The reasoning for not calling the race has gone beyond math

[coti]

and veered into the realm of self-sustaining rationalization. It is more comfortable for the media not to take a stand, and it's not as important for them that they provide the factual clarity our country needs for a healthy political transition.

There is simple inertia influencing them now, but you can also see cowardice in their endless search for reasons not to declare Biden our next president.

This is a very serious abdication of their responsibility to our democracy. They need stronger character than this.

[Hoyt]

1. With it being a close as it is, I think most are afraid of ending up like this --

[VMA131Marine]

2. Have you done the math?

Biden’s victory in PA is not yet a mathematical certainty no matter how much you want it to be. The margin is very small compared to the number of votes to be counted. Biden is very likely to win, but that’s not the same as if he were certain to win, so it hasn’t been called.
Georgia isn’t going to be called until after the recount.

[Statistical]

6. States are routinely called earlier than absolute mathematical certainty.

If that was the standard the overwhelming majority of states would not have been called on election night.

Virginia was called when Trump was leading Biden and 30% of the ballots were still outstanding.

The standard never has and never will be absolute mathematical certainty. Not calling these states now is very ATYPICAL. You we can certainly debate on if this unprecedented level of absolute mathematical certainty is warranted but let's not pretend this is normal.

GA likely can't be called and probably won't until we get the final results after a recount but the other three certainly can. Calling AZ, NV, and PA would be 290 EV for Biden and provide some clarity and closure to move forward.

[Captain Zero]

13. Indiana always called GOP 10 MINS after polls close

With like 10% counted.

[VMA131Marine]

20. Because IN was not expected to be close

They look at the result in key precincts compared to previous elections and polling data and if everything looks as expected they make the call.

[coti]

7. Recounts don't mean you don't count EVs.

Wisconsin could be recounted and is still being counted, and conceivably recountable states have always been counted as if the known figures are 100% accurate in the past.

And even if it was just AZ and NV, Biden got 270 EVs.

It's over. People need to stop reaching and searching for unsubstantiated reasons not to call the race.

[Prince99]

15. Incorrect - It will be called

Georgia will be called, they don't hold back on threat of recount. It's up to the other party to prove a discrepancy. Validation is a different thing, if a recount is launched.

[radius777]

18. Yep, because recounts typically only overturn very few votes.

So if the margin is a few thousand, the probability is near zero that the result will be overturned. Thus the networks can safely make a projection.

[VMA131Marine]

19. Since GA has already announced a recount

I guarantee that nobody will call the state until it is completed.

[Totally Tunsie]

3. It's more important to get it right, not necessarily fast.

[Thekaspervote]

4. I think not. PA officials have said they want a 20k lead b4 calling it. And with good reason

AZ was the spoiler and althou the AP hasn’t retracted it Biden’s lead there fell so now they are skittish. There’s no reason not to call NV true. GA too close to call

[Statistical]

8. States don't call anything.

Maybe a network wants a 20K lead but no state EVER calls anything. States simply report the results as they happen and when they are finished.

[getagrip_already]

17. Correct! The only "call" a state makes is when the sos certifies the results....

The only people calling anything are the news outlets. It has a great deal of impact though. It can shut down a campaigns attempts to sow confusion and make wild claims.

Call it already damnit. PA is not in doubt.

[Spider Jerusalem]

5. Once the margin of victory in PA is outside the recount window they'll call it (n/t)

[Towlie]

9. You want it called for Biden, right?

Someone here accused you of peddling right-wing talking points but I can't see it.

[coti]

12. I clearly stated they should declare for Biden

but sometimes I use terms (purposely) that lead suspicious people who don't follow my reasoning to question me like that. Not the first time around here. However, I can assure you that my Democratic bona-fides meet or exceed those of 90% of the people here.

[BannonsLiver]

11. Were probably 5-7 days away

If these networks are going to insist on every mangled coffee stained and provisional ballot being counted before they can make a call. Takes a long time to work through those.

[coti]

16. Yeah, that seems an unreasonable expectation nt

[alittlelark]

14. I hypothesize that it has been obvious since yesterday

The US and state govt's are slow rolling results to get appropriate Nat Guard, police etc in position. They have planned this for months, but did not know the states that would decide the election.

Local Govt officials in the undecided states are certainly involved. The 'deciders' at the major networks are likely also involved. History shows us major news networks will bow to the will of FBI, CIA etc concerning National Security issues.

They are doing this smartly.

Trumpanzees will swing down out of the trees. Let our nations security forces have some time to prepare - just in case.