Famous pollster speaks at CMU

Erin Hillard

John Zogby, political pollster, came to speak at Central Michigan University on March 28.
“Everyone always says this, but this is a personal pleasure for me- we were colleagues,” said Tim Hartshorne, CMU psychology professor, who brought Zogby to campus.
Hartshorne said he had no idea Zogby was a professional pollster until he was listening to a radio interview in his car.
Zogby has been doing political polls since 1984. He discussed issues encircling this year’s election, including the mood of America and the battle for the Democratic candidacy.
“I don’t think Hilary is going to win,” Zogby said, “but she also has a different playbook.”
He wrapped up her political future in one sentence.
“Someday, she will serve two terms as president, then she will become chairwoman of defense and convert to Catholicism, where she will serve out the rest of her life as Pope.”
Zogby went on to say that the number one issue this election was the economy, listing health care as a reason.
“One in four voters with employer-based insurance fears losing it,” Zogby said. "They see it as the difference between middle class and poverty.”
The two other issues Zogby thought were important were the War in Iraq and the environment.
When asked if Bill Clinton could potentially drag Hilary’s candidacy down, Zogby said that it became clear in South Carolina that it was all about Bill.
“But Hilary is a candidate in her own right,” Zogby said. “Why demean her by making this about Bill’s third term?”
Nicholas VonGlahn, CMU graduate student, said he thought Zogby’s presentation was excellent.
“I don’t know the truth of his claims,” VonGlahn said. “But this is his knowledge of the American people and you have to take it for what it’s worth.”
John Zogby will also hold a discussion Saturday for the Terror at the Voting Booth conference.

Edited by: Mariah Richards and John Morelli