Local Minn. ABC Affiliate Hypes Poll Stating Coleman Should 'Concede'

  • Bookmark and Share

... except that's not exactly what the poll says. Minneapolis's KSTP channel 5's headline reads "POLL: Coleman should concede." The article that follows reads,

An exclusive Survey USA poll shows nearly half of Minnesotans surveyed say its time for Republican Norm Coleman to concede the U.S. Senate race to Democrat Al Franken.

But the survey does not hold good news for Franken either.

On election night, each candidate received only 42 percent of the votes. Now it appears they're both even less popular.

Only 38 percent of Minnesotans surveyed said they view Coleman favorably. 44 percent have an unfavorable view.

Franken scored similarly with 37 percent favorable and 45 percent unfavorable.

Now what would you think "nearly half" means? 49%? 48%? What would you think of 44%? Because, as the Minnesota Independent reports, that's the percentage that actually believes Norm Coleman should concede:

Now these are some poll results Norm Coleman should challenge. KSTP-TV played a new SurveyUSA poll it commissioned as showing that almost half of Minnesotans want the former senator to concede the state’s ongoing Senate contest to challenger Al Franken. But that’s not quite what the survey results really say. It’s true that 49 percent of respondents said they disagree with Coleman’s decision to challenge the recount results. But when asked directly what they thought should happen next, only 44 percent said Coleman should concede

If you're wondering what the difference between "conceding" and "not challenging the recount results" might be, check out KSTP's video below (beginning at approx. 2:20) of the poll report. 44% say Coleman should concede, 31% say there should be another election, 17% are designated as "not sure" or "other," and 8% say there should be another recount. Those last three added together equal 56%. 

 

In addition, The Minnesota Independent notes that these results actually are more favorable to Coleman compared to those from one month ago -- where "55 percent ... told the same pollsters a month ago that the loser should not file a legal challenge in court if he thought the process was unfair." Further, KSTP's own report notes that Franken's favorable/unfavorable ratings are actually one percent worse than those of Coleman.

So how is it again that KSTP, in their online headline and video report, hype that Coleman should concede?

Photo credit: The Minnesota Independent.

Thanks to NB reader Dan P. for the tip.

—D. S. Hube is an educator and a member of the National Association of Scholars. He blogs regularly at The Colossus of Rhodey.


Comments Policy

All comments are owned by whoever posted them and are subject to our terms of use. They should not be assumed to represent the views of NewsBusters.

Viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

So does the media think

So does the media think they can talk Coleman into conceeding? As arrogant as the media is nowadays I would say YES!

If Coleman does concede he will be forever known as a coward.

The Most Heroic Woman On Earth

 

 Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/  

Oooops. dbl post

Oooops.

dbl post

Uhhh, let me guess

I guess that they prefer Franken therefore Coleman should concede. It has absolutely nothing to do with the polls and everything to do with their agenda to elect Franken.

This is crazy

So 44% want Colman to concede? So wouldnt that mean 56% might think Franken should? But they wont offer those numbers will they?

 

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

Why don't they do a poll to

Why don't they do a poll to find out how many people think Franken has cheated in the recount?

dammit, you beat me to it

I was just about to point this out myself :-)

You can ALWAYS see who the MSM is pulling for by the way they spin a poll, this one is great example.

I guess the polls that show

I guess the polls that show that nearly 70% would vote for Coleman if there was another election is nothing but a pack of lies then.

O'Reilly had a great story on Soros funding Franken's legal bills etc for the recount.

"Forget change, I want improvement!"

and I read on

 one of those wacky right wing blogs that Soros the enchanter HATES Norm Coleman for all the work he did uncovering saddam hussein's money for oil big UN thingy and now Soros wants Coleman to sleep with the fishes at very least,so he is pushing Frankenstien hard as he can,

Dearth to George Soros!

 

Job Ch.40 God describes a dinosaur.

So how is it again that

So how is it again that KSTP, in their online headline and video report, hype that Coleman should concede?

uhmm. I wonder if it has anything to do with Dem Leader Harry Reid saying he will 'never, EVER, seat Coleman' ???

