Interpreting polls, the sophisticated way

A Quinnipiac University poll released Dec. 22 found a wider margin of disapproval, with 53 percent of respondents opposed to healthcare overhaul and 36 percent in favor. "While the Senate leadership reportedly has the votes to pass a health care overhaul plan this week, outside the Beltway there appears to be weak support, both to what voters understand as the plan, and the need to pass that plan now," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.