National Review had some interesting words on media polling in this article. From the lead paragraphs:
For the first time, as many Americans identify themselves as pro-life as pro-choice, according to a Gallup poll released last week. Just six years ago, the same poll had a 23-point margin, with 56 percent as pro-choice, and only 33 percent as pro-life.In light of the historical polling data and conventional political wisdom on abortion, this is nothing short of a minor miracle. And yet, even though the poll has been out for over a week, a search of the New York Times, Washington Post, L.A. Times, and the Associated Press finds nary a mention of this potentially major shift in popular opinion.
Gallup didn't even issue a press release to generate some buzz about this intriguing poll result. It was posted on their website, but not on the front page or any page highlighting their latest polls.
To be perfectly honest, I firmly believe that any single poll must be taken with a grain of salt. However, the media does not abide by this rule when a poll result confirms their liberal instincts.
Earlier this summer, a single-digit point-drop in President George W. Bush's approval rating was given page one treatment by the New York Times. The Washington Post last week hyped up the fact that Europeans don't much care for our president, and that piece became fodder for almost every cable news show. The elite news outlets routinely trot out singular poll results with pomp and circumstance whenever the findings comfort the liberal psyche.