Reply to the Comments

Abstract

First, I am pleased to note the broad area of agreement among the four of us. We concur fully that polls are useful, powerful, and play an important role in contemporary politics. My three responders also acknowledge the significance of alternative ways in which citizens can express their opinions and, furthermore, that public opinion is more diverse and nuanced than any dichotomous split between the pros and cons on a particular issue recorded at a particular time might suggest. Sir Robert chides me explicitly, and Gary Langer by implication, for failing ‘to use the opportunity of the keynote address to speak to the purveyors of polling data … to set a standard of excellence of survey methodology, a standard of excellence of survey reporting, and a standard of excellence of survey critique.’ I plead guilty. My decision was deliberate. What point would there have been in further preaching to the already converted? A discussion focused on the nature of public opinion, how it informs government and possibly translates into better policies struck me as more appropriate.