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Beyond the Horse Race: Data, Myths, and Missed Calls
From:
Dr. Louis Perron - Political Consultant Dr. Louis Perron - Political Consultant
For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Zurich,
Monday, May 11, 2026

 

I recently read Beyond the Horse Race written by my esteemed colleague, pollster, and author John Zogby. Here are some of my personal, key takeaways:

  • We should poll as late in the game as possible as more and more voters make up their minds late. We have to hear the grass grow.
  • Always expect imperfections because we poll humans. (And, I would like to add, should continue to do so even with AI)
  • A survey can tell you much more than who’s ahead. In my own work, the vote question is actually often just a small part of a survey. I test messages, potential, identify target audiences, analyze sources of information, and explore blind biographies.
  • After every election, narratives are created in the media about why somebody won or lost. These urban legends are often not grounded in data.
  • Journalists and politicians love to hate polling. But they jump on the data.

PS: you can watch my full review of Zogby’s book here

Dr. Perron has been featured on C-SPAN, Newsweek, USA Today, RealClearPolitics and many others. For more information, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Louis Perron, please contact Kevin McVicker at Shirley & McVicker Public Affairs at (703) 739-5920 or kmcvicker@shirleyandmcvicker.com.
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Name: Dr. Louis Perron
Group: Perron Campaigns
Dateline: Zurich, None Switzerland
Direct Phone: 01141443889636
Cell Phone: l 011 41 796544246
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