Honestly confused

I have a question for all the people here that know about politics and the workings of government.

Michigan was "called" for democrats with only 6% of the votes counted.

Penn was "called" for the democrats with 8% of the votes counted.

Can someone explain how that works?

I am not whining as I do want Obama to win (for my own selfish reasons). I just don't understand how this works.

reply to post by 200Plus


I believe they use different methods. Some stations wont tell you the specifics of their methods but I believe that a lot of it has to do with exit polling.

reply to post by 200Plus

The media tallies a ton of information before the election. Historical trends, new faces, exit polling, then there is the "Trend". Early counts establish a "pattern" that is usually the same from election to election. Thats how they early announce the "winner". They shouldn't be doing it because it could influence the election. But they just fall over themselves trying to be the first to get it right. They think it improves their image and ratings...

I don't know... is that right? Its about ego and boasting?

It's demographics and exit polling.

I can call California for Obama right now with 0% of the vote in.

Im confused on who the "purple team" is

The vote count for a few have purple with the red and blue... But all this voting/gov stuff confusrs me.

Originally posted by xedocodex
It's demographics and exit polling.

and the use of statistical analysis.

Originally posted by showintail
Im confused on who the "purple team" is

The vote count for a few have purple with the red and blue... But all this voting/gov stuff confusrs me.

Purple is I guess a catch-all for lesser parties.