Polls being manipulated to help Kerry?

Hugh Hewitt mentioned in his weekend symposium wrap-up that there is a theory being tossed around that pollsters have been manipulating their data to try to give the impression of a Kerry surge. Here is the original analysis from Steven den Beste. This brought to mind a book I recently read by Clay Jacobsen (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers) entitled "Circle of Seven". In it, the protagonist, an investigative reporter, discovers a group of media elite who are using polls to manipulate public opinion as well as policy decisions. It's a fascinating look at how polls are conducted. If you weren't skeptical about opinion polls before you certainly will be after reading this book.