Democratic National Committee Research Division, Monthly Report Number 5, What the Opinion Surveys Said in May 1952

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1 Mr. Cannelly 1 299-A DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE # Research Division 1200 - 18th Street, Washington 6, D. C. JUN/1 2 1952 Monthly Report #5 6/5/52 WHAT THE OPINION SURVEYS SAID IN May, 1952 A summary of what the polls are saying can help in a political campaign in several ways. First, some so-called polls are extremely misleading and de- fective. It is of importance to expose such "polls." Second, scientifically acceptable polls are sometimes of assistance in sizing up situations, furnishing ammunition for the conduct of the campaign and so forth. But, third, sometimes even scientifically acceptable polls are mis- leading because the pollster's analysis, interpretation, or initial questions are politically unrealistic. It is desirable both to show how scientifically acceptable polls are useful and to point out instances where they are mislead- ing. Appearance of a statement, item, or report in the follow- ing summary does not constitute or imply in any way endorse- ment, approval, or acceptance of the figures, reports, or interpretations made by the pollster. This report discusses surveys of opinion which were publicized or became available in May, 1952. It includes materials on surveys of opinion about: I. MAJOR CAMPAIGN ISSUES II. PROSPERITY III. PEACE AND WAR A. Financial Analysts Reported to Expect Indefinite Cold War B. Less Expectation of Hot War Than Immediately After Korea IV. DEFERMENTS FOR MILITARY SERVICE V. COUNTRY GENTLEMEN DOESN'T TAKE A POLL ON A NATIONAL FARM PROGRAM--OR DOES IT? VI. THE STEEL SEIZURE ARCHIVES RECORDS NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE VII. ONE-FIFTH OF PUBLISHERS ADMIT PRESS SIANTS NEWS AND SHOWS POLITICAL BIAS VIII. POLITICAL PREFERENCES AND VOTING A. Findings About the 1948 Presidential Election B. Non-Voters a Great Reservoir of Potential Democratic Strength C. Women Reported to Express More Interest in Elections IX. TWO DEMOCRATIC STATE COMMITTEES SPONSOR PUBLIC OPINION POLIS