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Comment by rayiner | Hacker News Reader

There is a tradition of journalists being registered independents. But do you think their world view is liberal or conservative? According to consistent Harvard Harris polling, 55% of Americans agree all illegal immigrants should be deported, not just ones who commit additional crimes. Do you think those independent journalists agree with democrats on that or with republicans?

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I’d say their personal views don’t really matter, because professional journalism isn’t about agreeing with a political party or about personal opinions.

I think a journalist’s personal political beliefs are as important to their job as a car mechanic’s: very little.

It’s akin to complaining that your family doctor voted for Nixon, like that has anything to do with their medical qualifications.

From the latest month of that poll

Overall: 56% Republicans: 77% Independents: 53% Democrats: 37%

Which only polls registered voters not all Americans. So that 55% number isn't exactly as representative as one might believe.

https://cis.org/Arthur/Latest-HarvardHarris-Poll-Shows-Incre...

How is that not “representative?” The 56% number is literally 56% of the polled population, with republicans being higher, democrats being lower, and independents being right on the number. And Harvard-Harris is a top polling outfit.

Do you think 53% of journalists who label themselves independent agree with the 53% of independents in this poll?

Just pointing out there are skews depending on one's general leaning as well as it excludes about 30% of Americans who aren't registered to vote.

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