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Election 2016 Odds: New FBI Probe Dents Clinton’s Chances

Don Aguero

by Don Aguero in Entertainment

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:39 AM PST

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Anthony Weiner is in the spotlight again, but this time it’s good news!

Just kidding. Hearing about the latest Anthony Weiner story is like hearing about the latest Rob Schneider RomCom. It’s never good news.

Through the seizure of Anthony Weiner’s electronic devices under an unrelated investigation (you know, the latest sexting one …) the FBI uncovered emails that could shine a new light on the Hillary Clinton email scandal. As for the details, we just don’t know. FBI director James Comey has remained predictably tight-lipped on the matter, saying only that the emails may reveal something that may be important to the case.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — has Anthony Weiner been sexting Hillary Clinton?! And while we would love to give you those odds, it’s not what we’re going to be focussing on today. Maybe next time.

Right now, let’s focus on the second question on everyone’s mind: how does this affect the election?

Up until now, Clinton looked set for a leisurely stroll to the White House. After a disastrous string of debates, the Billy Bush “locker room talk” tape, and multiple allegations of sexual assault, it seemed that Trump was done. Major Republican figures withdrew their support of him and major donors had turned their attention to down-ballot races.

The renewed FBI investigation has bumped Trump one to two points in the polls. And while this still leaves an enormous gulf for Trump to bridge, it could just be the start, depending on what the investigation uncovers.

It may be too little too late for Trump, though. The election isn’t until November 8th, but early voting commenced days ago and over 21 million early votes have already  been cast.

Clinton has been clear of Trump by a significant margin since the debates. Even if we use the most conservative polling figures, she is still the clear favorite. Our odds reflect that.


U.S. Presidential Election Odds (as of October 31):

Hillary Clinton: 3/10
Donald Trump: 11/4


Photo credit: “Cesc Fàbregas & Younes Kaboul” by DonkeyHotey (Flickr) [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/].

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