In what may be one of the most surprising if overlooked findings in recent SUSA post-primary polling, new data sets indicate that traditional voting patterns among canine and feline sectors may be shifting far beyond what conventional models have predicted. But how significant a factor might this prove to be in a tight race that's been defying expected trends from the outset?
More below the flap door.
Lets take a look at the Ohio vote. Rasmussen held that turnout by rural, leather-collar 'beer' dogs would likely peak at 20-25 percent; yet exit polls showed that number to be woefully underestimated, with a virtual stampede of muddy prints into polling booths topping 36%--and that's not even counting egg-sucking mutts who may have slipped into the booths later that night.
Even factoring in the inevitable fat-paw mis-votes inherent in the large dog segment, it's clear that far more of the above group voted for Clinton than was forecast. We can toss out any number of theories as to the causes for this phenomenon, but unconfirmed reports from some precinct captains in southern Ohio do suggest that a high number of back doors were left open in the hours leading up to the vote, with no small amount of red meat peppering back yards and alleyways leading to precinct stations. In addition, media rumors of a supposed Animal Enforcement Association endorsement of Obama may have spurred fears among strays. Further analysis of this is of course needed before more solid conclusions can be drawn.
On the other end of the electoral spectrum, numbers in the higher-educated 'wine' house cat demo actually dropped from 2004 levels. Historic indifference to electoral politics, or even leaving the house, could easily explain some of this fall--as could the afore-mentioned boost in dog turnout.
These patterns differ in the other three primary states, but each still show break-away trends in normally reliable models, regardless of direction.
Whatever the deeper origins or impact of this apparent sea change may be, it seems to becoming increasingly apparent that we do not in fact know the truth about cats and dogs. I welcome your thoughts on these developments, numbers geeks. And please, no flaming or furballs.