Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama Polling Machine Kicks Into Gear

White House relies on public opinion data to push agenda

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Apr 3, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – President Obama is increasingly reliant on polling data as he fine-tunes his budget pitch, relying on Washington outsiders in an operation more involved than his predecessor’s but less comprehensive than President Clinton’s. The process, sources tell Politico, is almost completely focused on pushing policy and not on measuring Obama’s popularity. Right-hand man David Axelrod is in charge of digesting the data.

Many recent White House occupants downplayed polling data importance for governing but continued to rely on them. Joel Benenson, a holdover from Obama’s campaign, has the highest profile, and like Axelrod is a former journalist; sources say he’s neurotic to the point that he paid for his own polling after Obama’s campaign manager pulled the plug down the stretch.

Former President Bill Clinton was interested in polls with a hypnotic intensity, the Washington Post once noted; President Bush toned down the White House's reliance on polling.
Former President Bill Clinton was interested in polls with a "hypnotic intensity," the Washington Post once noted; President Bush toned down the White House's reliance on polling.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama walks with White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod after speaking at a town hall style meeting at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, Calif., March 18, 2009.
President Barack Obama walks with White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod after speaking at a town hall style meeting at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, Calif., March 18, 2009.   (AP Photo)
White House adviser David Axelrod waits for the start of President Barack Obama's news conference at the White House, March 24, 2009.
White House adviser David Axelrod waits for the start of President Barack Obama's news conference at the White House, March 24, 2009.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
cornelison
Apr 3, 2009 6:17 AM CDT
The President wants to know what points in his economic recovery plan are strongly objected by Americans. Case in point, the outrage over "bonuses."
Derni
Apr 3, 2009 6:16 AM CDT
I would hope that sound policy and a commitment to seeing a program and legislation implemented are more important that polls-I'm sure like anyone, Obama listens to and asks for the numbers, but in the end we hope they do what is best for the country at this time.
northeast
Apr 3, 2009 5:33 AM CDT
"The process, sources tell Politico, is almost completely focused on pushing policy and not on measuring Obama’s popularity." If that was the case, why run a poll?

Public not sick of Obama
CQ Politics

 
polling • David Axelrod • Obama administration • President Obama • White House political office • Joel Benenson

More Newser Stories

Get Ready for Earful From Obama Aides

Gibbs Likely to Go In White House Shakeup

White House Begins Staff Overhaul

White House Caves, Will Extend Bush Tax Cuts

Obama: I Still Like Drilling, But ...
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne