According to CNN, Google searches for “write-in” spiked over the last week by more than 2,800 percent, setting a record high since 2004. Google Trends reports that these searches largely focused on Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime Independent who challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nominee, and Indiana Governor Mike Pence, who is currently Donald Trump’s running mate. In the last week, searches for the phrase “is Bernie Sanders a write in candidate” saw an upswing of 2,750 percent, while searches for “write in Mike Pence” increased by 2,400 percent.
Interestingly, these Google searches aren’t coming from swing states. Of the top five market searches for “write-in,” three came from states that traditionally vote Democratic — Vermont, Delaware, and New Jersey — and the other two were Republican strongholds Utah and Indiana.
Though Google Trends data doesn’t report what caused these trends, both the Republican and Democratic nominee have found their campaigns in turmoil over the past week. Footage of Donald Trump on a hot mic bragging about sexually assaulting women was released on Friday, which led to the candidate’s flat-out denial during the debate that his words were ever reflected in his actions. Somewhat predictably, a flood of women have come forward in the days since with stories about the Republican presidential nominee’s inappropriate conduct. Hillary Clinton’s campaign, on the other hand, has been plagued by email hacks, including one that revealed John Podesta’s secret to a perfect risotto.
(Via CNN)
