Jeremy Langley

An unexpected poll

Sep 28

Jeremy LangleyCurrent Events 1 Comment

I have been quite upset over the last few months because I haven’t received one of those telephone surveys about the upcoming midterm elections. I say that with only a hint of sarcasm. As one with a degree in political science, I am fascinated with these scientific polls. My political science training, however, has just about ruined me because I tend to spend more time listening to the question to find that slant which is often present when the poll is conducted at a candidate’s expense.

The lady asking the questions was nice, but she really shouldn’t have been calling. She kept coughing and sniffling, so I encouraged her to take the rest of the day off. She had my permission. I’m sure her boss would understand.

She asked questions about my political affiliation. I tended to give her long dissertations as to how I felt about the state of our political system and how both parties seem to be off-base. In the end, I told her that all-in-all, I am a compassionate conservative. She said, “I’ll put you down as a Republican.” I said she could just simply list me as a follower of George W. Bush.

She asked which party I was most likely to vote for in November. I was dumbfounded. She was just plain ignorant at this point. She received another dissertation. She, again, decided that I would be voting Republican.

She asked who I would be casting my vote for in the ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 4 election. WHAT?!?!? This survey is wasting my precious time on a STATE level race?!?!?!?!?!?  I was a bit perturbed.

But then, she asked a question that really peaked my interest. “Do you consider yourself a born-again Christian?” I said “yes,” but what does that have to do with a state House race? She didn’t know. I don’t believe an atheist or agnostic could be elected in south Arkansas. For crying out loud! We even post the church affiliation of our elected officials on their biographies on the official Arkansas General Assembly website.

When all was done, I asked the nice lady who had paid for this survey and to whom the results would be made known. She claimed not to know but said she would find out in case anyone else asked. I asked her to call me back when she knew. My phone hasn’t rung again.

I’m still waiting.