Melissa RussoPush Poll: Definition: "A push poll is a political campaign technique in which an individual or organization attempts to influence or alter the view of respondents under the guise of conducting a poll. Push polls are generally viewed as a form of negative campaigning. The term is also sometimes used incorrectly to refer to legitimate polls which test political messages, some of which may be negative. Push polling has been condemned by the American Association of Political Consultants."
, political reporter for NBC's NYC affiliate WNBC, recently followed Rudy Giuliani up to New Hampshire. In her report on this morning's "Today," Russo stressed that at a GOP campaign stop, Giuliani failed to inform the Granite State Republicans that "he's far from a social conservative."
View video here.
So Russo decided to take it upon herself to inform them. Here's Russo interviewing a nice Republican lady:
Russo: "Did you know he was pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro gay rights?"
Nice Republican lady: "No-o-o-o."
Russo: "Would that affect your support for him?"
Nice Republican lady: "Ye-s-s."
Have a look again at that definition of push polling. Sound to you like Russo was engaging in it?
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