Pressure?

 

Reid also said he would not

Reid also said he would not seat Burris.  We saw how long that lasted.

What he should say is that no one will be seated until the challenges are finished.

Fight, Mr. Coleman, Fight!

 

Coleman should fight to the bitter end. We have to stop being the chivalrous Republicans, and fight tooth and nail. Democrats fight dirty and we have to understand that and fight every legal way we can. If not we will never recover since the MSM will never present to true story of the Democrat''s treachery.

So let me guess. They were

So let me guess. They were fair and when Coleman won the election back in November they at least got a poll together let us know what percentage thought Franken should concede. I'm sure it was a tiny fraction right? Gee, why would anybody think I'm being majorly sarcastic at this point.

Minnesota

Does this all wrong. Did ya'll notice how we backward Georgians managed to have a run-off with no big fuss? When Obama wasn't on the ticket, Chambliss cruised right in, even though the Dems were spending big money to get people down here to vote for whatshisface. They need to change the rules there, and also get rid of Ritchie. He is too biased to do a fair job. If I was Coleman I would say to heck with this, the majority of these people have lost their minds here. I feel sorry for the normal Minnesotans who have to be embarassed, because you know Franken is going to get in.

Well Minnesotans thought it

Well Minnesotans thought it would be cool to have an ex-wrestler for a Governor.  You would think they learned from that debacle, but apparently not.

MB

True that, MB, but surely those not freaky Minns are ashamed to admit they live in an once nice place. I know they have always been quirky, but even Ventura is not as bad as Franken!

True dat! LOL

....

Speaking From Minnesota

Yes, it is shameful. I honestly don't know how much longer I can stand living here.

You have to remember that the good Dem leaders here have bought their own support base. They have brought millions of Somali, Hmong and other 'refuge' cultures in here under the guise of humanity. They give them free housing, free schooling, free health care, welfare, special bathrooms where they can do their ritual washing,  and allow them to do whatever else they want. In exchange for this 'protection' the Dems know they have a very loyal group of voters. Smart plan. If the population doesn't support you... re-create the population.

If you want to see Dem Socialism on a small-scale just watch the good old leaders in Minnesota (especially the Minneapolis/St Paul area).

Red-faced

I live in Iowa, which has plenty of losers of its own to be embarrassed about, but I'm also a native of Minneapolis, so I share your embarrassment. 

Welcome to the era of unity, you racist!

Run off elections

would solve a lot of these problems with biased and suspect recounting (especially in this case). It probably should be a constitutional amendment to keep states honest (haha) that when ever an election is really too close (closeness could be defined and negotiated) to call a run-off election be called within a reasonable amount of time. Run-Offs should also be called when seats are vacated to keep the governor's honest without the political wheeling and dealing and corruption that the selection process apparently engenders. 

Change: When the winds of change blow hard enough, the most trivial of things can become deadly projectiles. From a Poster

"So how is it again that

"So how is it again that KSTP, in their online headline and video report, hype that Coleman should concede?"

Forget that, how is it that this race ever came down to a recount to begin with? Al "freakin" Franken? Are you kidding me? 

"Libs never let you down. You don't have to talk to one very long before the stupid comes out."

Al "freakin" Franken? Are

Al "freakin" Franken? Are you kidding me?  

Agreed.  I said before the real disgrace is that Franken even got close.

However, see my comment above, regarding Ventura.

Pick the Facts That Support Your View

Polls are an age-old political tactic. It's the same tactic Libs have always used on President Bush for the past 8 years:

  • Report any totals that support your point as "nearly half". This gives an impression of a unified nation. If your view ever reaches even one percent higher than 50%, you can claim 'Nation United'.
  • Gloss over actual data that doesn't support your view. Did you notice that more people had an unfavorable view of Franken. His total actually dropped more than Colemans. Was this reported?
  • Make no mention of the suspect events that led us to this point: double votes, selective recount number picking, party affiliation of deciding leaders, etc... Just make it appear that everything was perfect, and Coleman is just a  sore loser.
  • When behind - play the victim. Once in the lead - play the victim. It is still close enough to the media-hyped Republican Rule, that Democrats can still play on natural sympathies to help the 'underdog'.
  • Lastly,... build a story even if none exists. Polls are crazy things. You can do 50 different polls and you will get 50 different results based on who the self-selecting group is that decided to respond. You can also do the poll in areas which might be skewed one way or another to support your claim. People in general hear a poll result and assume it speaks for the nation in general. Really nothing could be further from the truth. A specific poll only speaks for the specific self-selecting responders out of a poll-takers precisely selected group.

