Which term describes politically biased campaign information presented as a poll to influence opinions?

• A. Caucus
• B. Push poll
• C. Straw poll
• D. Public opinion

Answer: (B)

Push polls are survey-like messages used to influence opinions rather than to measure them. They present biased information or questions framed to steer respondents toward a particular view or to damage an opponent, all while pretending to be a legitimate poll. The goal is to push voters toward a desired perception by shaping the information they receive, not by accurately assessing what people think. For example, a push poll might ask, “Would you be more likely to support Candidate A if you knew Candidate B supports policy Z that would raise taxes?” Even though it looks like polling, the content is crafted to sway responses. This differs from a straw poll, which is an informal and often unscientific attempt to gauge public opinion without the explicit aim of influencing it, and from broader concepts like caucus or public opinion itself, which refer to processes or aggregate attitudes rather than a tactic designed to manipulate voters.