Books as Election Predictors

Curiosity got the best of me on this slow morning--could the circulation records of books by the presumptive nominees predict the election? Granted, the answer won't be known until November 4th--or 5th, depending on the tightness of the race--but I decided to get an early start & did a bit of sleuthing.

John McCain has authored four titles in our collection--all in print form only, no audiobooks, and one in both regular and Large Print--and the total times that all five have gone out is 72 (and for the record, all are currently sitting on their respective shelves).

Barack Obama has two titles to his credit, although we have both in regular and Large Print, as well as in audiobook format for a total of nine items. But to be fair, I counted only the four in book form--total circulation for all is 117. And I must point out that three out of the four are currently checked out.

No doubt many arguments can be made for why Obama is ahead in the book race but I leave that to others. I will try to remember to keep track of the presidential book race--perhaps some news agency will catch wind of it & pick up the story!--and report back during this contentious political cycle.