The internet is all agog with talk of Nate Silver and how he got the election right. So, I went to have a look and he seems to have called the race at 313 (Obama) / 225 (Romney). That seems very impressive to me.
However, I hate to be picky but whilst the prediction was close it doesn't seem to be actually right. It seems the result will end up 332 / 206 when Florida calls (assuming Obama wins). I've been told that actually Nate predicted a broader range and that 313 / 225 was the average - so he was hedging.
That's ok then. Still, it's very impressive and yes the twitter verse is flowing with #natesilverfacts
Now, as impressive as Nate Silver's prediction was, it seems that Drew Linzer who has predicted an Obama win since June with a 90%+ certainty and the right range, made his prediction of 332 / 206 which is also what he has been predicting since June.
Hang on - 332 / 206 - that's what seems to be happening. That's no hedge, that's just oh wow. Has Drew Linzer really nailed it? Since June?
Every state, every forecast - on the money. That's real wow. That's mega mega wow with wow sauce on.
That's more than just impressive that's so impressive that there must be ... wait ...
Where's the #drewlinzerfacts?
Hint : There aren't any.
Now, both Nate Silver and Drew Linzer have certainly made exceptional predictions here and despite the hedging on the overall count on Nate's part, his overall predictions on % vote for each candidate squeaked past Drew i.e. Nate Silver was more accurate in 26 States whereas Drew was more accurate in 24 States.
But why the silence on Drew Linzer? If Florida goes the way expected then :-
#NateSilver can beat the sun in a staring contest but only Drew Linzer can make it run and hide #drewlinzerfacts
OK, this most be some sort of special US Election thing that I'm not getting seeing that I'm a Brit. I'm a huge fan of people who stick their necks out, don't hedge and use data. Linzer is a star.
