Are Google Search Trends Better Election Predictors Than Polls?

Google has been busy documenting how the 2012 Republican primary affects search results.
Newt Gringrich, for instance, experienced a huge surge in searches before winning in South Carolina. Stephen Colbert search traffic jumped ahead of all candidates after he announced his exploratory committee. And before the Iowa caucus, Iowans were searching for Ron Paul more than any other candidate.

Are Google Search Trends Better Election Predictors Than Polls?

Google has been busy documenting how the 2012 Republican primary affects search results.

Newt Gringrich, for instance, experienced a huge surge in searches before winning in South Carolina. Stephen Colbert search traffic jumped ahead of all candidates after he announced his exploratory committee. And before the Iowa caucus, Iowans were searching for Ron Paul more than any other candidate.

Comparing the Fundraising Performance of the US Presidential Candidates

The NYTimes released a competitive dashboard of sorts, titled “The 2012 Money Race: Compare the Candidates” [nytimes.com]. Basically, the interactive graphic allows readers to contrast the various performance parameters in terms of fundraising from 2 presidential candidates next to each other. Another recent graphic [nytimes.com] lists the hundreds of organizations and people that fund the so-called Super PACs that are officially not controlled by those very candidates.

The NYTimes released a competitive dashboard of sorts, titled “The 2012 Money Race: Compare the Candidates” [nytimes.com]. Basically, the interactive graphic allows readers to contrast the various performance parameters in terms of fundraising from 2 presidential candidates next to each other. Another recent graphic [nytimes.com] lists the hundreds of organizations and people that fund the so-called Super PACs that are officially not controlled by those very candidates.

Independent Spending Totals

Since the start of the presidential campaign,  independent groups have spent at least $29.7 million asking voters to  elect or defeat candidates through television advertisements and other  means. The most active groups have been “super PACs,” which can raise  unlimited money from individuals, corporations and labor unions.  Although these groups cannot legally be tied to a candidate, several of  the most-active ones are run or advised by former associates or campaign  staff; those are noted below with the picture of the candidate.

Independent Spending Totals

Since the start of the presidential campaign, independent groups have spent at least $29.7 million asking voters to elect or defeat candidates through television advertisements and other means. The most active groups have been “super PACs,” which can raise unlimited money from individuals, corporations and labor unions. Although these groups cannot legally be tied to a candidate, several of the most-active ones are run or advised by former associates or campaign staff; those are noted below with the picture of the candidate.

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Early New Hampshire poll: Romney flying high, Bachmann rising fast
The field has a pretty obvious split: Those who like Mitt Romney and those who don’t. But there are some interesting details to note about New Hampshire Republican primary voters. First, Bachmann’s debate performance now has her polling above Sarah Palin, which is kind of a big deal. Second, Newt Gingrich is totally sucking. Third, despite many reasons to love him right now, Jon Huntsman has low polling numbers and low likability, which makes no sense. Finally, Rick Santorum is bringing up the rear — as he should. Either way, with the first big debate now in the rearview, the polling nonetheless is fascinating. source
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The field has a pretty obvious split: Those who like Mitt Romney and those who don’t. But there are some interesting details to note about New Hampshire Republican primary voters. First, Bachmann’s debate performance now has her polling above Sarah Palin, which is kind of a big deal. Second, Newt Gingrich is totally sucking. Third, despite many reasons to love him right now, Jon Huntsman has low polling numbers and low likability, which makes no sense. Finally, Rick Santorum is bringing up the rear — as he should. Either way, with the first big debate now in the rearview, the polling nonetheless is fascinating. source

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