It is strange how one’s faith or at least interest in opinion polls increases in direct correlation to how much the results chime with what they want. When they paint a bleak picture of your party’s prospects they are irrelevant, unreliable distractions. When they paint a picture you like the look of they are profoundly important indicators of imminent election results.
There is, however, something to be said for consensus or for themes that seem to be supported by a plurality of polls as opposed to one or two in isolation and even the most ardent Tory would struggle at the moment to be untroubled by apparent disappearance of their once massive lead. It can be attributed to many things but my favourite theory is the one that paints voters in the nicest light. Namely, the notion that the media-sponsored abuse of Gordon Brown, enthusiastically encouraged and joined by the Conservative leadership, has spawned completely unexpected feelings in voters. Bullying and cruelty have not only rendered him an underdog and so seen people warm towards him but also created an appearance of strength as he continues to shrug off personal attacks that would leave many of us licking our wounds. It would still take a brave punter to bet on him winning though.
Polls tell a different Tory story
Posted by James O'Brien on March 09, 2010 at 13:57PM
There is, however, something to be said for consensus or for themes that seem to be supported by a plurality of polls as opposed to one or two in isolation and even the most ardent Tory would struggle at the moment to be untroubled by apparent disappearance of their once massive lead.