I was just the victim of an ACT party political survey. I may have said "Yes" up front, so I have no legal defence. It started off reasonably well. I had a polite gentleman declare the survey was sponsored by ACT, and would I answer a few questions?
Sure, I said, somewhat curious as to why my opinion was needed this close to the actual election. Not thinking of adjusting the tax policy down by a radical 1%? Not about to declare pro-life and defend the rights of the defenseless? Not about to sell me a time-share unit in Epsom?
Nothing so melodramatic. It consisted of 4 or 5 questions that were so loaded, I expected to hear a Magnum 44 blast my eardrums. I was evidently meant to agree that both National and Labour were incompetent, but National might just be the lesser of the two evils and would benefit by a strong coalition partner, so the correct answer to all questions was "Party Vote ACT".
I voted ACT last election, and I have no idea who I am voting for this election. National is tempting, but it would be a first. Surely, the first time should mean something special? Mind you, the amount of Labour pains I've had recently, I'm thinking I must have got drunk and lost control of my senses at some point in the past.
Besides, I thought I would save my really serious thinking and analysis for the stroll to the polling booth. It might wipe away the mediocrity I witnessed in last night's final leader's debate. Competent mediocrity in the case of Key, and desperate mediocrity in the case of Clark, but nothing inspiring really from either of them.
This call though was very off putting in terms of luring me back to ACT. Firstly, the young gentleman was nearly incomprehensible. I suspect English was his third language, and unfortunately, I think that would turn off many potential converts.
I was reasonably patient, and figured out the questions on the third or fourth attempt, and then my answers were never the YES that the script required. That only complicated issues, so he ignored my response and studiously pressed on to the next question. Culminating in "Party Vote ACT" at the end.
I imagine that at this stage punters would realise it never was a survey, just an attempt to influence a vote. I think though, the influence could be negative with most people they phone.
In fact, the more I think about it, the more it sounds like another Labour ploy. The cunning sods.
Sure, I said, somewhat curious as to why my opinion was needed this close to the actual election. Not thinking of adjusting the tax policy down by a radical 1%? Not about to declare pro-life and defend the rights of the defenseless? Not about to sell me a time-share unit in Epsom?
Nothing so melodramatic. It consisted of 4 or 5 questions that were so loaded, I expected to hear a Magnum 44 blast my eardrums. I was evidently meant to agree that both National and Labour were incompetent, but National might just be the lesser of the two evils and would benefit by a strong coalition partner, so the correct answer to all questions was "Party Vote ACT".
I voted ACT last election, and I have no idea who I am voting for this election. National is tempting, but it would be a first. Surely, the first time should mean something special? Mind you, the amount of Labour pains I've had recently, I'm thinking I must have got drunk and lost control of my senses at some point in the past.
Besides, I thought I would save my really serious thinking and analysis for the stroll to the polling booth. It might wipe away the mediocrity I witnessed in last night's final leader's debate. Competent mediocrity in the case of Key, and desperate mediocrity in the case of Clark, but nothing inspiring really from either of them.
This call though was very off putting in terms of luring me back to ACT. Firstly, the young gentleman was nearly incomprehensible. I suspect English was his third language, and unfortunately, I think that would turn off many potential converts.
I was reasonably patient, and figured out the questions on the third or fourth attempt, and then my answers were never the YES that the script required. That only complicated issues, so he ignored my response and studiously pressed on to the next question. Culminating in "Party Vote ACT" at the end.
I imagine that at this stage punters would realise it never was a survey, just an attempt to influence a vote. I think though, the influence could be negative with most people they phone.
In fact, the more I think about it, the more it sounds like another Labour ploy. The cunning sods.