This week on Race to the White House, Brendon O’Connor, Tom Switzer and Emma Lancaster are joined by Simon Jackman to track the history of public opinion polls and how they have come to shape the American political landscape.

Polls have been labelled the “pulse of democracy”. But is measuring public opinion good for democracy or destroying it?

Our experts also strategise about what red and blue states should be keeping the Clinton campaign up late at night.

And finally, they preview the third and final presidential debate, set to be held in Nevada, Las Vegas.

Race to the White House podcast is a collaboration between the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, 2ser 107.3 and The Conversation.

Emma Lancaster is a multi-platform journalist, and is the producer of The Wire on 2ser 107.3. If you have questions about the podcast or have any suggestions about what we should discuss, contact Emma Lancaster on Emma@2ser.com

2ser 107.3 is a community radio station jointly owned by Macquarie University and the University of Technology, Sydney.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.