I'd like our Dem politicians to try an experiment.

[Occulus]

This was inspired by asnother thread located here.

I think Reid, Dean, et al should go out to nonlocal areas where people gather (gas stations, restaurants) and drop a strategically-placed 'troll comment' into a crowd. An example is in the linked thread: the big sigh at the pump.

Publically blame Bush for something in an area they are not known as a politician. (You'd be surprised. Most people wouldn't know them at all if they did this experiment in street clothes.) Go into areas where lots of nonvoters live.

Then note the results, both in words and body language. Basically, it's a behavior poll, but for it to work, they people hearing the choice comment cannot know it's an elected official making the comment.

I guess my point is, to truly 'put the finger into the wind', the people cannot know about the finger. Otherwise, their behavior will change to something more 'official'... if they answer at all.

Call it "silent polling", I guess.

Is it a good idea- or is it a totally worthless endeavor?

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. horrible idea.

Just because "most people" wouldn't know them at all, it only takes one to totally fuck up the whole thing.

[The Quizzical Toad]

2. Why send a known politician?

It sounds like it would be a better idea just to send an aide to do the "troll poll". The results would be the same, with little chance of being discovered.

The aide can simply report back with the results.

[Cleita]

3. Why should Reid and Dean do this?

Anyone can do this. I do it all the time, like in the supermarket, hardware store and doctor's office waiting room especially if there is a TV on with Faux news.