Agree on all points, especially “breaking the rules” part if by that you mean conventional/tradition. We’re in uncharted territory for a variety of reasons.

I believe the national polls are “off” by approximately 25 to 30 percent, which is a huge factor. I wish I could provide specific references to support that conclusion, but I can’t. Part of my posit is based on “combining” a host of information from various sources — in other words just trying to be informed — and the remainder is based on the unique and unprecedented aspects of this election cycle, which you noted.

- - David Pleasant

But yes, the polls are particularly difficult to read this election because both candidates have been breaking the rules, whilst modern sampling is predicated on the idea that the previous election’s rules will hold.

Further, this election’s polling is made much more difficult by the fact that communications are in flux — increasing numbers of people are moving off the telephone grid and onto the net.

“When a poll taker calls on the phone,in the majority of cases if a married woman answers,and the husband is home,she’ll give the phone to her husband to take the poll.”

What is your source of information? That’s a big assertion to be accepted as fact without some evidence.

My actual polling experience is so limited it really doesn’t count, but where I’ve been on the polling side, if the pollster did not reach the intended respondent, the survey was not conducted. They pollster might call back or eventually put it in the “not home” trash, but the guidelines did not allow for the scenario you presented.

“…traditionaly (sic) registered republicans show up to vote at a higher ratio than do registered democrats.”

Same question. What is your source of information on that assertion?

- -David Pleasant