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The Democratic Strategist

Political Strategy for a Permanent Democratic Majority

Latest LA Times Poll: Kerry/Edwards Leading By 1% in Horserace

In a poll released October 25 the LA Times has Kerry/Edwards leading Bush/Cheney 48% to 47% in a 2-way RV matchup.

3 comments on “Latest LA Times Poll: Kerry/Edwards Leading By 1% in Horserace

  1. Forest Field on

    On several websites I see that the election horse race summary gives the details of the state by state percentages according to each of the several polls. I notice that the “margin of error” is typically 4 points. I understand that this is approximately the expected 2 sigma spread from the sampling (random) error. However, I calculate that the 2 sigma spread among the various polls is more like 6 points. Isn’t this a reasonable estimate of the systematic error of polling and a measure of the confidence limits for polls? Without estimates of the systematic as well as random error, how can I intelligently place my bets?

    Reply
  2. Jim on

    I’m not sure where to post this comment, but I was wondering whether there was any data that could help predict how many voters who claim they are undecided at the late stages of a campaign actually end up voting.

    Reply
  3. Jim on

    I don’t know where this comment belongs, but I have a general question. Is there data — or common wisdom — about how many of the voters who claim they are undecided at a late stage of a campaign actually end up voting?

    Reply

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