worm poll

n. a continuous survey taken of a live audience to measure reactions to a political speech or debate. Subjects: English, Media, Politics

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Citations: [1996 San Antonio Express-News (Texas) (June 5) “A Worm poll: Sorry, Dennis Rodman: Many respondents to an online poll say they want you in a Bulls uniform next season, but not at a $10 million price tag”: (title)] 1996 Ruth Laugesen The Dominion (New Zealand) (Oct. 8) “Clark Wins ‘Worm’ Poll” p. 1: Clark Wins ‘Worm’ Poll. Labour leader Helen Clark was last night judged a two-time winner by undecided voters operating an electronic “worm” in the final TVNZ leaders’ debate, with Alliance leader Jim Anderton close on her heels. 2002 Alister Browne Evening Standard (New Zealand) (July 23) “Worm Poll Cannot Be Trusted” p. 3: The poll of 696 people showed 27 percent remained undecided. Similarly with the ‘worm’ TV studio audience, there was no way of figuring who people were going to vote for or whether their emotional reactions would turn into a solid preference. 2004 AAP Bulletins (Australia) (Sept. 12) “The worm turns for Latham in debate” (in Canberra): Opposition Leader Mark Latham was the runaway winner in tonight’s live televised debate with Prime Minister John Howard, the “worm” poll of audience members showed. 2005 David Rowan Times (London, England) (Apr. 9) “A guide to…electionspeak”: The swingometer, meanwhile, has been surpassed by on-screen worm polls, tracking audience reaction to speeches in real time. 2005 Guardian (U.K.) (Apr. 11) “Breaking the code” p. 8: Those who like nothing better than an evening watching The West Wing know the format. Voters turn a dial to say if they are pleased, indifferent or hostile as they listen to a speech. A “worm poll” describes the lines which slither across the screen to record their instant reaction.

Posted 11 Apr 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend