2018 midterm elections? The Poll Hub team digs into the results of the latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. And, what is “sugging” and “frugging”? What people need to know about these techniques used to raise money under the guise of survey research.

Jan 19, 201823 min

Ep 25Oprah for President? (Ep 25)

Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes sparked renewed enthusiasm about a potential presidential candidacy by the journalist, talk show host, and actress. This week, Poll Hub takes an in-depth look at what the polls show about a possible Oprah run against President Donald Trump in 2020. They also dig into how the concept of an “outsider” candidate has evolved in politics. And, it has been fifty years since the Supreme Court legalized interracial marriage in the case, Loving vs. Virginia. According to the Pew Research Center, three percent of all married couples in 1967 were interracial. In 2017, 17% of all newlywed couples were interracial. Using this data as a springboard, the Poll Hub team looks at how Americans’ attitudes toward marriage have changed over the past five decades and how the groundbreaking Loving case paved the way for greater acceptance of other societal changes.

Jan 11, 201821 min

Ep 24The Pollsters Strike Back (Ep24)

In this episode of Poll Hub, the brain trust of The Marist Poll shares its poll watcher’s checklist for the 2018 midterm elections for United States Congress. What can pollsters and media pundits do to prevent the public from being pointed in the wrong direction? Stay tuned. And, according to the Pew Research Center, more and more people are getting their news from social media. The Poll Hub team picks up the topics of what role President Donald Trump plays in this trend, how social media impacts people’s understanding of the polls, and whether social media is the next step in the technology of public opinion research.

Jan 5, 201826 min

Ep 23It’s the Economy, Stupid. Or, Is It? (Ep 23)

Using a compilation of polls from 2017, a recent Washington Post article asserts that, historically, Americans’ outlook about the direction of the country is impacted by whether or not the economy is doing well. And if it is, that credit tends to go to the President of the United States. But, if 2017 is the barometer, that correlation no longer holds true. In this episode of Poll Hub, the crew picks up on the thesis of the article, analyzes the polls discussed, and weighs in on why Americans have a pessimistic view about the direction of the country given that the economy is thriving.

Dec 27, 201724 min

Ep 22Tax Reform, Donald Trump, & 2018 (Ep 22)

With the passage of the tax reform bill, the Republicans in Congress hope to start off the New Year with a sense that the GOP-controlled Congress can have legislative success. But, with so many questions about tax reform left unanswered, is this really a win for Republicans? As the Poll Hub team discusses, the danger for the Republicans is how tax reform unfolds in 2018 and whether the GOP can maintain its credibility given the expected impact of the legislation on the deficit. Will the Democrats or Republicans win the “messaging war” as they head into the 2018 midterm elections? And, how could the passage of the tax reform bill impact perceptions of President Donald Trump? Find out in this episode of Poll Hub.

Dec 20, 201719 min

Ep 21Alabama Shakes! Amy Walter On How A Senate Race Could Shape 2018 (Ep 21)

The special election for U.S. Senate in Alabama has been a near-perfect encapsulation of problems with political polls. Some have used proven scientific methods, others have not. Some have been transparent with their data and methodology, others…not so much. And then there are the poll averages. The widely reported Real Clear Politics’ last poll average prior to Election Day had Republican Roy Moore up by 2.2% over Democrat Doug Jones. The final results will likely have Jones winning by roughly 1.5%. Is this a polling problem or a reporting problem? We talk this over with Amy Walter, National Editor of the Cook Political Report and then discuss the implications of the Alabama results on the 2018 midterm elections. Will President Donald Trump’s enduring unpopularity catch up with Republicans in Congress? Can Democrats take advantage of the current climate? Will Trump change course?

Dec 14, 201736 min

Ep 20The Future of Public Opinion Polls (Ep 20)

With trust in the U.S. electoral system waning and indications of Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election looming, could public opinion polls assume a new role in American democracy? In the 1930’s George Gallup envisioned the majority viewpoint as having a place in the dialogue of democracy. Eight decades later, polls are judged by their accuracy in predicting the elections. But, what if interference occurs in the electoral process? Could public opinion polls be used, as in emerging democracies, to validate election outcomes? Poll Hub picks up that question.

Dec 7, 201725 min

Ep 19The Realignment of America’s Political Parties (Ep 19)

In a candid and enlightening interview with Ron Brownstein, CNN senior political analyst and Atlantic Media's editorial director for strategic partnerships, Brownstein expounds upon the composition of the two main political parties in the United States and how the flux of the Democratic and Republican parties helped Donald Trump win the White House in 2016. Brownstein, who was among the first to identify the significance of white, non-educated voters in recent electoral cycles, explains what he means by the “coalition of transformation” and the “coalition of restoration.” He also takes an introspective look at how, as a journalist, his interest in poll analysis stemmed from the perceived disconnect between reality and how journalists covered politics.

Dec 1, 201739 min

Ep 18The Alabama Senate Race (Ep 18)

Allegations of sexual misconduct against the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Alabama, Roy Moore, have rocked the special election in the state. In this reddest of red states, the polls are inconsistent, and many lack the scientific rigor that instills confidence in the polls. Can the polls be believed? How volatile is the contest, and how difficult is it to identify likely voters given the national media attention surrounding this race? Poll Hub weighs in. And according to new national poll numbers from the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll, President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has not shifted in the eleven months he has been president. While President Trump has been catering to his base, these poll numbers show he and many of his counterparts in the U.S. Congress are out of step with Americans on issues like tax cuts and health care.

Nov 21, 201721 min

Ep 17What’s in an Approval Rating? (Ep 17)

President Donald Trump has certainly been in the thick of things during his first 10 months in office, but his job approval rating has changed little since he took the Oath of Office. As this episode of Poll Hub explains, President Trump maintains the support of his base and focuses on issues that interest his core group of supporters. But, a majority of Americans consider the president’s policies to mostly favor the wealthy. As the president’s policy initiatives move forward, could that impact public opinion and President Trump’s job approval rating? Poll Hub takes on the question.

Nov 17, 201739 min