Fox News' self-defeating graphics department
September 17, 2009 11:44 am ET by Simon Maloy
Contrary to Glenn Beck's programming directives, Fox News took a quick break yesterday from hyperventilating and misinforming about ACORN to hyperventilate and misinform about health care, as Neil Cavuto molded an entire segment around the Investor's Business Daily poll showing that legions of doctors will up and quit if any sort of health care reform is passed. As Nate Silver helpfully explained, the IBD survey, which runs contrary to every legitimate poll of physicians on health care reform, is the product of biased and inept polling practices.
Nevertheless, Cavuto hyped the discredited IBD poll, calling it "a brand new poll showing that 45 percent of America's doctors will consider hanging up their stethoscopes for good if the government overhauls health care." But even as he touted the poll's "strong warning," Cavuto's graphics department was working to undermine him [emphasis added]:
LOL...! Yea, right...then how would these doctors pay the mortgages on their mansions, the lease on the wife's Jag, the country club dues, tuition for their children's private schools...? What's a doctor to do...? ;>)
Fuzzy words.
I think that at least 80% of Americans consider when they can retire.
1. Are you a licensed MD?
2. Do you watch Glen Beck's show on Fox News?
3. If no, thanks for taking our survey.
4. If yes, will you consider quitting or retiring if Congress passes its oppressive, wasteful, socialistic health care plan?
Just like former governor Sarah Palin.
Just like the governor of Texas, willing to secede.
Just like President Bush, May 1, 2003.
Just like the Republicans, when it comes to meaningful health coverage reform.
Just like FOX 'News', when it comes to telling the truth.
Hey, if your only reason for practicing medicine is money, I'd rather that you quit, since you obviously do not have your patients' best interests at heart.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Jones, I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you guys off with a couple of drinks?"
Nate Silver has a great piece on this "poll".
Some of the highlights:
1. It was a "mail-in" poll which usually has margin of error > 7%
2. The story says the poll is "still in progress"
3. The number of actual respondents to date is not clear
... which means that 45% could be 45 of the first 100 and once all ballots are counted that could be 5%, not 45%.
I'm reminded of the enigma of call-in phone polls that include results which show 12% have "no opinion". Who makes it a point to call a poll to announce that they have "no opinion"? Along those lines, how many people would NOT bother to mail in their opinion unless they were strongly opposed to the premise?
Anyway, the graphics lie for them. Cavuto didn't say it, the graphics did.