Topic: Polling Data

News outlets utilized historical data and flawed polling to call states like Virginia for Joe Biden while he trailed significantly in the actual count. Conversely, red states like Texas remained uncalled despite high tabulation percentages, leading to a perception of media interference. The subsequent recall of Arizona's status highlights the volatility of these statistical projections during the 2020 vote count.

Dominic Cummings details how his campaign used physicists and data scientists to overhaul traditional polling methods. By using massive samples and A/B testing on Facebook, the campaign was able to target specific demographics with high precision, bypassing traditional media.

The hosts discuss the "Deez Nuts" presidential candidate phenomenon, which they describe as a prank intended to expose the absurdity of 2016 election polling. They argue that major media outlets dropped the story once it began making their data look foolish. A donor using the name "Deez Nuts" from White Court, Alberta, is thanked for a $200 contribution.

A Rasmussen poll reported by Fox News indicates that 58% of Americans support waterboarding the attempted Christmas Day bomber. The hosts deconstruct the phrasing of the poll, suggesting it is designed to lead respondents toward a specific answer. They argue that the branding of the Rasmussen poll as "always right" is a tactic to manufacture public consent for controversial policies.