Reply #221: Nevermind, found it for you...and as usual your "reasoning" is bogus

[jgraz]

http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=1645

As I suspected, the poll uses a different question than the Washington Posts agree/disagree methodology. The Gallup question is as follows:

Would you like to see gun laws in this country made more strict, less strict, or remain as they are?

They key here is that respondents are given an out. They can pick "remain the same" if they are ignorant or apathetic on the issue.


When forced to choose, the results look more like this:

Do you favor or oppose stricter gun control laws in this country? Is that strongly or somewhat favor/oppose?

            ----------- Favor --------    ---------- Oppose -------   No
            NET    Strongly   Somewhat    NET   Strongly   Somewhat  opin.
10/8/06     61        45         16       37       22         15       2
5/12/02     57        39         19       37       22         15       6
1/15/01     59        46         13       39       26         13       2
5/10/00     67        50         17       30       22          9       3
4/2/00      64        49         14       34       21         13       2
9/2/99      63        52         11       35       25         11       2
8/15/99     63        46         16       34       22         12       3
5/16/99     67        55         12       31       21         10       1
10/13/93*   64        40         24       33       20         13       3
6/8/89*     60        28         32       34       23         11       6
*Gallup: "Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose enacting
tougher gun control laws?"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_100906.htm


You also fail to point out that the poll you cite has consistently shown that only about 14% of the population shares your view, that gun laws should be loosened.

At any rate, I'd be interested in seeing what all of these poll numbers say now. I'm sure Gallup is gearing up for another poll on this subject.