2020 hopeful Julián Castro criticized CNN for misrepresenting polling numbers by using one of their own Iowa polls that was six weeks old instead of one of the more recent polls available.
Castro blamed CNN’s decision to use a poll released on November 13 on on corporate interests.
“If CNN actually aired this poll today, it’s unacceptable to use a poll from six weeks ago simply because they paid for it. Publish a timely poll instead. Journalistic integrity shouldn’t be sacrificed for corporate interests,” Castro tweeted.
If @CNN actually aired this poll today, it’s unacceptable to use a poll from six weeks ago simply because they paid for it. Publish a timely poll instead.
Journalistic integrity shouldn’t be sacrificed for corporate interests. https://t.co/6Fj7kEE08m
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) December 23, 2019
The outdated CNN/Des Moines Register poll shows the top five candidates at the following percentages:
- Pete Buttigieg (25%)
- Elizabeth Warren (16%)
- Joe Biden (15%)
- Bernie Sanders (15%)
- Amy Klobuchar (6%)
However, recent polls show Sanders in second place, up five points from the CNN poll that was aired. According to RealClear Politics aggregate of polls, the top five candidates are polling at the following percentages:
- Buttigieg (22%)
- Bernie Sanders (20%)
- Joe Biden (18.8%)
- Elizabeth Warren (16%)
- Amy Klobuchar (6.3%)
This difference in polling is significant for Sanders and Biden. In early November, Biden and Sanders were polling below Warren. Now, the two are polling above Warren and closed a large gap between themselves and Buttigieg.
Neither of these polls change the stance of candidate Castro, however, it appears Castro falls in line with the progressive wing of the Democratic party. Castro appears to be standing up for his progressive allies.
