
We are in the midst of a massive #MeToo scandal surrounding Brett Kavanaugh with recent polls indicating that a majority of Americans do not want to see him confirmed. We are watching with tense breath to see if Rod Rosenstein still has a job by the end of the week in the wake of a massively irresponsible piece published by the New York Times. It is rumored that the Democrats could be looking at a blue wave that gives them control of the House of Representatives- though this is not to be taken for granted so go register to vote, make sure your registration is correct, and schedule yourself to vote on Election Day!! And, of course, the leader of the Republican Party is underwater in his own favorability.
And yet, in the midst of all this, numerous headlines are popping up declaring that, according to a recent Gallup poll, the Republican Party is, somehow, enjoying a 7-year high of favorability.
If 2016 proved anything, it’s that polls- and especially the reporting surrounding those polls- require more study and context than simple eye-catching percentage numbers. Unfortunately, too many reporters don’t take the time to do that, and too many readers simply check the headline and don’t read any further.
So let’s dig into this a little bit by looking at the data Gallop themselves provide, and follow along with this amateur as I identify my biggest issues with this claim.
Continue reading “Is Republican Favorability Really At A 7-Year High?”