This is the program for the 2010 Joint Statistical Meetings in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Abstract Details

Activity Number: 419
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Sponsor: Section on Survey Research Methods
Abstract - #306682
Title: Look Back in Anger? Ten Years on: The Statistical Issues in Bush vs. Gore
Author(s): Colin McIlheney*+
Companies: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Address: 300 MADISON AVE, NEW YORK, NY, 10017,
Keywords: ELECTIONS ; STATISTICS ; LAW
Abstract:

IT MAY SEEM HARD TO BELIEVE BUT A DECADE HAS PASSED SINCE THE DISPUTED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2000. MUCH OF THE COMMENTARY SINCE THEN HAS FOCUSED ON THE LEGAL NUANCES OF THE 5-4 DECISION BY THE US SUPREME COURT. THIS PAPER CONCENTRATES INSTEAD ON A REASSESSMENT OF THE STATISTICAL ISSUES RAISED IN THE CONTROVERSIAL COUNT AND RECOUNT IN FLORIDA- THIS WAS THE DECISIVE STATE AND IT WAS A WINNER TAKES ALL CONTEST. THE PRESENTATION WILL TAKE THE ATTENDEES BACK IN TIME TO THE 36 DAYS OF THE DISPUTED VERDICT IN LATE NOVEMBER AND EARLY DECEMBER 2000 AND ASSESS WHETHER A BETTER USE OF STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES COULD HAVE AVOIDED THE DRAWN-OUT RECOUNT BATTLE. THE PAPER WILL EXAMINE THE WAY THAT STATISTICAL INFORMATION WAS USED AND MISUSED BY THE COURTS AND MEDIA AND TRY TO PICTURE HOW WHAT WERE IN ESSENCE NUMERICAL ISSUES BECAME POLITICAL FOOTBALLS AND ENDED UP AT THE DOOR OF THE SUPREME COURT


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