Yes, the news media is too dependent on polls (just as they are too dependent on reporting drama rather than true facts). However, it is not "bad" for news agencies to do research by polling Americans. I look at it like this: just as lie detectors are not foundational evidence of guilt in the courtroom, the test still gives police a person of interest or not. It is just the same with polling and the media. Polls simply give the media something to go off of--not facts.
Party ID is not important to me. A major part of my family is hard-core Democrat--as in they do not care what a Democrat stands for; they are just Democrat. I do not identify that way. I do not have a party. I simply look at which candidate meets my standards--could be any party.
My opinion in politics is more focused on social issues than on economical issues. I believe that our economical issues stem from our social issues. For example, I believe that ethical relativism on issues such as lying provide our politicians and businesses to excel in our economy.
