An alternately tense and jovial atmosphere prevailed in the "war room" at the University's Center for Politics last night as staffers and interns analyzed the results of a highly-anticipated presidential election.
At times, guests would happily gather to debate their predictions and munch at the Indian buffet of satay sticks, while at the opposite end of the room stony-faced analysts intently typed at their laptops. Oftentimes, the entire room would fall silent save for the crunching of pita chips during a particularly critical announcement.
The event, organized by Center Associate Director of Communications Peter Jackson, was a combination of an election party and a war room analysis as the long-awaited election season came to close. Interns combined work with play, socializing with colleagues and friends while analyzing the data direct from state boards of elections in demographic categories such as gender, race, education, age and marital status.
Abby Gardner, a Center intern and fourth-year College student, said she and many of the other interns were predominantly interested in the youth turnout for this election.
"We have a particular investment in the young voters because of our flagship program, the Youth Leadership Initiative," Gardner said. "The youth vote has been in constant decline since '72, then spiked in '92 and it's been back down since then. This year, we're expecting it to surpass '92 and maybe even '72."
As the data analysis was completed, the interns passed the information along to commentators with the Center, such as Center Director and Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato, Director of Communications Matt Smyth and Jackson.
"The idea is that most of the time the news will give extra commentary, and we wanted to give our staff the best information possible," Jackson said. "So we turned it into a party for us and friends of the Center."
Given the tumultuous result of the 2000 election, no one necessarily expected the party to end before either candidate was declared the winner.
"Both sides will probably try to challenge some results, whether it's based on voter registrations or other factors," Smyth said. "It could be tonight, but if it looks like it will be tied we'll try to turn in early."
Drew Butler, a former Center intern and 2004 College graduate, said he hoped for an early ending yet did not expect one.
"My main hope is that we know sometime soon," Butler said. "Not just to know, but also because I'm somewhat worried about the precedent of two elections that are long, drawn out and indicative of something majorly wrong with the electoral process. That's a pretty decent catalyst for change."
University Dean of Students Penny Rue said she didn't expect an early race, yet was happy to be at the Center either way.
"I'm a big fan of the Center for Politics, and it's more exciting than watching in my living room," Rue said. "The great thing about being here is that you get a little bit of both media and student input. These [interns] are U.Va. students that you see on the Grounds."
Recent news events were on the minds of many politicos at the Center. Events directly connected to the electoral decision were topics of conversation, as well as sports comparisons and superstitions.
"I still think it's Bush's election to lose, like the Yankees in Game 6, the Red Sox were coming on strong but they still had to win," said Bryan King, a 2004 College graduate. "A telling predictor for me also was when the Redskins lost, they could have won but there was a weak call made."
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | 3 hours agoSheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 19 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
