Poll Reading 101 is now in session.
The margin of error is a statistically generated number that expresses how much uncertainty there is about a given number. So if Team A is 39% and Team B is at 43% and there is a margin or error of 5%, that says the real number for Team A is between 34% and 44% while Team B is really between 38% and 48%. Any time the reported spreaded is less than the margin of error, it is statistically identical. That means you can not legitimately say which team is ahead.
Notice is said legitimately. The press will report anything to create a horse race. How effective will a story be when they say Team A and Team B are tied.
A one point spread with a 5% point error is meaningless. Treat it as such. Bush and Gore are tied in popularity polls.
------------------
Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.
Barry Goldwater--1964
