The Truth Behind Gallup Polls and the Secret Behind Their Influence

Are Gallup polls fake news? The question has been on the minds of many for years. In the world of opinion polling, names like Gallup, Fivethirtyeight, and Nielsen dominate the landscape. But behind the facade of scientific jargon and solid methodologies, these are essentially marketing companies that cater to the needs of their clientele. Let's dive deeper into the reality of these organizations and the impact of their polls.

Marketing Companies With a Scientific Facade

Companies like Gallup, Fivethirtyeight, and Nielsen are well-known for their poll results, which often influence public opinion and decision-making processes. However, it is crucial to recognize that these organizations operate within the realm of marketing, rather than true scientific inquiry. Their primary focus is on influencing and manipulating public opinion to meet the demands of their clients.

True engineering outfits, such as those responsible for designing and building aircraft, bridges, and ships, are accountable to the rules of reality and physics. In contrast, entities like Gallup and Fivethirtyeight operate in a realm where the only rule is the capricious agendas of their clients. If an engineer produces faulty designs, the consequences can be catastrophic. On the other hand, when polling organizations produce faulty results, they simply move on, claiming they have fulfilled their duty.

The Lack of Scientific Rigor

The lack of scientific rigor in these organizations is evident in several aspects. First, there is no real-world testing of their methodologies. Unlike scientific endeavors, which must be verifiable, repeatable, and subject to peer review and falsifiability, polling organizations often avoid these standards. When challenged, they resort to

arguments that deflect from the core issues by invoking abstract concepts like "science" or "mathematics."

Furthermore, these companies do not produce any tangible products that can be judged on their merit. Unlike a project at an engineering outfit, where outcomes can be measured against physical results, polls have no such benchmarks. This absence of real products erodes their credibility and makes them more akin to self-serving entities focused on maintaining a facade of scientific legitimacy.

The Marketing and Influence Industry

The truly telling aspect of these organizations is their client base and their product. Who are their clients, and who is their product? Their clients are primarily the entertainment industries, political organizations, and financial outfits. Their product is the influence they exert over public opinion.

These organizations are highly profitable due to their ability to sell influence to powerful institutions. It is these same institutions that created these pollsters in the first place. While individuals might be curious about certain poll results, the reality is that these organizations are not catering to the public for profit. The funding comes from these powerful institutions, not from individual consumers like you and me.

When you perform a cursory "audit" of these companies' assets and operating costs, you will find that a significant portion of their funding comes from these moneyed institutions. These institutions are the true clients, and the individuals who may be swayed by the polls are the "marks" - the targets of their influence.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, while polls like those from Gallup, Fivethirtyeight, and Nielsen may seem scientific and trustworthy, their true nature is more akin to marketing and influence peddling. It is essential to recognize the true nature of these organizations and the impact of their polls. By understanding the underlying motivations and funding sources, we can better appreciate the limitations and potential biases of public opinion polling in the modern era.