Politics | poll Why This Year's Pollsters Are Stumped By Nick McMaster Posted Aug 8, 2008 8:30 PM CDT Copied In this file photo from Jan. 30, 2007, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. greet on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo) This year's presidential race is bamboozling many a pollster. Todd Domke looks at some of skewing factors for the Boston Globe: Race: White voters might be reluctant to tell pollsters they oppose a black candidate. Tom Bradley, remember, led the polls for California governor but lost the race. Then again, will white guilt over prejudice offset that? Age: When the debates highlight the contrast in ages, will some be turned off by John McCain's relatively weathered look? And will they admit it? Turnout: Will Obamania continue to result in a big surge in young voters, or has the novelty faded? How should pollsters adjust their model? Tele-polling: Lots of people have cell phones only these days and are consequently beyond the reach of pollsters. Read These Next Rudy Giuliani has 'some healing to do.' Amy Coney Barrett explains her vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. That CEO who grabbed a tennis pro's hat has some words. Woman fooled by scammer's claim of being stranded in space. Report an error