The promise and perils of polling [video 90min]

George Gallup, an early and enthusiastic promoter, heralded public opinion polling as a fabulous new tool that would save democracy by enabling leaders to hear, for the first time, the true voice of the people. Today, polling's legacy is less clear. Panelists Mark Blumenthal, Benjamin Ginsberg, Sarah Igo, and Donald Kinder examine public opinion polling's effect on American democracy in two panel discussions: "The Promise and Perils of Polling" and "The Practice and Future of Polling." Paul Freedman and Lynn Sanders serve as moderators.