Drudge is Being Played

Transcript of Greenberg, Devine, Donilon, Lockhart Call

I absolutely believe this story is planted to get people thinking and talking about a Kerry win. If you read the details of the alleged transcript it does not jibe with current polling, especally as regards Bush's registered voter numbers vs. likely voters. This is a desperate campaign trying to "Keep hope alive." IMO Drudge bit on it and the MSM will as well. Transcripts like this DO NOT get released.

GREENBERG: Ok, I'm going to talk about the Democracy Corps polling, but I also want to talk about the public polls this week and the public polls that have come out today. Because I think it's very important that we understand where the race is, as we get into final weekend and the final days, particularly where there are serious events taking place in the world. There is a temptation, I think, to jump on individual polls, but not look at the overall - the totality of it - and have understand what's going on.

Comments

[Paul]

Dude, you completely missed what was going on. Drudge indicated it was a Dem polling agency. If you look at the bottom of the press release it says "Paid for by Kerry/Edwards."

It is a political hack poll that is indeed intended to "Keep hope alive" but it did not require your BS detector, it is blatant.

[Terry Gain]

Political hack poll or not- and I don't know what you mean by that- some excellent blogger should deal with a point the Kerry campaign keeps making and no one in MSM is challenging . It is the allegation that Bush allowed his attention to be diverted to Iraq and allowed bin Laden to get away . The point is illustrated by the question they are allegedly asking , as illustratd in the alleged transcript.

"I'm going to read you paraphrasement about Osama Bin Laden's videotape - this is a poll that was conducted by Democracy Corps, I'm going to read you a paraphrasement about the release of Bin Laden's videotape, please tell me what comes closer to your view: One, it makes me think that George W. Bush took his eye of the ball in Afghanistan (news - web sites) and diverted his resources to Iraq; Two, it underscores the importance of George Bush (news - web sites)'s approach to terrorism

By ten points, 46-36 percent, voters responding to the survey agreed with the first statement , rather than the second."

They must think that some undecided voters don't remember that, if bin Laden was at Tora Bora, he escaped in December 2001 - a full 15 months before the first U.S. soldier set foot in Iraq. It is a certainty that no one who works for CNN or CBS or ABC or NBC will point this out.

[Daisy]

I agree. They are absolutely spinning this to create an impression. Given that people are going to actually vote at some point ... and many have already, I am not sure what the point is, unless it is to try an inspire their base to get out there, b/c they have a chance.

[Dan]

Paul,

I understand what you're saying, but disagree. I saw the "paid for" bit, not everyone will. Secondly, Drudge emphasized "Dems Poll on Bin Laden" angle, which is easily construed as a negative positioning fir the piece ie Americans likely don't want that issue "polled" and consequently manipulated.

Also note, what he posted is not a scoop. It is circulated to most if not all political writers. Most only use a couple quotes and put them in context, as in, trying to show confindence, so and so said .... Putting the entire piece out there like that lends creddence to the notion it isn't spin, when it clearly is.

Seriously, though, thanks for coming by and commenting. I always appreciate it. Except for some moonbats that come and go, occasionally. - Dan