#37: Walmart Moms, Kentucky Polls & Christmas Creeps

“From Walmart Moms to Kentucky polling misses and Christmas creep, this week’s episode covers the latest in polling and public opinion.”

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Walmart Moms, Kentucky Polls & Christmas Creeps: Episode #37 Recap

Welcome back, listeners! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming live show at Georgetown Institute of Politics & Public Service and exciting interviews. Now, let’s dive into this week’s highlights.

The Shark Tank Debate

Margie: “None of the CNBC moderators came out as ‘Mr./Ms. Wonderful,’ but Rubio, Cruz, and maybe Christie surged in the aftermath. Meanwhile, Carson remains strong, but what about Jeb?”

Kristen: “Post-debate reactions from Huffington Post/YouGov and NBC/WSJ polls show some reshuffling in the GOP race.”

The Post-Hearing Clinton Surge

Margie: “Clinton’s performance in the Democratic debate and Benghazi hearings has bolstered her standing, even in traditionally competitive states like New Hampshire.”

Kristen: “NBC/WSJ and Monmouth polling highlight her rising momentum.”

Carson’s General Election Strength

Kristen: “Despite press scrutiny, Carson remains one of the strongest general election candidates, according to NBC/WSJ and Quinnipiac polls.”

Mass Media Appeal

Margie: “Trust in the media continues to decline, with Gallup polling showing skepticism across demographics. Candidates seem to benefit when they challenge media narratives.”

Kentucky Polling Miss

Kristen: “Republican Matt Bevin’s surprise win in Kentucky has raised questions about polling accuracy. Experts like Harry Enten from 538 weigh in.”

Walmart Moms: An Interview with Neil Newhouse

Margie: “We talked to Neil Newhouse about our ongoing study of Walmart Moms. These voters, across party lines, feel overlooked by candidates.”

Christmas Creep and Religiosity

Kristen: “Pew data shows declining religiosity, while Gallup and CNBC highlight rising Christmas spending and the early arrival of Christmas marketing.”

Key Findings

Clinton, Carson, and Rubio are surging, while Bush struggles post-CNBC debate.
Kentucky’s polling miss sparks reflection on methodology and public memory of polling errors.
Walmart Moms feel their struggles are overlooked, uniting them across party lines.
Christmas spending rises as religiosity declines, with the phenomenon of ‘Christmas Creep’ taking hold.