why have polls?

[vanilla]

So why have them? If someone is far ahead, wouldn't all just say, Oh well, no matter voting, its decided already?
I see no need for them.

[David B]

Because it gives the media something to talk about.

Is there a "need" for them? No. But there isn't a "need" for the comics pages, either. Or the Sports section. But be careful. If we continue in that vein, somebody might suggest there isn't a "need" for Q&A columns in newspapers!

[vanilla]

or a need for moderators...

[Double-P]

1) Polls give campaign strategists, politicians, and such an idea of public sentiment. Supposedly Clinton used polls to his advantage.

2) Polls, I believe, reinforce what people already want to hear. "72% of Americans prefer gold over silver? Hey, I like gold too!" Most people want to be in the majority -- otherwise you wouldn't be hearing the ludicrous "If I vote for Nader, am I throwing my vote away?" debate.

3) Do you really want to see excurciatingly boring and pre-packaged campaign speeches on television every night? Probably not. The polls fill air time, give pundits something to talk about, and allow for pretty graphics on the TV screen.