General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFor those new to Polling Terminology...
Here is a helpful guide.
When a race is tied, the Republican has an edge and likely voters are cited as to why.
When a Democrat leads by 5 points or less, the race is tied.
When a Democrat leads by 6-9 points, the Democrat has an edge.
When a Democrat leads by more than 9 points, the poll goes unreported.
When a Republican leads by 5 points or less, the Republican has a significant lead.
When a Republican leads by 6-9 points, the Republican has a commanding lead.
When a Republican leads by more than 9 points, it's a mandate. This term may also be used if the Republican wins by any margin.
Familiarity with these terms will mitigate stress when seeing them used by the media.
Inspired by http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/24/polls-give-obama-the-edge-in-pennsylvania/?hpt=po_c2
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)and true!
frazzled
(18,402 posts)When a Democratic candidate maintains a lead of more than 9 points in a state, the pollster may label that state "Leans Democrat" in their electoral map.
When a Republican candidate maintains a lead of more than 9 points in a state, the pollster may color it deep, dark, saturated red.
Citation from your link: Pennsylvania is rated as "Lean Obama" in CNN's Electoral Map.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)...oh wait...if this had been written by a Republican, it would be hilarious.
Since you're not one, it's only amusing.
DURHAM D
(32,610 posts)when all the other polls show Obama winning the state he/she is just "concerned".
This also applies to long time DUers who post nothing but negative stories/polls.