LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 4: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) celebrates with Dr. Noelle Hunter at his election night event November 4, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. McConnell defeated Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. (Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 4: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) celebrates with Dr. Noelle Hunter at his election night event November 4, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. McConnell defeated Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. (Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)
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Being the political junkie that I am I was glued to the tube as polls began closing across America a week ago.

One of the benefits of living in Montana is the time zone. Polls closing at 8 pm on the East Coast show up here at 6 pm. I have most of the country covered and can still get to bed at a respectable hour.

Networks vs. Cable News

Back in the days when only three channels were available coverage was almost an all day thing.

Now the networks have passed the torch to the 24/7 cable news channels and the networks were happy with only had hour of broadcast coverage.

Calling The Races

Each network battles to be the first to call the hot political races. But I wonder what effect this has on other areas of the country where the polls have not yet closed?

For example, if one party is running away with the election does that have an effect on voter actions of the losing party where the polls are still open?

Does the early vote tally on the East Coast motivate voters to either try to save their losing party or to jump on the bandwagon and really drive the winning dagger home for their favorite?

Flipping around the dial I found that most stations were calling races at about the same time. The only exception I saw was the Iowa race where an ABC Network called that race about an hour before the cable networks did.

What do you look for in election coverage?

Most of us have a place we turn when we need news. We’ve found sources where we like the personalities and the way news is presented.

Like it or not the ratings for election night overwhelming went to Fox News. I personally thought CNN had better info and overall coverage.

When I watch election coverage, because of my business background, I look for trends more than just vote tallies.

Is one part of the country trending in a different direction?

Why are people voting for these particular people? Is there a bridge or museum or jobs bill in their future? Or, are they voting against someone rather than for someone?

Some Final Thoughts

Every two years we are subjected to this nationwide bombardment of yard signs, funny hats and buttons, endless Facebook and Twitter posts, radio and TV ads.

The only thing I’d like to change is the day we vote. I think all voting should be the first Tuesday after April 15th.

Maybe with our tax bill fresh in our mind we might be more informed voters. Just a thought.

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