#22: Trump vs. Sanders (on polling)

“This week we’re back in the soundbooth, with special guest Baby Beckett! Also, don’t forget to buy Kristen’s book, The Selfie Vote. What to Trump & Sanders have in common? Most polling continues to show Trump in the lead, or close to it. Even in the aftermath of his McCain comments…”

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Trump vs. Sanders (on Polling): Episode #22 Recap

This week, we’re back in the soundbooth with a special guest—Baby Beckett! And while you’re here, don’t forget to grab Kristen’s book, The Selfie Vote. Let’s dive into the latest polling insights, from Trump’s dominance to Sanders’ surprising strength.

What Do Trump & Sanders Have in Common?

Margie: “It’s fascinating to see two candidates from opposite ends of the political spectrum dominate the headlines. Trump continues to lead—or stay close to the lead—even after his controversial McCain comments. Meanwhile, Sanders is showing strength, with some polls suggesting he’s just as competitive as Clinton in a general election matchup.”

Kristen: “What’s even more intriguing is that neither Trump nor Sanders seem to believe in polling! Trump’s disdain for pollsters is well-documented, and Sanders hasn’t exactly prioritized polling in his campaign spending. It’s an ironic twist, considering both are benefiting from the very metrics they criticize.”

Campaign Finance: Divided Opinions

Kristen: “Speaking of campaign spending, Monmouth’s latest poll shows voters divided on the impact of campaign finance rules. Are they helping? Hurting? It’s a mixed bag, and it seems most voters aren’t paying close attention to the specifics.”

Margie: “It’s a tough sell to get voters to care about these nuances. But understanding campaign finance is crucial for decoding the dynamics of this presidential contest.”

Iran Deal: Simultaneous Support and Caution

Margie: “The Iran deal is back in the spotlight, and polling reveals conflicting views. Americans are simultaneously supportive of the deal and deeply cautious about its implications. It’s a case study in the complexity of public opinion.”

Kristen: “Exactly. YouGov and AP/GFK polls highlight this dichotomy—voters are following the deal but remain skeptical. It’s a reminder of how nuanced polling data can be.”

Parents & Social Media: The Joys of Sharing

Kristen: “On a lighter note, Pew’s data on parents and social media is both hilarious and heartwarming. Parenthood comes with all the joys—and all the Facebook posts. From baby pictures to parenting advice, social media is where parents go to connect and commiserate.”

Margie: “As a new parent, I can confirm this! To all the parents out there, tweet me your advice for surviving—and thriving—on maternity leave.”

Key Findings

Trump and Sanders share a surprising disdain for polling, despite benefiting from it.
Campaign finance rules continue to divide voter opinion, with limited attention to specifics.
The Iran deal is a fascinating mix of support and skepticism among voters.
Social media remains a parenting hub for connection and sharing.