Thanks for this. Well done. These rules highlight the tension between the media's need for attention and its mission to inform by reporting accurately and with context. With respect to #1, I'd just add that reporting either candidate as "ahead" early in the count distorts the truth and invites drama. As long as there is a material number…
Thanks for this. Well done. These rules highlight the tension between the media's need for attention and its mission to inform by reporting accurately and with context. With respect to #1, I'd just add that reporting either candidate as "ahead" early in the count distorts the truth and invites drama. As long as there is a material number of uncounted ballots, there is no way to know who is "ahead." The modeling can offer insights, but conclusions based on it are just informed guesses. Nobody is "ahead" or "leading" until it's no longer "too early to call." (credit a guest on MSNBC whose name I missed)
Thanks for this. Well done. These rules highlight the tension between the media's need for attention and its mission to inform by reporting accurately and with context. With respect to #1, I'd just add that reporting either candidate as "ahead" early in the count distorts the truth and invites drama. As long as there is a material number of uncounted ballots, there is no way to know who is "ahead." The modeling can offer insights, but conclusions based on it are just informed guesses. Nobody is "ahead" or "leading" until it's no longer "too early to call." (credit a guest on MSNBC whose name I missed)