Why are the polls this volatile?

[SWTORFanatic]

I have to admit this is the only election I've followed rather closely. In 2000, I was apathetic college sophmore. In 2004, Bush drove me bonkers and I did vote for Kerry but I didn't follow all that closely. In 2008, I knew Obama would win.

So we get a poll from Rassmussen that says Obama is losing CO by 6, and one from PPP that says he is winning by 4? What is this I don't even?

[RomneyLies]

1. All pollsters use different methodologies

The very best polls are all conducted internally within the campaigns. those are the most expensive polls.

The public polls are the cheapest to conduct. News agencies like 'em because they can poick and choose to support whichever narrative they happen to be pushing on a given day.

[DrToast]

2. Look at the poll averages

They've proven to be more reliable than trying to guess which pollster has it right this cycle.

[FSogol]

3. 1. Republican Hijinks. 2. Less people with landlines

3. Caller id allows voters like me to avoid polling calls
4. Polling did not keep up with technology
5. Republican hijinks.

[hrmjustin]

4. Media wants a close race so the polls will reflect that.

[HERVEPA]

5. Read some of the previous columns by Nate Silver for good info

http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/

[Swede Atlanta]

6. Each pollster has a desired outcome.........

So if they run a poll and get the results they don't want they will re-run it with the questions posed differently.

I am a conservative pollster that wants people to vote for RapeisGod'swill....

First poll question:
(1) Do you agree with the President's plan to allow the Bush taxcuts to expire for upper-income taxpayers?

Result.....90% Yes, 10% No

So they will re-write the question for the second polling round:
(1) Do you agree with the commie President that wants to raise taxes on the poor job creators?

Result.....90% no, 10% Yes