A request: If you see polls favorable to the Right, DON'T POST THEM HERE.

[Ken Burch]

Most of the polls that make Trump look stronger are from questionable polling agencies, and you are potentially demoralizing people when they need to be in an "up" frame of mind if you post those.

Just don't.

[Happyhippychick]

1. I wonder why so many low count posters keep doing that?

[Ken Burch]

5. Is there a way to alert on them for that?

I'm not sure it falls into any of the current jury system categories.

[Happyhippychick]

6. I don't think so. I think we can just let the host know.

It's very transparent though.

[Demsrule86]

9. How is that done...never had the need before...the 'concerned' are so irritating

One poster is so obvious...it makes my teeth ache.

[Happyhippychick]

11. I've never done it either. I'll look into it and see if I can figure it out.

[yardwork]

65. The hosts can't remove posts. Only juries can do that.

[mopinko]

43. send a pm to a mirt member.

the current team is listed in the announcements forum.

[yardwork]

72. Feel free to contact me, but please understand.

There is very little than anyone but a juror can do to influence what is posted on DU. There are no longer any "mods." The role of "hosts" is now limited entirely to locking duplicate threads in LBN. MIRT removes brand new trolls - dozens every day.

But when established DUers choose to post FUD, peer pressure and jury votes are the only ways to influence them.

[mopinko]

100. yeah, i'm just talking about these fresh fish.

long time trolls, i guess people can contact the admins. not that they listen, usually, but ya know....

[yardwork]

105. Yep.

[wisteria]

3. Yes, just don't.

[onecaliberal]

4. Hear hear

[Demsrule86]

7. The trolls among us...keep it up one has posted at least five...hard to call them on it

because on the face it look innocuous...but when you do it over and over...there is an agenda.

[TheCowsCameHome]

8. And please -No more "***BREAKING***" crap.

That is getting soooooo old.

[wisteria]

28. That is another annoying thing.

[Johnny2X2X]

10. Agree to an extent

There are some totally silly polls from no name RW pollsters. But mainstream polls that show bad results for Hillary are fine with me. The other side is the head in the sand brigade, not ours.

[TrekLuver]

12. Yeah because I don't want to just be in the dark

[Silent3]

13. Exactly n/t

[Demsrule86]

17. It is not about the polls...it is about those who search out every negative poll and post them in

order to harass and demoralize the vote...clearly they are RW trolls...and very annoying. They are causing dissension and baiting DU'ers in order to alert...

[Grey Lemercier]

66. [phone]

very well said!

[Demsrule86]

80. Thanks Grey...and I know it is hard

to be new...I lurked for years before posting...and I had signed up and not posted much so...I was really under suspicion! I think you will enjoy this site...I am a political junkie and I really like it.

[zenabby]

14. How about we have a POLLS TODAY thread?

And everyone can link to the polls there just for information? I'm ok to see the bad polls as long as we get the full picture, and all polls are included.

[Demsrule86]

18. No...not all polls are equal...how about we just post those polls that are worth posting

when we feel like it and those who post many negative polls over and over in a clearly hostile manner go away...no I am not talking about you.

[ailsagirl]

15. AMEN

But it's not just the low posters who are doing it

[Demsrule86]

19. It is mostly low posters doing it and some who I know supported a different

candidate.

[Tarheel_Dem]

20. ^^^ THIS ^^^

[DemonGoddess]

62. +1000!

[pnwmom]

16. Thank you!!!!

[BigDemVoter]

21. THANK YOU.

This "national horse race" horse shit is going too far. There is NO plausible way for a tRump victory and saying otherwise is not being honest. Other than that, HRC supporters just need to haul ass to the polls or mail in their ballots & we are fine.

[Warren DeMontague]

22. The Concern Trolling has been thrown into hyperdrive. And the media wants a horserace.

I think the election will be close, I suspect it always was gonna be close.

But I think Hillary is going to win.

[workinclasszero]

24. They are doing it on purpose

I only noticed it in the last week.

Deplorables trying to suppress the vote for Hillary and the democratic party is what it is.

It will make our victory next week all the more sweet.

[Kingofalldems]

25. LBN being swamped with them.

[MFM008]

26. Thank you!!!

!!!!!

[malchickiwick]

27. I'm OK with it if it helps GOTV!

If the base thinks it's close, doesn't that encourage them to show up? Panic can be a good thing if it motivates participation, methinks.

[Demsrule86]

36. Untrue...there is a reason trolls post bad polls,it demoralizes voters.

I get out the vote.

[Farmgirl1961]

29. So, I want to ask a question or two - without being called for being a "troll"

How do we necessarily know if a poll is from the repug side, or might be a legitimate poll? Do we just assume that if it shows bad numbers for Hillary that it's a repug poll? It seems to me that as the days tick by, we are seeing more and more of these questionable polls.

