Looks like we lie all the time, often to ourselves

Here's an example:

A new poll from Public Policy Polling found that an impressive 39 percent of Americans have an opinion about the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction plan. 

Before you start celebrating the new, sweeping reach of the 2010 commission’s work, consider this: Twenty-five percent of Americans also took a stance on the Panetta-Burns plan.

What’s that? You’re not familiar with Panetta-Burns? That’s probably because its “a mythical Clinton Chief of Staff/former western Republican Senator combo” that PPP dreamed up to test how many Americans would profess to have an opinion about a policy that did not exist. They found one in four voters to do just that. ...Sarah Kliff, WaPo

But we know that.  Lying to others is "real lying."  Lying to ourselves is "forgivable."  Which makes that 25% also expressing an opinion on "Panetta-Burns" semi-forgivable. Or is it? 

One wit, in the comment section, asks, "Isn't Boehner's 'plan' is nearly as imaginary as Panetta-Burns? Maybe it inspired him..."