This is a big problem in ALL political polls. Republicans almost unanimously choose the options they think will be worst for Democrats. This weights ALL polls against Democrats, and I suspect that weighting schemes magnify the effect.
Do Republicans actually believe their responses? We don't know.
Reasonably clear they don't in many cases — economics as an example, they're proud of their own personal economic situation, their neighbors, and even their if red, state. But...not the U.S.
But Cheryl, think of the poor journalists and pundits who would have to focus on reporting about a convicted felon and his plans to overthrow democracy, or the success of Biden’s policies in helping ordinary people. Instead to their joy, they will spend hours speculating who could replace Biden.
If Biden is at 30%, that may well turn to a plurality against named alternatives. A better poll would list several, and make people offer a name whom they would prefer to Biden if their choice is not on the list.
At least I've now seen some (Krugman and Polgreen) advocate stepping aside for Harris.
Biden's age was a big part of the reason he wasn't my first choice in 2020; I wanted a candidate who would still be robust when running for reelection in 2024. And I'd vote for any of the "not Bidens" that are suggested replacements. But we're supposed to be the party defending honoring the vote.
Not the party arguing that once a vote is over and a candidate has won, some small group of people should toss the vote and say, no, let's pick another candidate. Even though the candidate we have is still mentally competent and more on top of the office than most POTUSes.
Especially since “Someone Else” is easily filled in with “Imaginary Magical Perfect Dream Candidate,” who of course is going to win out over any actual real human candidates, no matter who they are.
You can’t beat a fictional Mary Sue candidate in a poll!
These polls are so dumb.
