Yet when growth is close to flat, the difference between, say, estimated growth of 0.1% (no recession on the popular convention) and -0.1% (one quarter contributing to a recession on the same convention) is actually within the known statistical margin of error.

BBC: UK economy: GDP figures explained by ONS

The poll showed Giuliani receiving 47 percent of votes in the hypothetical general-election matchup with Clinton, who scored 46 points -- a statistical dead heat given the poll's 2.5 percent margin of error.

CNN: Poll suggests Nevada could become a swing state in 2008