Problematic Polls, Race on the Job, Neighbors to the North

Coming up on today’s show:

• We begin with a look at the questionable methodology of election polling, which often excludes certain populations, and how the results misinform the public. Michael Ramlet, co-founder and CEO of Morning Consult, a news organization and public opinion polling firm, explains.

• What role does the media play in amplifying polls? Do polls affect voting behavior and political opinions? Michael Traugott, a professor at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan, answers.

• This week, The Takeaway has been exploring gentrification in America. Today we head to Oakland, which is now the nation’s fifth most expensive rental market. Devin Katayama, a KQED reporter covering the East Bay, weighs in.

• The Takeaway explores race and culture in the workplace with Joshua Johnson, the host of Truth Be Told, a new public radio program from KQED and PRI. Truth Be Told examines everyday social interactions in America through the lens of race, culture, and ethnicity. 

• In his new piece, “Return to Yemen,” VICE’s Ben Anderson embeds with the Houthi rebels as they struggle to gain ground amid the nation’s civil war and Saudi Arabia’s growing presence. He explains his findings today on The Takeaway.

• Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will make his first state visit to the U.S. this week. It’s the first state visit by a Canadian PM in more than 20 years. We take a closer look at our relationship with our neighbors to the north with Diane Francis, author of “Merger of the Century: Why Canada and America Should Become One Country.”