Another Biased Poll Report
Reported by Ellen - August 27, 2004 -
Once again FOXNews.com highlights the good-for-Bush numbers and hides the worst-for-Bush news in its latest poll report 08/26/04 Poll: Presidential Race Tied Going Into GOP Convention. The only problem is that ignores the important statistic, buried in a PDF link to the poll itself, that Kerry has an 11-point lead in the battleground states.
In typical Fox fashion, its report showcases all the Bush positives up front in this opening paragraph:
"President George W. Bush is seen as the candidate who would do a better job handling the war against terrorism and a national crisis, while voters see Democrat John Kerry as the candidate better able to create jobs and handle domestic issues like prescription drug benefits. The president has made gains this month in his job performance rating, but the race for the White House remains extremely tight in the week before the Republican National Convention in New York"
Domestic issues like prescription drug benefits? What about the economy and healthcare overall? There's no mention that the poll says that the economy is the most important issue for the federal government to address today and that Kerry is seen as doing a better job on the economy by six points over Bush (46-40).
The next paragraph also showcases the Bush positives:
"The presidential race is tied with Kerry holding a one-point advantage over Bush among likely voters, down from a five-point edge immediately following the Democratic National Convention." Again, no mention of the crucial battleground numbers which will probably determine the election.
Surely reporter Dana Blanton understands this fact. So why not include the battleground numbers in the story? I can only conclude it's bias. It's certainly not "real journalism, fair and balanced."
