push poll

Definition

An opinion poll designed to produce specific results and promote a certain narrative by influencing the views of respondents.

Etymology

From push (“to sell or promote”) + poll (“survey”). Also references pull, the opposite of push.

Example Sentences

• "The local paper has just released the results of what can only be described as a push poll. The pollsters fed numerous cherry-picked data points and statistics to respondents before asking their opinions on newly proposed government policies. There can be no doubt that the results would have been different had those interviewed not been led to the conclusions the pollsters wanted."