Gallup’s Presidential Approval Misstep

For the first time since 1938, Gallup will no longer be asking its presidential approval question. Gallup’s rationale for dropping this question and its questions on political favorability after almost nine decades? The company said on Wednesday that the decision reflects its shift toward research on “issues and conditions that shape people’s lives.” But as a long-time polling watcher, I find Gallup’s decision disappointing for several reasons.

Let’s begin with Gallup’s perspective. In confirming the change, Gallup notes that there is no shortage of approval or favorability questions today from other pollsters. That’s true: In the past month, pollsters have asked more than a dozen presidential approval questions. And yes, Gallup has also changed its business model, and these questions don’t fit easily in their work on workplace culture and organization. While the Gallup website still includes the more familiar Gallup news releases on topics such as crime and abortion, they are no longer prominently featured on the site, having been eclipsed by the work Gallup is doing for its custom clients.

About the Author

Karlyn Bowman

Karlyn Bowman is a Distinguished Senior Fellow Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute.

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For the first time since 1938, Gallup will no longer be asking its presidential approval question. Gallup’s rationale for dropping this question and its questions on political favorability after almost nine decades? The company said on Wednesday that the decision reflects its shift toward research on “issues and conditions that shape people’s lives.” But as a long-time polling watcher, I find Gallup’s decision disappointing for several reasons.

Let’s begin with Gallup’s perspective. In confirming the change, Gallup notes that there is no shortage of approval or favorability questions today from other pollsters. That’s true: In the past month, pollsters have asked more than a dozen presidential approval questions. And yes, Gallup has also changed its business model, and these questions don’t fit easily in their work on workplace culture and organization. While the Gallup website still includes the more familiar Gallup news releases on topics such as crime and abortion, they are no longer prominently featured on the site, having been eclipsed by the work Gallup is doing for its custom clients.