I'm not drinking champagne yet

I love this cartoon (I usually love Tom Toles), but it unintentionally states the truth.  We landed a field goal, but we haven't landed a touch down yet.  The media is glibly announcing that the Dems have won Virginia, but saying it's so don't make it so.  Virginia law states that the election won't be certified until November 27, and then the losing candidate has 10 additional days to request a recount.  If the results are within 0.5% (and they will), the losing candidate can demand a recount for free, and state & local governments pay for it.  The recount can then stretch into December.

What's the good news?  First of all, the media was instrumental in crowning Dubya in 2000.  Remember all those photos of him doing presidential-looking things, while they ignored the actual Vice President who was doing the same things?

Also, historically, no losing candidate has ever won an election through a recount in Virginia.  In fact, the winning candidate usually gains votes.

Finally, this Republican candidate might still want to participate in politics in the future.  He got a lot of votes and is not unpopular in Virginia.  If he drags this process out, a la Florida 2000, he'll create a lot of resentment.  If he bows out gracefully now (maybe even today), he'll retain a lot of brownie points he can then use to run for office later.  He knows this too.

So, a lot of people have declared Virginia for the Dems, the odds are in our favor, and even pure self-interest might prevent the Republican from demanding a recount.  But it ain't over 'till it's over, so I'm not cracking the champagne just yet.

What else is new with Koppie?  Well, I'm in a class where the prof said he'd bust people for surfing the web.  So I'd better go.

J