FDU PublicMind - October 12, 2007 Release

Background Memo

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind was conducted by telephone from October 3 through October 9 using a randomly selected sample of 700 registered voters statewide. The sampling error for 700 respondents is +/-4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. Sample error for subgroups varies with the size of the subgroup. This sample includes 398 Democrats for which the MoE is +/- 5 percentage points and 277 Republicans for which the MoE is +/- 6 percentage points. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. All PublicMind interviews are conducted by TMR, Inc. of Cedar Knolls, NJ. Professionally trained interviewers use a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. Random selection >is achieved through computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected. Results may be mathematically weighted to match known demographics.

The questions included in this release are as follows:

Question: In your opinion, do you believe that the country is moving in the right direction or do you believe it has gotten off on the wrong track?

Question: In general, do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President?

Question: Now, turning to Iraq… How well is the U.S. military effort in Iraq going…?

Question: Considering everything, do you think the United States did the right thing in going to war with Iraq, or do you think it was a mistake?

Question: Have you heard of Joe Biden? If you haven’t just tell me. [If yes, ask:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of …? Would that be very or somewhat?

Question: You may know that Senator Joe Biden is running for President. Do you think he would make a good president or not?

Question: How do you rate his chances of becoming the Democratic Party's Presidential candidate?

Question: How would you rate his chances of being picked to run for Vice-President?

Question: [DEMOCRATS ONLY] Next year Delaware will help select a Democratic nominee for President. I know it's early, but who do you think you will support…READ?

Question: [DEMOCRATS ONLY] And who would be your second choice?

Question: [REPUBLICANS ONLY]? Next year Delaware will help select a Republican nominee for President. I know it's early but who do you think you will support…READ?