Poll Question Language Means Everything

Remember that ABC poll in which the majority of Americans supported the Schiavo judge's decision based on the following poll question?

As you may know, a woman in Florida named Terri Schiavo suffered brain damage and has been on life support for 15 years. Doctors say she has no consciousness and her condition is irreversible. Her parents and her husband disagree on whether or not she should be kept on life support. In cases like this who do you think should have final say, (the parents) or (the spouse)?

Despite the fact that Terri had never been on "life support," the question gives the impression that there was more keeping her alive than just a feeding tube. It's not hard to understand why the majority of Americans gave an answer that favored the husband's desire for her to die despite her parents' wishes.

As an example of how important it is to word questions fairly, another Zogby question presented Terri's situation more accurately:

If a disabled person is not terminally ill, not in a coma, and not being kept alive on life support, and they have no written directive, should or should they not be denied food and water?

The results showed that 79% say they should not be denied food and water, while only 9% say they should. Hmm...I don't think we will hear much about this Zogby poll question from the media.