Why is Rasmussen Poll so out of phase with all the others......

Going look at the said polls...brb

Because a lot people who use their poll don't bother to read their methodology.

From Real Clear Politics

quote:

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Polling Data
Poll Date Sample Approve Disapprove Spread
RCP Average 9/2 - 9/11 -- 41.4 54.0 -12.6
Pew Research 9/2 - 9/9 2002 A 42 50 -8
Reuters/Ipsos 9/3 - 9/7 1758 A 39 53 -14
The Economist/YouGov 9/6 - 9/8 715 RV 40 58 -18
Gallup 9/9 - 9/11 1500 A 41 54 -13
Rasmussen Reports 9/9 - 9/11 1500 LV 48 51 -3
FOX News 9/7 - 9/9 833 LV 38 57 -19
CNN/Opinion Research 9/5 - 9/7 1014 A 43 55 -12
ABC News/Wash Post 9/4 - 9/7 RV 42 54 -12
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl 9/3 - 9/7 1000 RV 40 54 -14

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They just posted -3 to make it seem likes its 48-51%

However Rasmussen Poll unlike the other polls have 4 possible answers instead of the normal Approve or Disapprove

They have
Strongly Approve
Approve
Disapprove
Strongly Disapprove

The Current Rasmussen Reports polls has Obama
Strongly Approve -21%
Approve- 27%
Disapprove - 11%
Strongly Disapprove -40%

Combine the measurements together and you guys
48% Approval and 51% Disapproval
Your not suppose to use this since they have 4 choices instead of the normal 2.

The Approval Index or Spread in the other polls is what your suppose to be using

Rasmussen Poll Approval Index = -19 due to the amount of strongly Disagrees
That puts it right in line with other polls

Honestly, If media outlet aren't going to both to explain the Rasmussen Poll then they shouldn't even use it. It awkward anyway considering the other polls only have 2 options.

Obama Approval Index History