Election 2000: TV Makes A Too-Close Call

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In a sense, the media have done with their business what Bill Clinton did with the presidency: tarnished it with transgressions but in the process also demythologized it. Even the election-night debacle may have, perversely, done a public service by undermining the credibility of exit polls and electoral projections. Media critics have long argued that networks should not call races until all polls have closed to avoid affecting turnout. It's a moot argument: information will out, not least because people want it. Tuesday afternoon, Web surfers overwhelmed the Drudge Report, where Matt Drudge had posted exit-poll results.

But if nothing else, future voters should recall Florida 2000 as a caution that no prediction from a blow-dried anchor or Internet gossip is reason not to vote. As long as the media keep playing that game, the least they can do is make clear that their word isn't always gospel. Early Wednesday morning, they did exactly that. As George and Al continue playing for the cameras on Survivor II: the Florida Swamp, there is no better lesson to remember.

--With reporting by Ann Blackman/Washington