Polls, Pro & Con

Pollster George Gallup, who covers the public opinion beat for 122 newspapers,* had a hot pre-convention argument last week. His opponent was Charles Michelson, former Democratic publicity chief. Their dispute was over the value of polls.

White-haired Mr. Michelson singled out Dr. Gallup's poll, which reported that 61% of the U.S. people thought that the Government erred in taking over Montgomery Ward. Wrote Michelson (for North American Newspaper Alliance): "As there are involved knotty questions over which the lawyers will be wrangling clear up to the Supreme Court, the acquirement of so definite a result comes near to being miraculous. Incidentally, isn't there a question of whether this does not come close to things the courts could hardly permit? . . .

"That brings up another thought as to the worth or unworth [of polls]. Most Congressmen are poignantly sensitive to the views of their constituents. Their elections depend on maintaining their popularity. ... It would be idle to assume that they are not moved by them."

Dr. (of Philosophy) Gallup found Michelson's opinions "based upon a complete misconception of aim and method." Said the pollster: "The people may not be fully informed on all the complexities of any given issue. But that does not stop them from having opinions. . . . Mr. Michelson ignores a point which undoubtedly he knows well, which is that opinions are subject to change and so are political tides."

Were jurists in the case of Montgomery Ward likely to be affected by the poll? Dr. Gallup thought not. Were Congressmen swayed? Dr. Gallup declared that "all wise Congressmen take public opinion into account in deciding how they shall vote."

*For news of a Roosevelt v. Dewey poll, see U. S. AT WAR.

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