How does a group use exit polls to facilitate coups?

[madfloridian]

I am not sure I understand about how this works. I remember in 2000 there was a lot of controversy in the US, but I can't find the details now. I do think the VNS, the networks, refused to release their exit data after Bush won..for what reasons I can't find now.

I do know they claimed the polling data was wrong. Yet exit polling is usually very accurate. It was confusing. It was weird. Of course they say we did not have a coup, but the guy that got into the office soon said it would be easier if he were a dictator.

I ask because I found this statement, and I want to know if it is a true one.

The Coup Plotters

Penn, Schoen and Berland (PSB) has played a pioneering role in the use of polling operations, especially "exit polls," in facilitating coups. Its primary mission is to shape the perception that the group installed into power in a targeted country has broad popular support. The group began work in Serbia during the period that its principle, Mark Penn, was President Clinton's top political advisor.

I had asked about this before. Just because I hate to see those close to our candidates involved in close elections in other countries. I know a lot of our consultants advise abroad...I know Joe Trippi did. But this seems different than advising.

PSB in Venezuela for Chavez opposition

More from the Online Journal article above...

The groups touts its role in Serbia. In an article, entitled "Defeating dictators at the ballot box: Lessons on how to develop successful electoral strategy in an authoritarian society," posted on their website, coauthors Penn and Schoen report:

International strategists, political and media consultants—such as ourselves have played critical roles behind the scenes of the elections in Serbia and Zimbabwe, helping the opposition parties craft strategies, messages and organize a credible and effective campaign that has enabled them to weaken the dictator, his political party, and eventually throw him out of power..

Which leads me to question..if they are trying to "defeat dictators" then why were they working against a pretty decent guy in Italy? I wrote about it, it got locked because of flames. Therefore I will refer to the original WP article in which it states this company was working for Berlusconi against Prodi.

A Few Degrees of Separation From Hillary Clinton's Top Adviser

WPP insists that things are not quite so intertwined and that its units are strictly segregated. "The various WPP businesses are purposely run independently, and there is no risk of any conflict between clients," said Howard Paster, who is Penn's boss, an ex-aide to President Clinton and a high-level volunteer for Hillary Clinton's campaign.

"I also, personally, don't do any lobbying," added Penn, 53.

But WPP does encourage cross-referrals, especially to avoid conflicts within its firms. "We occasionally will do things with one of the other companies," said Quinn, whose firm worked with Burson-Marsteller's polling firm, Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, on the reelection of Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. The polling firm, of which Penn remains president, is the WPP unit that will be paid millions by the Clinton campaign for Penn's attention.

I am calling no one a dictator, just wondering why they chose to work for Berlusconi. Someone told me not to write about what I did not understand. I always figured that if one does not understand, they need to ask.

[blm]

1. I think it was 2002 when VNS refused to release their polling data - again it inexplicably

turned out 'wrong' so the media claimed.

Funny how the exit polls have only turned out wrong since the Bushes gained control over most of the electronic vote count.

As to the other point in your post - isn't there a documentary out right now about how BIGNAME Dem and GOP strategists ahave been helping RW corporatists and fascists in their campaigns against left candidates in other countries?

[madfloridian]

2. Wasn't it also 2000? about VNS? I found some stuff, but it is right wing.

accusing us of saying the VNS exit polls lied .

Yes now that you ask, here is the video and background on Carville's company helping in Bolivia. The guy they helped had to flee the country to guess where? AMERICA. They are trying to extradite him back to Bolivia.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/846

[blm]

3. I think VNS was blindsided on 2000, but completely unwilling to disclose by 2002.

They must have known their fate was in the hands of corporate media loyal to BushInc.

[madfloridian]

4. Don't ABC, NBC, CNN, etc. do the exit polling now?

I forgot the name of the company they formed together.

[madfloridian]

5. Seems like we are all over the world....yet we can't count our own votes..

because of proprietary software.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/846