What you may not have seen, though, is that Professor Robertson also left a couple of comments on an older thread while he was here. Curiously, he was angry with me for my blogpost about the Survation poll showing the SNP lead extending their lead over Labour from two to five points. Even though my post was largely positive for the SNP, he was furious that I had added a caveat that Survation had recently been more favourable for the SNP than some other pollsters and there was thus no guarantee that another firm polling at the same time would have shown the SNP ahead. It seems that "largely positive for the SNP" is not enough to meet the Prof's exacting requirements - he expects nothing less than unadulterated propaganda from us all.
Every single pollster has had the SNP ahead for as long as anyone can remember!, the Prof harrumphed. Well, at least since November!, he hurriedly added. I pointed out to him that, in fact, polls from Redfield & Wilton and Norstat have shown the SNP behind Labour since then. A few hours later he came back to absurdly bellow that ALL Redfield & Wilton polls have shown the SNP ahead! ALL of them! He's moving into Comical Ali territory at this stage. For the avoidance of doubt, the result of the most recent Redfield & Wilton poll, conducted 3rd-4th February, was Labour 34%, SNP 33%, Conservatives 18%, Liberal Democrats 8%. The Norstat poll conducted in late January showed: Labour 36%, SNP 33%, Conservatives 16%, Liberal Democrats 7%.
Nobody can stop Professor Robertson from making claims that are flatly untrue. But it's important that people understand the nature of his propaganda - he's going beyond putting the most positive spin on facts, and has started inventing facts of his own. That's a dangerous, and dare I say Trumpian, game.
* * *
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Assuming you can edit people's comments, instead of just deleting them, I'd simply add a Public Polling Health Warning line to the bottom of the Prof's posts—with a link to this page—whenever he drops a doozy.
ReplyDeleteI find it very strange that he does this, and annoying! It's annoying since he publishes lots of other useful and correct information, which I'm now reluctant to engage with or retweet.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Wingsy and Robin McAlpine have both written posts about Angus Robertson ditching the commitment to sign the treaty banning nuclear weapons. McAlpine brilliantly makes the point that those who think we should use nukes as a lever for financial gain (by which he means Wingsy) might as well argue for doing the same with a sexual exploitation camp in Rothesay. Whereas Wingsy's piece doubles down on the absurdity of using Armageddon as a money-making wheeze.
ReplyDeleteWhat's interesting about this is that McAlpine and Wingsy were jointly responsible for the content of the Wee Alba Book. McAlpine was author and Wingsy was "editor" (which he probably interpreted in the Gordon Lish sense as "co-author with veto rights"). I must read it and see who won out on the nukes section, because their views are irreconcilable.
As always, Shug is doing exactly what his paymasters tell him. Good boy.
DeleteNothing exciting enough to set the heather burning, or energise the seps. But just enough make it over the low, low bar of tossing out the odd "independence white paper." Seem to be on their side, good chap. But with ever less energy. Wonderful stuff!
A very belligerent anonymous commenter is making it impossible for me to leave his/her comments up. But as for the suggestion that Angus Robertson was asked a loaded question and then misreported: nope. I've read what he said with great care, and it's quite clear he was going out of his way to avoid reaffirming the party policy of ratifying the nuclear ban treaty.
ReplyDeleteWe all know what Robertson is - well a lot of us do.
ReplyDeleteThat *and* the next in line to lead the SNP ever further into helpless British Devolutionism, if Nicola's faction get her way. He's the safest pair of hands there is, for our friends in the shadows.
DeleteFor clarity, I was, as anon at 12.53pm rightly assumed referring to the Angus variation of jam/marmalade not the other one the subject of this article.
DeleteWhat do Angus Robertson and Daniel Defoe have in common?
DeleteDesert islands?
DeleteAnon at 3.54pm - no.
DeleteSpies for the union
DeleteStumac - possibly but they were both born in England and both were subsequently thought of as Scottish.
DeleteEva Comrie has announced she is standing as an independent at the GE. Nice statement by Comrie. I guess she has now told us one reason she resigned from Alba. I also guess she disagrees with James about Alba not standing more candidates at the GE.
ReplyDeleteDoubtless she does, but it's possible to totally disagree with someone about some things and agree with them about others. Having been on the NEC with her for a year, I know how big a loss she is for Alba.
DeleteI noted she never mentioned Alba or the SNP in her statement. I wish her well in the election although I stand by my view that I don't want to be represented in that House of Horrors called Westminster so will vote ISP.
DeleteI would still vote Alba on the regional list for Holyrood but not the SNP in the constituency even if that means the Gaza genocide supporting Jackson Carlaw is re- elected.
Not that fussed about genocide, then? Noted.
DeleteAre you assuming IFS will stand in every constituency? To do that, they'd have to put up £28,500 in deposits, and they almost certainly wouldn't see any of it back. That's just for starters, because they'd need lots more money to campaign. Are they really that flush?
DeleteI'd be very pleasantly surprised if Alba stood in Edinburgh.
DeleteIf the ISP did, I'd be astonished.
