I was 'push-polled' last night...

[PCIntern]

So I get home and the phone rings almost immediately...I reflexively picked it up without looking at the caller ID and the following conversation (more or less) ensued:

Caller: Hello, I'm from the Whatisname Service (I've never heard of - not Gallup, not CNN, NYT, or anyone I recognize) and would like a few minutes of your time to answer some question about the upcoming election.

PCIntern: All right...(suspiciously)...go ahead...

Caller: (Several questions about whom I would support in PA over whomever)

PCIntern: (Answered all Dems of course)

Caller: Now, would you be more or less inclined to vote for Joe Sestak (pronounced sess-take with a southern drawl) if you knew that he voted to bankrupt the country by voting for the Obama Healthcare Bill?

PCIntern: but the supposition of your question is fallacious...

Caller: Can you answer the question sir?

PCIntern: If you can answer for me if you have stopped molesting your pet yet or not.

Caller: (Hesitatingly)I don't understand.

PCIntern: You asked me a question which contains a falsity and asked for a response. I cannot answer that question, and in fact, it does not deserve an answer.

Caller: Would you be more or less likely to vote for Dan Onorato (pronounced Oh-no-rat-o) if you knew that he had caused many thousands of jobs to be lost in Pittsburgh?

PCIntern: I feel as though I'm being push-polled.

Caller: (nervous laughter) Can you answer the question sir?

PCIntern: Let's cut to the chase...whoareyou and whatdoyouwantmetosay?

Caller: Sir, I believed that you would be more cooperative.

PCIntern: funny, that's what my mother and father used to say to me. did you know them?

Caller: Have a good night sir.

PCIntern: Thank you and if your candidates are all elected, I hope you're among the first to lose your job, life savings, and your home.

Caller: (Click)

[Ian David]

1. People should just spontaneously start conducting their own push-polls.

"Would you be more or less likely to vote for Christine O'Donnell if you knew she'd been involved in Satanic cannibalism rituals, feasting on human flesh?"

Unlike when we were kids and used to to prank calls, you could probably get away with this, AND serve a purpose.

My favorite was, "Hello, is this Mr Smith? I'm calling from The Florida Citrus Growers Association, and I just wanted to know, when was the last time you enjoyed a cool, refreshing glass of Florida Orange Juice? This morning? At breakfast? WELL, GOD DAMN IT, IT ISN'T JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE!!!!"

Ahh... fuck you, Caller ID. You've ruined adolescence.

[blue neen]

2. I've been push-polled twice here in PA.

They were both pushing Tim Burns over Mark Critz. I kept telling them that they were push polling me. The calls originated in Utah.

[eyepaddle]

3. I had one that was a bit more subtle than that a few years ago

It was from "RPM" and it seemed pretty standard until they asked me about the DEATH TAX!

Here's the breakdown from that point:

eyepaddle: Wait a minute--what did you just say "death tax?"

Caller: Yes, I was asking you abou--

Eyepaddle: Which organization are you?

Caller: RPM

Eyepaddle: And what is that?

Caller: Republican Party of MInnesota.

Eyepaddle: This interview is over.

CLICK

[Pirate Smile]

4. I got called to do a poll - they wanted the youngest male eligible to vote - that's my husband so I

asked him if he wanted to take the call and that it was a survey. He (no surprise) said "No way". So I told them he wouldn't take the call. They then asked for the youngest female who was registered to vote. I said that's me. They asked if I was planning on or likely to vote - I said I already voted. They said Good Bye. I was going - don't you want to know who I voted for??? I guess not. :(

I thought it was weird and perhaps more of a push poll or something to test out negative messages because, otherwise, a true polling firm would want to know who I voted for - oh, well...

[DemReadingDU]

7. I had a couple weird polling calls too

Caller asked to speak to the male owner of the house to answer the questions. He wasn't home, so I suggested the caller ask me. Nope, had to be the male.


Another time, the caller asked to speak to the older owner of the house, no specific ages though. Spouse is older, but he wasn't at home, so I told the caller I was the older person. I was asked one question...Are you planning to vote in the next election?

[Contrary1]

5. I was called last week too...

I always tell them that I am a registered Repub, but plan to vote for the Democratic candidate.

[polichick]

6. LOL - good work! nt

[dalaigh lllama]

8. I got an automated call from Missouri last night

They wanted to know if I was leaning democratic or repulican (Dem)
They wanted to know if I was registered to vote (yes)
They wanted to know if I was likely to vote (yes)

What they didn't ask was do I live in Missouri.
I moved to Illinois about 3 years ago. :spray:

[Scuba]

9. Most polls are designed to shape, not measure, opinion....

...if you've got the time, I recommend you lie to them. It's fun and helps make them look even more ridiculous.


"Well, I certainly wouldn't vote for Chesapeak if he hadn't voted to bankrupt the country by voting for the Obama Healthcare Bill"

"Did you say Chesapeak?"

"Sorry, I meant Cheesesteak."

"Did you mean Sestak?"

"Don't be silly, Joe Sestak didn't bankrupt the country, your bosses did."

Tie them up, burn their clock, but don't blame the caller. He/she probably just needed a job and knew some guy. The right doesn't have a real 'base' to volunteer.

Maybe you can even get one of them to vote Dem.

[Pathwalker]

10. My husband was called by Gallup regularly until a month ago.

They would ask him the question, he would repeat it to me and I would answer as I chose. THEN, they asked: "What is your position on the death tax?"
I responded: "I approve of the Paris Hilton inheritance tax." Husband repeated this response.
The pollster got pissed and asked my husband if he always let me answer for him.
Husband's response: "You betcha! I'm not stupid enough to be a Republican!"
Pollster hung up.

They haven't called since.

:rofl:

[hunter]

11. Sometimes I'm in a mood to keep them on as long as I can.

But damn, they are toxic.

Them: "Are you aware that (the candidate) defended (a notorious murderer) in court?"

Me: "Well, I do hope so. That was her job as a Public Defender."

[deaniac21]

12. Well, there is one minute of my life I'll never get back

[doc03]

13. And we all know how painful that can be n/t