The networks don't have to report results or do anything like mis-state the closing time of the polls in order to do their dirty work. All they need is to go to "Sam in Florida" or "Sally in Cleveland" and have them say something along the lines of, "Dan, a real upset is brewing here, lots of happy faces in some places that weren't happy in 2000." They are tricky and devious and know their business. Don't trust anyone you hear on TV or radio until the results are clear-cut.
"All they need is to go to "Sam in Florida" or "Sally in Cleveland" and have them say something along the lines of, "Dan, a real upset is brewing here, lots of happy faces in some places that weren't happy in 2000."
Exactly. I'm guessing you work in the media. News vets. know how to get their message across without explicitly using declaritive statements.