In an 11 July 2001 article titled, "Search for Truth: Condit, Police Haggle Over Polygraph," ACBNEWS.com uncritically reported the comments of polygraphers Paul K. Minor and Ed Gelb:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/condit_lietest010711.html 

Regarding the Washington, DC police request that Rep. Gary Condit submit to a polygraph, ABCNEWS.com quotes Ed Gelb as saying:

"If he knows nothing about it, he won't have any trouble [passing a polygraph] no matter what you ask," Gelb said."

Gelb cannot know this. By his own admission in the article, polygraphy is no more than 89% accurate. But even that level of accuracy is entirely unsupported by peer reviewed scientific research. Moreover, polygraphy has an inherent bias against the truthful, as many who frequent this message board have learned by personal experience.

Former FBI polygrapher Paul K. Minor also makes an untrue statement in the "Polygraph FAQ" at the end of the article. He says, "It's easier to beat [the polygraph] if you're real stupid. It's difficult for intelligent people because they can't control their thoughts. Generally, the more you try, the harder it gets to beat the test."

This is utter nonsense. The key to beating a polygraph test is to 1) recognize the difference between the relevant and the control questions (being stupid doesn't help) and 2) to subtly augment one's physiological responses when answering the control questions. This is described in detail in The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.

ABC News made the mistake of only speaking to people who rely on polygraphy for a living. You can help set them straight on polygraphy by sending a note (you might point them to AntiPolygraph.org) via their web-based feedback form at:

http://abcnews.go.com/service/help/abccontact.html 

George,

This again is a fine example of hyperbole of a "high profile" story.  The Condit case has these "newhounds" examining only the side of the story they want to cover, not the complete issue. I was excited to hear just yesterday that Rep. Condit's lawyer was refusing to allow a polygraph test.  Today, I started getting nervous as they may actually SUBMIT to a polygraph and were having discussions over what questions were going to be asked.

Gino is correct when he stated that a polygraph is an interrogation "prop" that allows the police to "manufacture" a case against someone. You will read that Rep. Condit's polygraph "revealed" that he is not telling the truth about issues associated with Chandra Levy's disapperance etc. because that is the DESIRED outcome. Never mind that these revelations are useless in any court, however as a media tool and attention getter, LOCK, STOCK, and BARREL message delivered. 

Everyone who associates or reads on this site, PLEASE GET YOUR E-MAILS to abc.com and to CNN.com and we can deliver the message of The Lie Behind The Lie Detector

Knowledge is power..... Educate yourself

Fred F.