Sixty percent of the time it works, every time.

Today, as you know, was the Puerto Rico primary. And I don't know about you, but I could not watch 10 seconds of coverage without being more confused than ever before about our democratic process.

For starters, the numbers, percentages, and statistics alone are enough to drive anyone to drink. Looking at the coverage on television, with all the numbers and charts was like watching a sever weather alert with all it's little maps and coverage areas. I just can't keep up. Maybe that makes me a little stupid-- and I'll be the first to admit I'm not really "up" on politics, though I have been trying to keep up more lately. (I won't even go in to our local elections!!) Yet it seems that every day, we are bombarded with more numbers that truly don't mean a thing in the long run. Here's an example:

"Obama and his aides projected confidence, and even in defeat, he gained 17 delegates in Puerto Rico, leaving him 47 short of the 2,118 needed to clinch the nomination."

Okay, well....

"With all precincts reporting, the Puerto Rico vote count showed Clinton with 263,120 votes, or 68 percent, to Obama's 121,458, or 32 percent.

"A telephone poll of likely Puerto Rican voters taken in the days leading up to the primary showed an electorate sympathetic to Clinton — heavily Hispanic, as well as lower income and more than 50 percent female. About one-half also described themselves as conservative.

"Nearly three-quarters of all those interviewed said they had a favorable view of Clinton, compared to 53 percent for Obama. One-third said they didn't know enough about Obama to form an impression.

"The survey was conducted Tuesday through Saturday for The Associated Press and the television networks by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. It included 1,587 likely voters with a candidate preference; sampling error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

"Obama had a total of 2,071 delegates in The Associated Press count, including 17 from Puerto Rico. He also gained the support of two superdelegates during the day.

"Clinton has 1915.5, including 38 from Puerto Rico.

"There are 31 delegates combined at stake in Montana and South Dakota on Tuesday, and Obama's high command sounded confident that enough superdelegates were poised to quickly climb on and deliver him the nomination."

Regardless of who you're pulling for, one thing is clear (as mud): these numbers, while seemingly impressive on the surface, don't do much but confuse the general populace. Personally, I'm trying not to get on any bandwagon, and plan on voting for the person whose character and record speaks to me in the best way. Now, if they offer cake and coffee at the voting polls, that would be even better.

here's the link to the article:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-politics/20080601/Primary.Rdp/