No I am not assuming ISP will stand in every constituency. I am assuming, as I have previously posted, that the leader of the party will stand in my constituency.
DeleteAnon at 1.39pm - are you that prick of a Britnat troll. How many posts have you on SGP condemning the actions of Israel in Gaza? Go on let us know. I'll match my number against yours any day.
It's not beyond possible Eva Comrie may feel she has more of a chance as an Independent candidate from the constituency than with the support (or baggage) of being part of the Alba party.
DeleteI'd hope Alba party would be a strength but I could see how a truly well kent face in a constituency on an independent platform may actually be more of a winner.
I jus cannot stand people who lie about Scottish independence. That is both Britnats and independence supporters like Scottish Skier, Prof Robertson and Dr Jim. They seem to think that because the Britnats do it it is fine for them to do it. Well no it is not fine. It just undermines the independence case and helps the Britnats.
ReplyDeletePolitics really does attract them though, doesn't it? Put out a trough and your troughers will find themselves.
DeleteAn example of the lying SNP propagandist Irish Skier lying.
DeleteSkier refers to the new SNP logos for the election ballot papers which say on them SNP for independence and comes to this conclusion: - " Every election would be a de facto Indyref with this on the ballot. No arguments what you are voting for here. Hope Greens and Alba take the SNP's lead here."
That's right Skier is claiming the election is de facto a de facto refendum because he says so.
If you want a de facto referendum you put a statement to that effect in your manifesto not a pointless logo. Just another lie by Skier to try and convince the hard of thinking they are voting to become independent. The true reason he is punting this lie is to increase the SNP vote - that's it.
He actually says:- " No arguments what you are voting for here." Irish joker Skier.
Dead right, it's better to quit the toxic Alba gang and run as an independent then join back up to the Alba gang again
DeleteIs there anybody actually honestly elected in that party
Bunch of crooks trying to take the public for mugs but you've been sussed
They should be like Alba and steal the public's votes then pretend they got elected
DeleteYou're toxic bud
Let me guess: wheesht for Indy, eat our cereal, stop asking questions and vote SNP?
ReplyDeleteAnd again in another five years.
And again.
Another five on from that and Pete’s pension’s looking very healthy indeed.
Then they activated their assets in the SNP.
ReplyDeleteI liked it better when we were united, too. But who changed?
ReplyDeleteWas it the lot of us at all the AUOB marches? The lot of us ardent Yessers who've been ready for indyref2 for years?
Or was it the "Please, Not Nationalists" party?
Enjoy the articles but the list of anonymous spouting predominantly Britnat nonsense makes this blog btl akin to sites infested with click bait
ReplyDeleteI delete most of the comments from our resident unionist troll (although I can't always be bothered deleting him when he just says "IFS, what nonsense", which is one of his favourite lines), so in fact the vast majority of comments are not from Brit Nats.
DeleteProfessor John Robertson, who used to work at the University of the West of Scotland, has done a lot of important work on how the media talks about news, especially when it comes to Scotland. He's really good at picking apart stories to show when they're not being fair or complete, and he shares these findings on his blog, "Talking-Up Scotland." He's very passionate about making sure people get the full story, which has earned him a lot of respect. Beyond just being smart, he cares a lot about making sure everyone is well-informed and fair. His work has helped a lot of people understand the news better.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's one side of the story. Now perhaps you'll address the other side of the story. Why is he so hellbent on making people *less* well-informed by posting flat untruths about opinion poll results? And why is he making such a determined effort to sabotage the annual fundraiser of a pro-independence blog? I'd be grateful if you'd actually address those points, rather than just popping by with a hagiography.
DeleteCertainly. It's only fair to mention that some people think he's too focused on finding faults and that he might only see things from one side. They argue that his work might end up making people more distrustful of the media instead of helping them understand the issues better. His strong opinions and the way he sticks to his views might not always leave room for different perspectives or a more balanced discussion.
DeletePlease tell me I haven't been conversing with Chat GPT...
DeleteJames, you have been talking to a robot.
DeleteCan't wait for the election so you can vote Tory again Cubby ma boy?
DeleteIf you think the SNP's Standing up for Scotland approach to the election is crap then consider the Lib Dems whose USP is vote for us to make us the third largest party instead of the SNP. That will probably get some more votes in England. The colonising nation never likes the colonised people to get too uppity.
ReplyDeleteWon't make any difference to you though Cubby, you're a wee Tory boy
DeleteAn anonymous troll from that site which is home for a bunch of doggers. Do you never get fed up eating the carrots. When was it you said Sturgeon would deliver independence - 2018. What a gullible numpty.
DeleteThe SNP members are so pathetically weak they let Sturgeon' s gang humiliate them on a weekly basis. Yet we are expected to believe this lot will deliver independence.
ReplyDeleteThe SNP are making it clear they’re the party of independence. The time has come to get behind them, at the very least limiting damage at the GE, then surely a new leader and fresh start after the election. Make independence the main issue.
DeleteLet’s face it, it’s very difficult to see independence happening without a strong SNP.
