Now where on earth do they get this idea?
by digby
Justin Wolfers in the NYT has a story about the betting markets and tonight’s debate. Obviously it doesn’t really tell us anything real but it’s illustrative of what these people know about the presidential race:
They don’t seem to expect much substance on issues, judging from the under-over bets on how many times various issues or words will be mentioned. The top three terms are “email” (you can bet on whether there will be over 7.5 mentions, or under 7.5 mentions), “deport” (the line is 6.5 mentions) and “liar” (5.5 mentions). Expect less discussions of “racism” (an over-under of 2.5 mentions), Wall Street (3.5 mentions) or each candidate’s “foundation” (4.5 mentions). If you’re wondering how there can be half a mention, there obviously can’t; this is how Las Vegas breaks a tie.
This is what people have “heard” and expect to hear more of. Because these are all words they’ve heard over and over again and which have determined for many Americans what this campaign is about.
Can you see the problem? I knew that you could:
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