Good topic. I share Craig Stokes question. Also, which "polls?" I'm interested in what content is being used -- horserace data are unfair and misleading early on. If, however, someone was exposing a representative sample to the promotions and objections that the candidates were making about themselves and each other, I'd be interested in using those responses to filter.
One problem is that the already informed are atypical in so many ways, starting with their involvement. An advantage is that those differentially informed about one candidate are likely to be similarly informed about alternative candidates.
A good alternative would be if the party elites screened the candidates in a pre-primary endorsement convention. In ~July or August of the year before the election, elected officials and delegates could come together and pick the candidates that will eventually run for the nomination. Just my two cents!
Good topic. I share Craig Stokes question. Also, which "polls?" I'm interested in what content is being used -- horserace data are unfair and misleading early on. If, however, someone was exposing a representative sample to the promotions and objections that the candidates were making about themselves and each other, I'd be interested in using those responses to filter.
You raise a good point. How informed are the people when we’re asking who should run? Are we just aggregating ignorance?
One problem is that the already informed are atypical in so many ways, starting with their involvement. An advantage is that those differentially informed about one candidate are likely to be similarly informed about alternative candidates.
So, if polls should not be the screening mechanism, what measure, if any, should the DNC use?
A good alternative would be if the party elites screened the candidates in a pre-primary endorsement convention. In ~July or August of the year before the election, elected officials and delegates could come together and pick the candidates that will eventually run for the nomination. Just my two cents!