Politics | poll Why This Year's Pollsters Are Stumped By Nick McMaster Posted Aug 8, 2008 8:30 PM CDT Copied In this file photo from Jan. 30, 2007, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. greet on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo) This year's presidential race is bamboozling many a pollster. Todd Domke looks at some of skewing factors for the Boston Globe: Race: White voters might be reluctant to tell pollsters they oppose a black candidate. Tom Bradley, remember, led the polls for California governor but lost the race. Then again, will white guilt over prejudice offset that? Age: When the debates highlight the contrast in ages, will some be turned off by John McCain's relatively weathered look? And will they admit it? Turnout: Will Obamania continue to result in a big surge in young voters, or has the novelty faded? How should pollsters adjust their model? Tele-polling: Lots of people have cell phones only these days and are consequently beyond the reach of pollsters. Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. President asks nation's top generals to loosen up. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. Report an error