Does anyone else see this pattern?

[Mr.Bill]

The closer it gets to the election, the closer the polls show the candidates that are running against each other. Right now Tweety is making every race sound like a dead heat. I suspect tomorrow will show this to be far from the truth.

I haven't watched TV on election day in five years, because I have been working at the polls. I'm taking this year off so I'll be watching. I'm sure coverage has dumbed down and sensationalism has risen somewhat during those five years.

[arcane1]

1. Suspense and drama lures eyeballs to the screen

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. bingo!

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

3. Well, first,

it's easier to hide scams when everyone expects a 'dead heat'. And people don't actually try to uncover them if they already expected the results to be 'close'. When Republicans in control at the county or state level 'suddenly' find several thousand votes, or in cases where votes exceed enrolled voters, the investigations just sort of 'die off'.

And second, of course, 'dead heats' mean media money. Races that are blowouts don't keep people watching the political shows.

[Mr.Bill]

4. Exactly.

I'm betting some of these "dead heats" will be decided by five points or more.

[tritsofme]

5. Nate Silver has written some interesting articles on the subject

Of how pollsters try to scurry toward the mean in their final polls. Unfortunately no link to offer.

[upaloopa]

6. First it is the Dems are going lose big

Now too close to call
My guess is Dems never were going to lose big

[Mr.Bill]

7. That's as valid a prediction as any other.

And of course, one we hope for.

[world wide wally]

8. According to polls, 4 out of 5 people are different, and one is the same

[customerserviceguy]

9. Happens every election

I remember getting suckered into it way back in 1972, they actually made me believe that McGovern was going to possibly win it. Since then, I'm properly skeptical.

[Journeyman]

10. Sports announcers don't mention the score during a blowout, either . . .

If you knew the score was 72-3 in the third quarter, would you stay around for the rest of the game?

The same ploy at play: Keep up the interest, even if there's no reason for it.