Media bias/statistical question.
his is the data of those polled in the recent CBS poll showing Bush's approval at 34%. And I think the margin of error is listed at 3-4% or atleast something like that.
Now assume the only poll question was:
Are you a Republican or Democrat or Independent?
The poll would then conclude that:
26% of Americans are Republicans
40% of Americans are Democrats
33% of Americans are Independents
With a margin of error of 3-4%
Now this is obviously waaaaaaaay off. So, one of you statistics guys please explain how (sans intentional shaping) the scientific method broke down so badly?