Pew Credibility Problem

OK, maybe my mainstream brain washing is evident when I admit that I assumed the Pew Research Center did respectable work. I recently came across the Pew Global Attitudes Project when researching the US favourability rating.

They had a survey that seemed reasonable to me. But before citing the work, holding to journalistic principles, I checked the source a bit more closely. The note I wrote to Pew, below, tells the rest:

I was about to cite one of your studies in an essay, but as I read the titles of your studies, I got a funny feeling. I sensed an establishment bias.

So I looked more closely and came to realize that Madeline Albright is involved. You should be aware that her lack of credibility is undermining the Pew's work.

Although anecdotal, her involvement with the Carlyle Group and her statement that the death of tens of thousands of Iraqi children due to the economic sanctions was justified undermine her legitimacy as an unbiased voice.

Carlyle Example

So, if Pew thinks having Albright's name associated with its surveys lends credibility, you might reconsider that perspective.