Okay in all honesty it happened last night but a) that doesn't rhyme and b) I wanted to write about it last night but I had already posted a diary.
So here's what happened.
Last night I received a call from the American Research Group (ARG). I was so excited because I recognized the name on the caller ID and I definitely wanted to get my views 'out there'. I do wonder, though, how they got my married name and phone number, as I am listed under my maiden name.
The major portion of the survey question had to do with our state (Wisconsin) teacher union. There were many questions that asked me to prioritize union activities such as supporting pro-education political candidates, collective bargaining, professional development, etc. There were also questions asking me to prioritize issues such as health care, public education funding, teacher mentoring/accountability etc.
The most interesting (to me) part of the survey was at the beginning, when they asked about presidential politics. I wisely took notes and these are the questions I was asked in this section:
*If the election were held today and the candidates were Obama and McCain, who would get my vote?
*Same question only Clinton or McCain (I actually paused and felt a pang before I answered)
Interestingly, the questions focused mainly on Bush and McCain, one about Obama, none at all about Hillary Clinton. Perhaps ARG is following Rasmussen and winding down the polling of Clinton. Then there were questions asking me to strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree.
*I approve of the job that President Bush is doing.
*Barack Obama shares my values.
*John McCain shares my values
*John McCain would help keep the country safe.
*John McCain would be an effective leader.
I was then asked to identify myself on the political spectrum: very liberal, somewhat liberal, neutral, somewhat conservative, very conservative.
The other thing that struck me as noteworthy was what demographic information was collected about me. I was asked about # of people living in my home, school aged children, public or private school and household income. I was not asked about my racial or ethnic background.
All in all, I was glad to share my very liberal, public education supporting, union belonging, hopemongering values with the pollsters. So next time I see a survey reporting President Bush's dismal approval ratings, I can say "Hey, that's me!"