The Tea Leaves Were Wrong

Most of the popular indicators generally used to predict the winner in presidential elections favored George Bush this year.

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY: Since 1952 no one has won the White House without first winning this contest -- until now.

BORDEAUX QUALITY: A bad vintage year (and this is) usually means a Republican victory.

STRAW POLL: When movie-goers bought popcorn at General Cinema theaters, they were asked to vote by picking a straw (red for Clinton, white for Perot or blue for Bush). Film fans gave Clinton 40%, Bush 34.7%, and Perot 25.3%.

THE WEEKLY READER POLL: Right every time since 1956 -- until now. In September its school-aged readers picked Bush by a large margin.

LEFTIES: Lefthanded incumbents have...

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