# Predictions for the 2020 US Presidential Election **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 8, 2020, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525 "2020-10-08T22:06:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/361 "2020-11-02T20:17:18Z")
Can’t embed mine, but I end up with 276 Biden, 262 Trump. Hoo-boy. If I’m right, expect a verdict in March. 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/362 "2020-11-02T20:18:41Z")
I said this elsewhere, but I could easily see this case as one where the conservatives in the federal judiciary make a show of preserving voters’ ballots, so they can point to how deliberative and even handed they’ve been when they start throwing out votes in swing states that will actually determine the election. Statistically, it’s unlikely that these votes will determine who caries Texas out of the 15 million or more votes likely to be cast. And even if they do, Texas is unlikely to be a “tipping point” state – if Trump carries Texas then he is likely to have also carried FL, AZ, NC, PA, etc. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/363 "2020-11-02T20:27:52Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > Can’t embed mine, but I end up with 276 Biden, 262 Trump. Hoo-boy. If I’m right, expect a verdict in March. Not sure about that, since Biden only needs 270, Biden then is the president in that map before January 20. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/364 "2020-11-02T20:32:09Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > And even if they do, Texas is unlikely to be a “tipping point” state – if Trump carries Texas then he is likely to have also carried FL, AZ, NC, PA, etc. Too late to edit, but I meant if BIDEN carries Texas then he’s carrying those other states. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/365 "2020-11-02T20:32:17Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > > [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > > > Texas will go blue if the Harris county votes are not thrown out > > It’s looking that way: > > > ### [U.S. judge voices doubt about Texas Republican bid to throw out 127,000 votes](https://wtvbam.com/2020/11/02/u-s-judge-voices-doubt-about-texas-republican-bid-to-throw-out-127000-votes/) > > > > By Jennifer Hiller and Jan Wolfe HOUSTON (Reuters) - A federal judge in Texas on Monday appeared skeptical of … > A federal judge in Texas on Monday appeared skeptical of an attempt by Republicans to throw out about 127,000 votes already cast in the U.S. presidential election at drive-through voting sites in Houston, a Democratic-leaning area. > > On the eve of Election Day, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen said the Republicans who brought the case faced an “uphill road” in convincing him that the votes should be voided. > > The judge said the plaintiffs needed to show that Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins, a Democrat, had an “evil motive” in allowing drive-through voting as an alternative during the coronavirus pandemic. > > Hanen also questioned the last-minute timing of the case. > > “Didn’t we test this in the primaries this summer?” The judge asked a lawyer for the plaintiffs, adding: “Why am I just getting this case?” > … I’d like more than “voices doubt” and “appeared skeptical.” “Faced an uphill road” sounds like he is open to being convinced. Not liking that. 🤨 ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/366 "2020-11-02T20:37:01Z")
Oh, I know he only needs 270. I do not think that 270 equals winner in this particular year with all kinds of bullshit happening, that’s all. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Win\_Place\_Show](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/win_place_show/32/13469_2.png) [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/367 "2020-11-02T20:43:25Z")
Nope, we’re good (per MSNBC report right now)! 👍 Gonna let the ballots stay and get counted! ---
**Author:** ![lesh17](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9fc348/32.png) [@lesh17](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lesh17)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/368 "2020-11-02T20:49:38Z")
Judge Hanen has ruled: [https://twitter.com/chucklindell/status/1323361156661202946?s=20](https://twitter.com/chucklindell/status/1323361156661202946?s=20) “BREAKING: US judge says he WILL NOT invalidate almost 127,000 Harris County votes cast in drive-thru lanes. Plaintiffs lack standing. Generalized injury.” ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/369 "2020-11-02T20:56:18Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > Too late to edit, but I meant if BIDEN carries Texas then he’s carrying those other states. Texas is, in other words, a trailing indicator. If Biden were to win Texas, then before that state was called, he will have almost certainly won PA, MI, WI - all pretty handily - and probably NC, and the election is called and Texas is just running up the score. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/370 "2020-11-02T20:57:26Z")
> [@lesh17](#): > > Judge Hanen has ruled: > > [https://twitter.com/chucklindell/status/1323361156661202946?s=20](https://twitter.com/chucklindell/status/1323361156661202946?s=20) > > “BREAKING: US judge says he WILL NOT invalidate almost 127,000 Harris County votes cast in drive-thru lanes. Plaintiffs lack standing. Generalized injury.” I know Texas is a longshot for Biden anyway, but it still feels reassuring to have a far-right judge rule in Dems’ favor. Maybe insanity won’t reign this week. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/371 "2020-11-02T20:57:54Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Texas is, in other words, a trailing indicator. If Biden were to win Texas, then before that state was called, he will have almost certainly won PA, MI, WI - all pretty handily - and probably NC, and the election is called and Texas is just running up the score. Meh, we never know. He could lose Florida and PA and Texas would be HILARIOUS for him to win to seal the election! The stars at night are big and bright! Even I’d be singing it. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/372 "2020-11-02T20:58:10Z")
Whoa, I didn’t see that decision coming from that particular judge. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/373 "2020-11-02T21:02:09Z")
It’s not that surprising. The all-Republican state supreme court already shot the same plaintiffs down in unanimous flames in the state version of the same suit. It appears plaintiffs are little more than pests and do not seem to have actually had backing from anyone important. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/374 "2020-11-02T21:03:15Z")
Good news! > **[Drive-thru voting locations to be limited to Toyota Center only in Harris...](https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/11/02/harris-county-judge-lina-hidalgo-reacts-to-texas-supreme-court-decision-on-drive-thru-voting/)** > > A federal judge Monday ruled that 127,000 votes that were cast at drive-thru locations in Harris County can be counted. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/375 "2020-11-02T21:03:26Z")
Also, I think a bunch of judges, even Republican ones, just don’t want that particular stank on them for the rest of their careers. And it would be. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/376 "2020-11-02T21:39:14Z")
It really was completely baseless, especially since the state laws specifically allow for “temporary structures as voting sites”, which would seem to include the tents. Plus, if curbside voting was ruled unconstitutional…at my polling place if you were old or infirm they’d bring the ballot out your car. Does that mean all those votes are unconstitutional? Because on the day I voted, the cranky old folks voting curbside were about the only people I pegged as Trump voters. Can we throw their votes out? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/377 "2020-11-02T21:41:58Z")
I wonder if these idjits are going to try to run to the supreme court to see if they will overturn every single Texas state decision on this… ---
**Author:** ![CaptMurdock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/captmurdock/32/11736_2.png) [@CaptMurdock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptMurdock)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/378 "2020-11-02T22:04:22Z")
If the federal judge ruled against them, wouldn’t they first have to go to a federal appellate court? ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/379 "2020-11-02T22:17:25Z")
It’s actually not that fluid. 2016 was actually much more fluid and erratic than this one. But Biden has never lost. In fact he’s never had less than a polling average lead just shy of 4% in national polls. A very stable polling lead for Joe. That said, there’s still a slim chance Trump could actually win the election, and possibly even without the help of the courts. But his chances are less likely than they were even in 2016, and he barely won then. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525/380 "2020-11-02T22:25:21Z")
Not only did he rule against them, he seemed annoyed that it got to him at all. No judge wants to invalidate that many votes this close to the election. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-for-the-2020-us-presidential-election/922525.md?page=20)