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From Colson to Haldeman RE: results of a recent Harris Poll. 1 pg. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 2/22/1971
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WHSF: Contested, 6-83
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WHSF: Contested, 6-83
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From Colson to Haldeman RE: results of a recent Harris Poll. 1 pg. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 2/22/1971
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Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
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6
83
2/22/1971
Domestic Policy
Memo
From Colson to Haldeman RE: results of a
recent Harris Poll. 1 pg.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Page 1 of 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 22, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
H.R. HALDEMAN
FROM:
CHARLES W. COLSON
SUBJECT:
Harris Poll Results
In response to Larry's memo about the Harris Poll, I don't think
we will accomplish much by confronting Harris and pointing out
that his poll results are off base. He has consistently argued that
his results will always be different than Gallup's (or anyone else's),
inasmuch as he uses a different technique. He thinks Gallup is
wrong. Obviously, we can't make a frontal assault on this. What
is at issue is the statistical sample. Personally, I think both Harris
and Gallup are wrong, but that is their professional judgment -
in Gallup's case honest and, in Harris', corrupt.
As to the two most outrageous things which Harris used to do, the
positive/negative breakdown, and the timing of the releases, he has
changed both of these. All of his polls now show the actual
percentage of answers to the actual questions as well as the positive/
negative interpretation. Moreover, he is releasing on the uptick as
well as the down.
I am personally willing (in fact, eager) to face him down again, but
I don't think it will accomplish anything. What might have an impact,
however, are more articles hitting his credibility. I know from
Lufkin that he was terribly disturbed over the Thimmesch piece which
I planted around the time I saw him last year. He is proud and
arrogant and press comments challenging his veracity can really get
to him. This is the approach I recommend.