I give CNN credit. It must be difficult to navigate the minefield of daily news to find a Quick Poll topic so pointless with answers so unrevealing that it qualifies for their homepage.
My observation is that they have three strategies:
Strategy One - Be Obtuse
Major issues on the table? Country wrestling with serious policy discussions with repercussions for millions and or decades? Solution: Is Johnny Depp the sexiest man alive? Phew, good save.
Strategy Two - The Glancing Blow
A major breaking news story is touching on a larger issue. People have strong opinions. There is a potential for a poll to reveal a preference that does not agree with the narrative of the day. Solution: Do you like the way health care is spelled? Nice!
Strategy Three - None of the Above
They are backed into a corner. The issue of the day is framed in such as a way as to demand a poll. What do you do? Solution: Should President Obama send more troops to Afghanistan? Options: Olive, Raffle Ticket, Splunge. Another close call averted.
So, in a salute to the masters of nothingness at CNN, I offer the following poll: