Writing in today’s Washington Times, Donald Lambro furthers the argument that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry is having difficulty shoring up his base, especially among Hispanics and African-Americans, as well as the anti-war left. Lambro relies, in part, on Ralph Nader’s alleged inroads into the anti-war vote to prop up his thesis. However, in doing so, he cites a poll that has since been superseded by more recent data. Lambro notes Nader polling at 8 percent in Pennsylvania, which was accurate, according to an April 21 Quinnipiac University poll. However, the more recent number, released on May 27 by Quinnipiac University, measures Nader’s support at 6 percent in the state.
This isn’t the biggest of journalistic sins we’ve come across recently — but if you’re going to write an article based, in part, on Nader’s support, you might as well find out if that support is growing or flagging.
–T.L.
Thomas Lang was a writer at CJR Daily.