→ Poll question

Wonder what percentage of Americans believe a President-Elect should be required to show proof of citizenship.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

Franken Concede

That's the problem with push polls. Did the pollsters ask if Franken should concede? If so, what was the result?

44% = almost half.  Must

44% = almost half.  Must be that "new math" the NEA instructors have been "teaching" the public school students.

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan

fitzfong.blogspot.com

The funny part is that

The funny part is that Coleman, when it looked like he was going to be declared winner, said Franken should step aside, and that's what he (Coleman) would do if he were in that position.

Now, he is in that position. And he's not stepping aside.

Dumboa

Everybody with 2 functioning brain cells knows that election is being stolen. It's one thing to lose something, it's another to have a thief steal something from you and then demand you admit it's his property now.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

"Everybody with 2

"Everybody with 2 functioning brain cells knows that election is being stolen."

I suspect those with only 2 functioning brain cells believe they know a lot of things which aren't necessarily true.

On the other hand, those with 3 or more understand the election has not been "stolen", but will be contested, will likely result in the filing of legal actions in the Minnesota state courts, will not be resolved for some time, and, any and all substantive irregularities in the vote count will be fully examined.

Jer

→ Riiight Jer

With 25 precincts counting more votes than voters?

It's too late for the vote count to be fully examined.  It's in the hands of the courts, exactly where the Dems want it.

If Minnesota accepts this broad daylight hijacking, they deserve their corrupt government, but this leeches into the Federal Government.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

Cool...

Too late? Why?

Jer

OOOOOH yeah

Let's let the bank robbers decide if the bank robbers are guilty.

"bank robbers" cocodrie?

Are you referring to "bank robbers" like the Minnesota Canvassing Board which only has ONE Democrat among its five sitting members?

Jer

Nice try Jer

It's a good comparison. Maybe you need to use more brain cells to see it. The corruption goes all the way to the top. =

Sorry, cocodrie...

"Maybe you need to use more brain cells to see it."

Sorry, cocodrie...I've got every one of mine already firing on all cylinders. Maybe you could spare a few of yours which are currently idling. ;-)

Jer

wow Jer

Kinda snarky there. Would you like me to find you some links about all the 'new' votes they keep finding? More votes than voters doesn't exactly scream honesty, now does it. And then, Franken himself, well he's got such a sterling character doesn't he. Why would anyone doubt such an upright, honest, noble man? After all, if there is one word for Franken, it would be 'gravitas'.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

Snarky? And your 2 brain

Snarky? And your 2 brain cell quip isn't?

I'll be glad to look at any links you care to post. But, tell me, why would the courts be barred from considering compelling evidence of voting fraud, or double counting--whether inadvertent or intentional?

Why would anyone doubt such an upright, honest, noble man?

I would give you an answer, but I'm now reluctant to respond to snarkiness with more snarkiness.  ;-)

Jer

Good evening jer

The judge is the lookout and gettaway driver in the robbery.

Jer

My snarkiness (is that a word?) was not addressed to you. Every post I've ever seen from balboa has been hostile in tone. I don't like him.

If you consider my calling Franken 'upright, honest, and noble' snarky, what does that say about the man? The fact that you knew I was being sarcastic indicates that you don't think he is any of those things either.

Your question about the courts should be addressed to Cool, as it refers to a statement by him.

And to think I was going to send you a buddy request.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

choselife...

...snarkiness (is that a word?)

If not, it should be.

Every post I've ever seen from balboa has been hostile in tone. I don't like him.

