What underlying strategy do push polls employ in political campaigns?

Push polls are a unique tool employed in political campaigns that primarily aim to sway public opinion rather than simply measure it. By posing questions in a biased manner, push polls are designed to lead respondents toward a particular viewpoint or to reinforce negative perceptions about an opponent. This form of polling often conveys misleading or inflammatory information disguised as a survey, which can influence voters' attitudes and decisions indirectly.

The strategy behind push polls is not to gather accurate data but to manipulate perceptions by planting ideas or misconceptions in the public's mind. For instance, a question might present misleading information about a candidate's record, thereby shaping voter attitudes based on false premises. This can effectively diminish the support for a candidate under attack without the campaign having to state these points outright in their advertising.

In contrast, the other approaches listed do not capture the essence of push polls. Educating voters, inciting them to vote, or fostering bipartisan dialogue all suggest a more constructive or authentic engagement with voters, which is fundamentally opposed to the deceptive and manipulative nature of push polling tactics. Thus, the underlying strategy of push polls accurately rests on spreading misinformation strategically to influence voter behavior.