And, yes, while I think Hillary's numbers are strong and steady, as we get close to election day, wouldn't there be some inevitable "tightening" of the polls?

I often have a hard time separating out fact from fiction -- good polls from bad polls. I'm thinking that a good, merit worthy poll could show polling changes for Hillary. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than myself could explain what to look for in a polling sample to be able to tell if it is "junk" or a "jewel".

Maybe the request should be to just post merit worthy polls, from merit worthy sources.

[ham_actor]

30. HEAD LINE ON NOVEMBER 9

"CLINTON WINS BUT POLLS FOR 2020 SHOW A CLOSE RACE"

[A-Schwarzenegger]

47. "CLINTON WINS BUT POLLS REFUSE TO CONCEDE"

[ham_actor]

60. Even better than mine!

[brooklynite]

31. How about questionable polls showing a Clinton lead?

Are you looking for responsibility, or feel-good moments?

[pat_k]

32. Understanding that victory is not assured is not "demoralizing."

I'm seeing a phenomenon that is very worrisome. I'm seeing a whole lot of people asserting that "Clinton can't lose/Trump can't win." These are not expressions of hope and optimism that inspire action. They are expressions of level of certainty and overconfidence that puts victory at risk.

The idea that victory is certain is FAR more likely to suppress the vote than a "negative" poll that might prompt someone to recognize that Hillary's victory is not "in the bag." A realization that motivates action.

In another thread I voiced my concern about the number of people who are asserting that a Trump victory is completely outside the realm of possibility. It didn't get much response, but a number of the posters that did respond appear to have put my post in the "you're just trying to demoralize us" bucket. I find it a bit mystifying.

[Demsrule86]

38. Show me using the electoral college with current numbers how Trump wins...

he can't. Try to be reasonable...they won't get PA for example.

[pat_k]

55. fivethirtyeight.com chances of Clinton win = 68% (which does not equal 100%)

Having about a 70% chance of victory is pretty damn good.

If we see some serious GOTV efforts; if attempts to suppress voters are nipped in the bud; if Clinton supporters don't get complacent because they believe Clinton "can't lose;" then Clinton will win. I believe it will all my heart.

If... if... if...

The bottom line for me is that we simply cannot afford the sort of complacency that comes out of the belief that "Trump presidency is completely outside the realm of possibility."

[Demsrule86]

57. Show me how Trump wins...

in the electoral college...538 is bullshit and the lowest of all the polls this year.

Hillary could lose all tossups including Nevada, Ohio etc and Trump still has to turn a blue state red...he is not doing that and he won't get all the toss ups either. Trump can not win despite all the handwringing and troll activity.

[musicblind]

61. 538 is the gold standard. n/t

[leftynyc]

68. Sam Wang

has the same record as 538 - he's excellent. He moved his prediction from 99% Hilllary win to 100% last night. Enjoy that.

[Demsrule86]

82. I don't know what is up with Nate Silver.

I see no path for Donald Trump...realistically.

[leftynyc]

88. He's still spooked from the primaries

Just ask yourself would you rather be at a 67% probability for a win or a 33% probability.

[Demsrule86]

89. Very true...hahah

Excellent point!

[Demsrule86]

81. You can't show me...he has no path.

If she loses every toss up...he still needs a solidly blue state. 538 has sucked this year...starting with Michigan during the primaries, Brexit and even some of his sports calls. I think he has a bad model. 538 is now unlike any other site that does similar work. He has become his own outlier. You can't make it work.

[musicblind]

99. I do not believe he has a path.

At least not at the moment. His only prayer is to run the board and then flip a softer state like New Hampshire. I do not think he will be able to do that.

That doesn't mean 538 is not the gold standard. Those are two separate topics.

[Akamai]

33. Yes I agree -- but get out and vote! Motivate people to do that! And believe Michel Moore that we

easily lose this thing if we ALL DON'T HAVE OUR SHOULDERS TO THE WHEEL!

[Flatpicker]

34. No.

I don't want to live in a echo chamber.

That's the problem the RW has had for years. I don't want to become like them.

We should all be able to discuss these things.
If the poll is unreliable, discuss it, that's the point of a discussion forum.

How about, If you see polls favorable to the right, post them and talk about why it's favorable. Is it sampling error in some way shape or form, or are we starting to show too much hubris this close to the election and aren't catching the warnings we need to stop this from happening.

The whole point of being a liberal is to be able to examine evidence and be willing to make changes in our views. Otherwise, we're opposition for the sake of being the opposition.

[Demsrule86]

40. This is not a 'liberal' site. This is a Democratic site.

We support Democrats.