Take some time...read some more.  He may take some getting use to, but balboa is one of the least hostile posters at NB.

If you consider my calling Franken 'upright, honest, and noble' snarky, what does that say about the man? The fact that you knew I was being sarcastic indicates that you don't think he is any of those things either.

Anyone with at least two brain cells could have detected the sarcasm which literally dripped from your description of Franken.  The fact that I did has absolutely no bearing on my opinion about the man. 

And to think I was going to send you a buddy request.

I would be honored to be your buddy.  I have a number of friends with whom I frequently disagree politically.  We shouldn't allow that to be an obstacle.

Jer

→ Yeah, that's funny

It's funny every time an election is so shamelessly, obviously, and transparently, stolen.

How deep the permafrost, the day so many were raised to breathe life into Al Franken's Senate bid.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

This is your brain on ice.

Maybe Canada would take this loonie state.

The Funny Part...

The lib ardillas literally have no common sense. None.

Where are Mayor Dixon, in your bed Spitzer, freezer Jefferson, stepping down Richards, pockets Blago...?  

JDW

DAILY WAVE

Whatever else you think, your mother and my mother are both mothers

Actually, Coleman's not in

Actually, Coleman's not in that position now.  He won fair and square, and the failed comedian should have stepped aside then.  But learning how to be a parasitic spoiled sport from the master parasite himself (Al Bore), he wouldn't concede.  Then a bogus canvassing board headed up by ACORN's favorite fraud Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, "discovered" new votes and double counted others to manufacture a Franken "victory" out of thin air.  Just because Harry Reid and Chuckie Schumbag are now trying to ramrod Franken into the Senate against the will of the people does not mean Coleman should concede.  In fact, he should stand up to the Soros-backed Marxists and keep his rightful position in the Senate.  Your hallucinogenic wishful thinking aside, Coleman is doing the right thing.

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan

fitzfong.blogspot.com

fitz

Nicely done.

I misread something though....I thought you typed "master parasite boil"....lol....I think that improves it somewhat.

 

Still spinning Bal?

You're still dizzy too.

Of course.

Of course.

→ Bal's got a point

Evil succeeds when good men do nothing.

From all I can tell, Coleman is a good man.

We learn, but we're not willing to go where Franken and his minions will.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

Another half-a$$ed

Another half-a$$ed agenda-driven report from the msm.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

guys, think about this. Even if Franken takes the Senate seat...

...he's mentally and emotionally unstable, even the Dems know that. I give him one year before he does or says something crazy, even takes a swing at another Senator before he gets kicked out and Gov Powlenty (sp?) appoints Coleman or another Republican to take his place. Seriously, Franken is a nut case and will get himself tossed out eventually. It's only a matter of time even if he gets in

Dingy Harry has already said

Dingy Harry has already said something very close to -"Coleman is done, he will never again sit in the Senate". I suspect even if Coleman prevails in the next phase of the larger recount efforts, he will have difficulty recovering his Senate seat.

By trying to take control of who sits in the Senate and who doesn't, Dingy Harry is opening a new front in national politics. Someday Republicans will retake the Senate, and this may come back to bite the libs. The liberals always overplay their hand; you can bet on it.

That's the kind of math

that just drives me nuts.  I read an article in our local newspaper about how the domestic violence rate in our city is up over 300% in this last year due to the affect of the economy.  I was astounded by the number, and also by the fact that the next town over was only up like 5%.  What could possibly account for such a huge difference, and why has my city gone to hell in a handbasket, leaving the next one over unscathed?  Well, we went from 8 to 22 domestic violence reports, while the next one over went from like 180 to 189.  Once I looked at the real numbers, I started to wonder the opposite of what they were trying to get me to think -- what the heck is happening next door?

 Even small town papers are guilty of molding opinion.  Maybe the longer they say "almost half", the more likely it will actually approach that number?

 

Poll results?

I wonder if these where the same people they polled.

http://www.youtube.c...

Maybe Coleman should give it up

It appears that Franken was preordained to be a senator. Almost 40 years ago a cereal was named after him. Frankenberry even has his picture on the box.