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Journos Will Look Dumb if Mac Wins

A few situations that could trigger a McCain victory

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2008 6:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – If John McCain pulls off a surprise victory, reporters who predicted a landslide for Barack Obama are going to look for head-space in the sand, writes Jack Shafer in the Washington Post—unless they quickly whip off one of these articles:

  • "McCain's Michigan Miracle." When McCain pulled out of the state, Obama assumed he'd won, and voters decided to reconsider.
  • "The Economy Boomerang." Bailout plans in the US and Europe calmed Americans' fears, so they voted against "change" after all.

  • "New Voter No-Shows." New voters, who skew heavily Democrat, stayed home on election day—as they often do.
  • "The Curse of Bob Shrum." Campaign consultant Shrum has never gotten a candidate elected. His prediction of an Obama victory was enough to kill his chances.
  • "The Obama Bubble." The real estate and stock market were both bubbles; Obama's lead in the polls was just another one waiting to pop.
For more reasons why Obama lost, click on the link below.

Kids hold an American flag and a bill with a photo of Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, at a rally in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.
Kids hold an American flag and a bill with a photo of Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, at a rally in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. orders chicken at Cape Fear Barbeque & Chicken in Fayetteville, N.C.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. orders chicken at Cape Fear Barbeque & Chicken in Fayetteville, N.C.   (AP Photo)
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., gives the thumbs up to the crowd after speaking at a rally in Toledo, Ohio, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., gives the thumbs up to the crowd after speaking at a rally in Toledo, Ohio, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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