Hosted by Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat, and Carlos Lozada

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In recent weeks, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have found themselves in a tight race, with polls showing a close contest. However, history has taught us that polls can often be misleading. Can we truly place our faith in them this time around? This week on “Matter of Opinion,” our hosts engage with Kristen Soltis Anderson, a prominent Republican pollster and contributor to the Times Opinion section, to dissect what polls can — and cannot — reveal about the upcoming voting day.

Additionally, the episode offers a delightful preview of the upcoming All Hallow’s Eve festivities.

(A comprehensive transcript of this audio essay will be made available within 24 hours of its publication in the audio player above.)

Credit… Photo Illustration by The New York Times. Original Photo Source: Illustration by Tam Stockton for The New York Times; Source photographs from The New York Times

Recommended in this episode:

• “The Selfie Vote” by Kristen Soltis Anderson
• “Millennials View the GOP as Outdated and Prejudiced. Here’s How to Transform That Perception.” by Carlos Lozada in The Washington Post
• “These 9 Women Were Once Loyal to Trump. This is What Has Shifted.” by Patrick Healy, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Adrian J. Rivera

Thoughts? We would love to hear from you! Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com.

Follow our hosts on X: Michelle Cottle (@mcottle), Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT), and Carlos Lozada (@CarlosNYT).

“Matter of Opinion” is brought to life by producers Sophia Alvarez Boyd, Phoebe Lett, and Andrea Betanzos. The editing team includes Jordana Hochman, while mixing is handled by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Engineering is also in the capable hands of Pat McCusker. Our original music is composed by Carole Sabouraud, Isaac Jones, and Efim Shapiro. The diligent fact-checking team consists of Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker, and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy is managed by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The show’s executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

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