[MadBadger]

45. You can support Democrats and still post things that are bad news

I completely agree that I hate DU when it's simply an echo chamber of good news, no matter what news is out there.

[Demsrule86]

48. Read TOS...we support Democrats.

And the trolls posting all the bad polls do so for one reason...to demoralize voters.

[MadBadger]

50. Posting a poll that isnt favorable to the Dems doesnt violate the TOS. THat's ridiculous

It's called NEWS. I'll post a good poll, bad poll, whatever. Call me a troll if you want.

[Demsrule86]

59. No one said it did...that was not the point.

But there are some who search for bad polls and post them over and over. What is their motivation?

[Flatpicker]

52. I'm trying

To explain that being a Democrat has to mean something more than having a D next to your name.

There are values and issues that separate us from the Republicans. Those are what matters. They could call the place "My Big Left Toe.com" and those values should remain constant.

If the TOS only cares about the branding, then this site has changed very much since it's early days.

I'm a Democrat because of the issues I believe in, not I'm a Democrat despite the issues they believe in.

[Demsrule86]

58. Actually having a D next to your name makes you a Democrat...there is no

purity test for Democrats...we have always had liberals and moderates...and I would wager not all Democrats believe in your issues and that you don't believe in their issues...here is an example...I never agreed with Bernie about tearing down the banks...I want regulation but I don't want to see the industry end up in China and my 401 K down the tubes...however, I agreed completely about other Bernie issues...I don't agree with Obama on trade...hate the TPP...but we are all Democrats...and I respect them all. I saw Obama trashed on this site and the primary was brutal...I don't want to see any of that again...it helps no one. I think TOS has allowed people to post their views without trashing Democrats. I like that.

[ScienceIsGood]

84. Wow, so a legit poll showing trump winning a state should be banned......

How nice of you wanting to censor news here. Wow, scary!

[Demsrule86]

91. A 'legit' poll...often an outlier or badly sourced poll

And posted by low post members...one wonders why they have such a need to post every bit of bad news...the bad polls are singled out and posted while the good polls are mostly ignored. Trump is going to lose. He has no path...Clinton could lose all toss-ups and Trumpreich would still have to turn a solid blue state red. Wow, such passion in defending the posting of bad polls...This is Democratic Underground. We support Democrats...and if you don't think those of use who have been around the block a time or two can't spot those using polls to undermine Sec. Clinton and demoralize voters...well you would be wrong.

[Demsrule86]

93. Wow...so scary ...a Democratic site

that supports Democrats...

[Flatpicker]

49. I support

Those who share my views on social and economic issues.

So far, that has been the Democratic platform. Democratic, Republican, they're just labels. Labels change.

The day this party decides to not (mostly) agree with me is the day I part ways with them.

It's views and beliefs that keep me involved. I'm not "With Her", more than "We're moving in the same general direction."

[TrekLuver]

41. it also serves to educate others about which are the reputable polls and why.

[zipplewrath]

104. Unfortunately

The reality is right now, an echo chamber is exactly what the powers that be want. We'll see after the election. But currently the only posts that are desired are those that positively reflect upon the candidates.

[Egnever]

42. Wow that was what put you over the edge ?

That is some amazing restraint for 14 years if this was the post that did it.

[Flatpicker]

56. To be fair

This election has not brought out the prettiest in anybody.
Between Bernie, Hillary, Trump, the core electorate has been fiercely loyal to their candidate.

I'll be glad when this is over.

[yardwork]

73. Bullshit. That's a false equivalency.

What a bullshit post.

[JTFrog]

102. Indeed. Can smell the stench a mile away.

[Demsrule86]

83. The primary is over and Trump must be defeated.

I completely disagree with your false equivalency. There is no excuse for bashing the only person Hillary Clinton who stands between us and Trump...the primary is over.

[Demsrule86]

44. Goodbye then...

and Hillary is not a loser...she won the primary and will win the election.

[book_worm]

46. Fortunately Trump is going to lose on Nov 8

[Egnever]

37. Oh for crying out loud

Which is it don't talk about landslides or don't talk about bad polls.


This is getting ludicrous. This thing can't be over soon enough. Trump has never had a shot at the presidency ever in this election and he doesn't have a chance now. All this hair pulling is exhausting.

[C Moon]

39. A select few seem to be posting those polls happily.

[aaaaaa5a]

51. I disagree. We don't want to censor information just because we don't like it. We are not FOX news.

[catabryna]

53. Couldn't possibly agree more! k&r (nt)

Just an emoticon.

[regnaD kciN]

54. I don't think we should censor bad poll news…

…because that would only give us a false sense of security.

