The Worst Political Predictions of 2015

recasting political trends is almost an American pastime. So is getting those forecasts woefully wrong. Politico Magazine has published an annual worst political predictions list twice before, but we’ve never had quite the fodder that we did this year. In the 2016 presidential race, one presumed front-runner after another fell to the bottom of the polls; a reality TV star is currently as admired as the pope; and a socialist and a retired neurosurgeon gained massive followings. In Washington, a man who once wanted to give his “undivided attention” to the Ways and Means Committee is now speaker of the House; and a president about to enter his final year and facing a hostile Congress reached deals on climate change, Iran’s nuclear program and international trade. Of course, we can’t blame political pundits for being wrong in a year so full of surprises; but that won’t stop us from having some fun calling them out. Herewith, the political predictions gone wrong in 2015.

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Joe Biden will run for president.

Jamie Weinstein, Daily Caller, June 26, 2015: “At this point, it’s hard to imagine Joe Biden not entering the race for the White House. … [T]he logic of his candidacy keeps getting more compelling by the day. Here are three reasons why Biden will likely soon announce his entrance into the race … 1.) Hillary is vulnerable … 2.) There’s no obvious alternative to Hillary in the Democratic race yet … 3.) His son’s death.”

Bill Kristol, Twitter, Aug. 22, 2015: "Prediction: Biden will announce on September 7 after marching with cheering crowds in annual Wilmington AFL-CIO Labor Day parade."

Bill Kristol, Twitter, Oct. 5, 2015: "Isn't best window for @JoeBiden between Dem debate (Oct 13) and Hillary's Benghazi testimony (Oct 22)? I'm saying Biden announces Oct 19."


Read more: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/12/the-worst-political-predictions-of-2015-213484#ixzz3vvGT8TdS