| Right after I write this column, I’m
climbing into my Jeep and heading to my local polling place. I realize that Election Day
is still five days away, but I’m scheduled to be out of town on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and
therefore have to fill out an absentee ballot. No, I’m not going to tell you whom
I’m voting for. That’s for me to know, and you not to know. (However, I’ll
give you this hint: the last name of the candidate I’m voting for has four letters,
which rules out Buchanan and Nader. If that doesn’t help, the guy I’m voting for
comes from a state whose name starts with "T.")
So what does this have to do with the NFL? I’ll tell you.
The election is over. You may not even want to waste your time going to the polls on
Tuesday. The winner has been declared, at least according to the Washington Redskins.
As I was watching the thrilling Monday-night affair that pitted the Redskins against
the Titans, a statistic flashed across my TV screen that blew me away.
According to the "Monday Night Football" researchers — who clearly have
way too much time on their hands — the Redskins have accurately predicted the
outcome of each of the last 15 presidential elections.
Here’s how it works. In the last 15 national elections, when the Redskins have won
their last home game before Election Day, the incumbent party has won the White House.
When the Redskins lost their last home game before the election, the challenging party has
won the election — and the presidency.
For example, in 1996, the Redskins beat the Colts 31-16 in Washington’s last home
game before the election. What happened on voting day? The incumbent, Bill Clinton,
defeated Bob Dole, earning a second term.
In 1992, the Redskins were beaten at home 24-7 by the Giants just two days before the
election. What happened that year? The incumbent, George Bush, was defeated by challenger
Clinton.
The trend goes back a total of 60 years, which is amazing.
So, based on what happened on Monday night — a 27-21 win for the Titans — the
Democrats are going to lose. That means that Al Gore is going to have to find a job in the
private sector, and George W. Bush will take up residence in Washington.
In reality, this statistic doesn’t mean diddly. Let’s face it, trends are
broken all of the time. You certainly don’t see Al Gore throwing in the towel yet.
George W. Bush isn’t taking anything for granted either.
So, don’t you assume this election thing is a done deal because the Skins lost.
You still have time to voice your opinion by voting. |
