National Outlook Index: Caution

On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, Americans are apprehensive about the state of the nation. We break down the latest Marist Poll America Now: National Outlook Index and discuss the indicators driving the mood of Americans. Then, it’s back to school season. But, school districts across the nation are […] Read more »

Poll-Based Election Forecasts Will Always Struggle With Uncertainty

Key Points• We have no idea how much uncertainty exists in pre-election polls. That leads to very complex poll-based forecast models.• The general public lacks the expertise necessary to appropriately interpret win probabilities from those complex models.• Some research shows that overly certain forecasts might depress turnout, which could matter […] Read more »

It’s the Pandemic, Stupid! A Simplified Model for Forecasting the 2020 Presidential Election

Key Points• Two factors that historically have been helpful in forecasting presidential elections — the power of incumbency and the state of the economy — may be less useful in this year’s election, both because of long-term changes in American politics and the current public health crisis.• A forecasting model […] Read more »