Much talk in recent weeks about the so-called Bradley effect.
The Bradley effect is named after former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, an African-American who ran for California governor in 1982. Exit polls showed Bradley leading by a wide margin, and the Democrat thought it would be an early election night.
But Bradley and the polls were wrong. He lost to Republican George Deukmejian. The theory was that polling was wrong because some voters, who did not want to appear bigoted, said they voted for Bradley even though they did not.
Maybe I’m grasping at straws, but I feel like there could be another phenomenon this year in addition to the Bradley effect. The media has been so completely in the tank for Barack Obama, protecting him and attacking his critics, that I think a certain percentage of the population resents it. Add in the fact that for weeks now they have been saying Obama has a big lead and the race is over, yet we continually see polls within the margin of error. Some show a 1 point race even this week. The final factor to consider is the behavior of the Obama campaign. Don’t these headlines rub voters, especially independents, the wrong way,
UK Guardian: Confident Obama takes presidential tone in talk of post-election plans
The Atlantic: Obama Team Begins Work On Presidential Transition
CBS Chicago: Election Night In Grant Park: Construction Begins: City Vows To Bill Obama Campaign For All Costs Associated With Massive Outdoor Bash
“Browns running back Earnest Byner took a handoff and appeared to be on his way to score the game-tying touchdown. But he was stripped of the ball by Broncos defensive back Jeremiah Castille, and fumbled at the 3-yard line. The Broncos recovered the ball, gave the Browns an intentional safety, and went on to win 38-33.”-Wikipedia
Here’s what I’m saying. In a close race, potentially, small percentages mean a lot. How many people will be casting a vote against the media and against the presumptuousness and arrogance of the Obama campaign for acting as if he has already won the election before we’ve had a chance to vote?
Could Obama be a victim of the Byner effect and fumble at the goal line?