Anon at 8.58am - is that right. Where is Indyref2 then. Where is the promised de facto referendum? In fact where is the missing £600k. It's very difficult to believe anything the SNP say after 10 years of lies and broken promises. No stop correction - it's nearly impossible to believe anything they say.
DeleteSo you’ve given up on the SNP!
DeleteWhat are you hoping for going forward then? Are you expecting Alba to replace them as the main pro Indy party?
Anon at 11.25am - All they do is stand up and moan about the bad Britnats and get ignored by the bad Britnats. Just like today. Well I was hoping that after the 2021 Holyrood election when Sturgeon got a majority and did nothing about a referendum that the members would kick Sturgeon's gang in to touch. But no they still love her like the numpties they are. Perhaps the polis will sort them out.
DeleteYou didn’t answer my question!
DeleteAnon at 4.23pm - what exactly have I not answered? Be specific I'm not a mind reader.
DeleteIFS, read my question at 11:25 AM ! It’s a simple enough question !
DeleteAll you ever seem to do is rant about Sturgeon’s gang !
Anon at 9.03pm - and what do you ever do. I wouldn't know because you hide in amongst the anonymites. Now I answered your question if you don't like it tough. If you think I didn't answer it then it's on you to be specific. So do that or stop bothering me and pissof.
DeleteIFS, nope you still haven’t answered my question.
DeleteI think you have a problem.
Nope you have a problem and your problem is that you are a Britnat House Jock.
DeleteThe articles there aren't grounded in any understanding of reality. For instance:
ReplyDelete"So, the average sailing takes around 120 passengers.
So, a safety cut from 1 000 to 700 is a problem?"
Yes, yes it is, if it's not just the winter months islanders need to travel. For instance, to a hospital outpatients appointment in Glasgow in July. And try to get back home some day soon after.
The site is actually worse than the Herald for ignorance and lack of impartial factual research. But the problem isn't just the site itself - it's that some people quote it as though it's some sort of authoritative source. Like the Spectator and the Daily Mail.
It's a big good morning to all Scot Goes Poppers in 3 2 1...
ReplyDeleteGOOD MORNING SCOT GOES POPPERS
Just a gentle reminder to people that although pre-moderation for comments is switched off, this is not a total free-for-all and I do have a moderation policy which I clearly set out a few weeks ago. I reserve the right to delete comments for any reason I see fit and without explanation. However the following categories of comment are particularly likely to be deleted -
ReplyDelete1) Comments which try to shut me down by stating or implying that the blogpost should never have been written.
2) Comments that query or criticise moderation decisions.
3) Follow-up comments after deletion asking "why has my perfectly reasonable comment attacking your moderation decisions been deleted???"
4) Follow-ups to the follow-ups saying: "how f***ing DARE you delete my perfectly reasonable comment asking why my perfectly reasonable comment attacking your moderation decisions has been deleted???"
And so on into infinity.
Yesindyref2 posting how much he admires Angus Robertson on that site which is the land of the duggers and the home of the numpties. Does he really not know who Robertson is?
ReplyDeleteLying again are you? Dishonesty is your middle name.
DeleteYesindyref2 - I read all your posts on the subject - not just your little excerpt. So no I am not lying. Neat bit of deflection though. So do you not really know who Robertson is? Now if you haven't run away and begged Kavanagh to delete your posts I may well post on SGP the relevant bits if I can be bothered. Anybody like Robertson who wants WMD will get your admiration because that is your history - a lover of weapons of war.
DeleteYou might not want Independence; you are more interested in Sturgeon, Salmond, Robertson, Russell, and your own sense of egotistic imagined grievances.
DeleteAll I care about is Independence, and fighting to my best the disinformation and divisiveness of the Unionist media, who use witless lackeys like yourself to further their anti-Scotland agendas and regurgitate their attacks on genuine Indy supporters.
You were rumbled long long ago.
Your natural home is with the Sturgeon loving numpties on WGD. You sneak on here as an anonymous trolling.
Delete10 years of nothing on independence thats what you and your numpty pals on WGD have delivered by your slavish loyalty to Sturgeon's gang. So Robertson is a genuine independence supporter is he. You are as clueless as that Britnat troll. The only rumbling is your stomach from all the carrots you have digested over all these years.
Keep taking the beetle juice.
DeleteOf course we're against nuclear weapons in principle but we can all agree that every country in the world which doesn't have them has been invaded by Russia.
ReplyDeleteWhat I actually said by the way was this:
ReplyDelete"Hence why Robertson is a huge target for the Unionist press, and UK establishment."
Looks like Independence for Scotland has a guilty secret. Or didn't have the wit to understand the context (attack on the SNP defence policies as a way of attacking independence). Or both!
Keep taking the beetle juice.
ReplyDeleteThe ferry situation in Scotland is an absolute disgrace. A scandal wholly of the making of the SNP SG. It has become an embarrassment to this country.
ReplyDeleteHow people like you can somehow try to defend the debacle is beyond belief.
Terrence Callachan: You've pretty much had a free platform on this blog for weeks - until now I'd only deleted one of your comments out of dozens. But if you're going to abuse it in the way you attempted last night, you'll have to find somewhere else.
ReplyDelete