Polls and surveys pervade political and social life in ways that are both conspicuous and subtle. We gauge the success of presidential aspirants by how well they scored in polls broadcast on the nightly news. Our political leaders and candidates for every major office study the polls to identify the public's preferences on controversial policies. The Phantom Respondents develops the simple premise that public opinion surveys and polls have become a modern vehicle for political representation, and that as such, we must attend to the quality of representation that surveys and polls provide. For...
Polls and surveys pervade political and social life in ways that are both conspicuous and subtle. We gauge the success of presidential aspirants by ho...