“Can someone explain why internal polling might be more accurate, and why the “external” polling orgs don’t use those same methodologies (aside from the bias of news organizations)?”
That’s simple to answer. Most polls done for public consumption are done by the Marxist/Obammunist Media, and their purpose isn’t to accurately reflect the truth (just like everything else they do), but instead is to try to influence weak-minded and ill-informed voters that everyone else is voting for Obama so there must be something wrong with them if they aren’t doing what the rest of the herd is doing.
“but instead is to try to influence weak-minded and ill-informed voters that everyone else is voting for Obama”
I think it’s more to keep people glued to the news be it print, TV, radio, etc. Who the hell would care if polls showed Obama 55-45 or Romney 60-40 ... they’ll keep it close up until 3 days or so before the election ... that’s when you’ll see the more accurate numbers.
The politicians have internal polls since they need to operate based on truth. Also, you don’t want to broadcast your “intelligence” to you opponent as that’ll help them determine if their “intelligence” is accurate.
Bottom line, as many here on FR say, fight like you’re 20 points behind and use the polls for entertainment purposes only.