| |
|
In one of the most flagrant cases of major media incompetence in recent history, all the major U.S. networks have called a Schwarzenegger win based on exit polling. The spectacle just became too much for them, I guess.
Everyone should be familiar with the total failure of exit polling techniques in Florida back in 2000, when the networks twice called the Florida vote based on faulty exit polling information.
Beyond the very real problems with exit polling and its interpretation as a technique, there is a serious margin of error that doesn't seem to be under consideration here. There are an estimated 2 million absentee ballots, many of which may not be counted for days. With an estimated 21 million eligible voters in the state, and turnout projected at 70%, that means that the absentee ballots would make up about 14% of the total votes cast.
Schwarzenegger may still win this vote. But the fact that the media called it as soon as polls closed is ridiculous.
Regardless, he'll be out in a few months even if he does win, either because he is forced to resign over his lifetime of sexual misconduct, or because he himself will be the subject of a recall drive. California!
Thank goodness I don't live there. |
|
|