I would require, though, that anyone posting a single doom'n'gloom poll have to provide a link to a poll-aggregation site for that particular race, so we can see if that particular poll is an outlier or the indicator of a real trend.

[musicblind]

63. I could not disagree more.

Painting a rosy "we got it in the bag" picture depresses voter turn out far worse than bad polling.

Honesty is what sets us Democrats apart from Republicans. We can't trade our honesty for nothing but feel good moments.

This is a discussion forum, not an affirmation forum.

[Grey Lemercier]

67. The OP means (as they said) from "questionable polling agencies" Like Remington Research, Rasmussen,

etc etc. There are multiple polls out there with very large Rethug bias. Of course there are a few the other way too, but somehow THOSE (Dem bias too high) never seem to get tossed out much. A few, but usually those are debunked as well.

There are is small but very active cadre of new posters who just flood the board with pure concern poll troll posts.

Hope that helps.........

[ScienceIsGood]

85. Bullshit, nate and upshot use some of those polls, this is a silly argument. N/t

[Grey Lemercier]

87. Bullshit right back at you, Remington Research and

Rasmussen are shit polls. But if you want to defend them, them go right ahead. You pushing that shit is very suspect to me.

Remington is so rigtwing biased even the RW sites wont use it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12512549283

Really curious as to why you are defending obvious concern trolls.

[ScienceIsGood]

90. Rasmussen is factored in by many legit sites? So you think Nate is a troll? LOL!

[Grey Lemercier]

94. I have little clue as to why he uses Rasmussen at all, he rates

it poorly, and probably weights it very slightly into his factoring. If you think Rasmussen is accurate and reflects how the race will come out in the wash, I invite you to post a series of OP's trumpeting it and it's prognostications.

I don't think you will like the responses.

[JTFrog]

103. Poster can no longer respond.

You pretty much pegged that.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

108. Amazing they lasted as long as they did.

[TrishaJ]

69. The "Ignore" feature is a blessing right now...

amazing how much better the feed looks when certain posters are suddenly "disappeared." A great option to have on a morning like today when we are being swamped with troll news.

[DinahMoeHum]

75. So is the "Trash This Thread" option.

Out of sight, out of mind.

[TrishaJ]

96. Yep. Or trash an certain words in the subject line,

Such as "emails."

[Vinca]

70. I disagree.

It makes me almost physically ill to see them, but we have to know what's going on whether it's good or bad. I would hate to be kept in a Karl Rove-style bubble and get a sudden surprise at the worst possible time.

[tavernier]

71. I just tell them that the wind blew over their Trump sign.

That keeps 'em busy for a few minutes, running outside to look, and off the computer posting trash.

[Demsrule86]

86. Perhaps you need to engage in a little soul searching

If you want to post stuff that attacks/smears Democrats, uses right wing sources or what have you, is this where you should be? This is Democratic Underground...we strive to elect Democrats. And look at what happens when we eat our own...we lose. Take Congress...how much better would it be if we had kept the House and state governorship, legislators in 10...no United either. We can't even get a judge through right now since the GOP has the Senate...This is not the time to fight among ourselves...now is the time to support Democrats...all progressive change going back 100 years came from the Democratic Party...consider that. No third party (calling you out Green slime) has done any good and mostly help the GOP.

[yardwork]

92. What the hell are you talking about?

Maybe you have me confused with another poster. When have I ever promoted a third party? That's what I'm complaining about!

[Demsrule86]

95. Maybe so...sorry

I see someone was removed...

[mountain grammy]

97. Making a jury decision on this is difficult

because, some is legitimate news. But when the Colorado neck and neck poll that I had just heard chortled on a Denver news channel, showed up here, I was livid. The difference was, the "news channel" just gave poll results reported in the Denver Post, but the article here cited the pollster, who I know to be dishonest. That softened the blow, of course, but I don't see where it's helpful to post outlying polls to shake up DU. We are not the corporate media after all.

[Orrex]

98. Can we also put a stop to posts that are nothing but a twitter link?

Absolutely worthless, every one of them.

Either post the relevant information, or don't bother.

[onecent]

101. Thank you!

[Beartracks]

106. Still dont know how this buffoon can have 40-ish%!

If we REALLY had a liberal media, his numbers wouldn't be so high.

The corollary, of course, is obvious: he's doing this well precisely because the media is NOT liberal.

=============

[Ken Burch]

107. Right before he declared his presidential candidacy, Robert Kennedy gave a speech

and in that speech, used a phrase that now describes the forces that would eventually elevate Trump to this level of popular support...he called it "the darker impulses of the American spirit". Bobby got all kinds of shit for saying that, but he was right, forty-eight years ago, and he remains right.

Trump represents the dungeon of the national soul.