#21: Can politics Trump science?

“In the last two weeks, Kristen had a book & Margie had a baby. But now we’re back with the latest in polling news! Bet you can’t Trump this! The polls are pretty clear–Trump is #1. But that doesn’t mean people are taking him seriously. Or does it? …”

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Can Politics Trump Science? (Episode #21 Recap)

Welcome back, Pollsters listeners! After a whirlwind couple of weeks—Kristen launching a book and Margie welcoming a baby—we’re diving into the latest polling insights that are making waves. From Trump’s surprising dominance to the quirks of astrology and Deadhead Republicans, let’s unpack the numbers.

Trump Takes the Lead: Are We Serious Yet?

Kristen: “The polling headlines are undeniable—Trump is #1. But here’s the catch: Gallup tells us he’s not seen as a serious candidate by many voters. So what’s driving this? Enthusiasm? Curiosity? Or just pure entertainment value? The YouGov and ABC/WaPo polls break it down further, revealing that while Trump’s favorability ratings are climbing, skepticism about his staying power remains.”

Margie: “This is a fascinating moment. It’s less about Trump the candidate and more about Trump the phenomenon. The word clouds from The Washington Post give us a glimpse into how voters perceive him—whether it’s ‘bold,’ ‘arrogant,’ or simply ‘entertaining.’ Love him or hate him, Trump’s commanding attention in a way that defies traditional political playbooks.”

The Science on Science

Margie: “Let’s pivot to a topic I hold dear: science. Pew’s latest report highlights how ‘science’ isn’t one issue but a web of topics influenced by demographics, political affiliation, and personal beliefs. Some topics, like climate change, are deeply polarizing, while others, like medical research, are surprisingly bipartisan.”

Kristen: “Exactly. The data shows us that while there’s broad respect for science, the underlying drivers—whether cultural, educational, or ideological—add nuance. Understanding these divides helps us address why consensus is hard to achieve.”

Paying Respondents: Yay or Nay?

Kristen: “In the polling industry, there’s an ongoing debate about reimbursing respondents, particularly those on cell phones. Pew’s experiments shed light on this, but here’s the reality: everyone’s glued to their phones, especially younger women. So whether you’re paying $5 or just begging for participation, we’ve got to meet people where they are—on their smartphones.”

Margie: “And speaking of smartphones, Gallup’s data on ‘life without smartphones’ is both amusing and terrifying. Turns out, many Americans would rather give up…well, almost anything else!”

Deadheads, Horoscopes, and Magic Mike

Margie: “Here’s a fun twist: the biggest Grateful Dead fans? Republicans! PR Newswire’s poll even found some surprising connections between Deadheads and political trends. Who knew Kasich might be onto something?”

Kristen: “And let’s not forget the lighter side of the data. Astrology, for example, remains a favorite conversation starter, especially for women. Meanwhile, YouGov’s findings on Hollywood sexism remind us that pop culture often mirrors deeper societal issues—although the debate over ‘Magic Mike’ vs. ‘Magic Mike XXL’ might just be the distraction we all need.”