RealClearPolitics

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RealClearPolitics is a Chicago-based political news aggregator, polling data aggregator, and blog founded in 2000 by former options trader John McIntyre and former advertising agency account executive Tom Bevan "for people like us...people who live and breathe politics and the major issues of the day."[1][2] Every day the site aggregates a wide range of columns and news stories from across the Internet as well as the most recent poll data,[3] election related transcripts[4] and videos.[5] The site also compiles averages of major political polls on various elections throughout the United States to give a broader view of the race.[6]

Contents

[edit] Founding and Philosophy

The website was founded in 2000 by McIntyre, a former trader at the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and Bevan, a former advertising agency account executive.[1] McIntyre explained "[i]t really wasn't any more complicated than there should be a place online that pulled together all this quality information."[7] They call what they do, "intelligent aggregation."[8]

In an interview with the conservative magazine Human Events, McIntyre described the philosophy behind the website as based on "freedom" and "common-sense values." Said Bevan, "We think debate on the issues is a very important thing. We post a variety of opinions." He further stated, "we have a frustration all conservatives have", which is "the bias in media against conservatives, religious conservatives, [and] Christian conservatives."[9]

[edit] Original content

In addition to linking to content around the Internet, Real Clear Politics also provides its own commentary.

Bevan and Blake Dvorak write "The Real Clear Politics Blog," which is hosted by TIME. Associate Editor Reid Wilson writes the "PoliticsNation" blog,[10] and doctoral student Jay Cost writes the "HorseRaceBlog."[11]

The site's political commentary, election analysis and polling averages have been featured in many national media outlets, including The New York Times[12], FOX News Channel[13], CNN,[citation needed] The Economist[14], Investor's Business Daily[15], and The Chicago Sun-Times[16].

[edit] Averages as a political handicapping tool

The use of polling averages as political handicapping tools has been called into question. Critics say that it is not always fair to average different polling firms, methods, and sample groups.[17]

[edit] Other sites

RealClearPolitics also owns RealClearMarkets and RealClearSports. [18]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Zorn, Eric (October 26, 2004). "Political site polls well with election junkies". Chicago Tribune: Metro, p. 1. 
  2. ^ Wolinsky, Howard (September 18, 2006). "Politicking pays off: Web site a must-read for political fanatics" ([dead link]). Chicago Sun-Times: p. 55. 
  3. ^ "Latest Polling Data", RealClearPolitics, April 21, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  4. ^ "Transcripts & Speeches", RealClearPolitics, April 21, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  5. ^ "RealClearPolitics Video Log", RealClearPolitics, April 21, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  6. ^ "Polling Averages", RealClearPolitics, April 21, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-21. 
  7. ^ "Political Junkies Spawn a Real, Clear Success", U.S. News & World Report, December 12, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-04-07. 
  8. ^ "Real Clear Politics Real Clear on its Growth, Mission", The Chicago Tribune, February 7, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-07. 
  9. ^ "Conservative Spotlight: Real Clear Politics", Human Events, March 31, 2003. Retrieved on 2008-02-12. 
  10. ^ "Politics Nation", RealClearPolitics, September 17, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  11. ^ "HorseRaceBlog", RealClearPolitics, May 30, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  12. ^ "THE 2006 CAMPAIGN; Election Night Viewing Includes Web's Bells and Whistles", The New York Times, November 7, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-07-17. 
  13. ^ "THE 2006 CAMPAIGN; Election Night Viewing Includes Web's Bells and Whistles", The New York Times, November 7, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-07-17. 
  14. ^ "On leaving Los Angeles", The Economist, November 3rd 2006. Retrieved on 2007-07-17. 
  15. ^ "Best blogs of 2004", Investor's Business Daily, 12/15/2004. Retrieved on 2007-07-17. 
  16. ^ "Don't count out McCain just yet", The Chicago Sun-Times, May 18, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-07-17. 
  17. ^ "Election Handicappers Are Using Risky Tool: Mixed Poll Averages", The Wall Street Journal, February 15, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  18. ^ "On Web, Political Junkies Make a Real Clear Choice", New York Sun, March 10, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 

[edit] External links

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