Update/Correction: This post was updated at 5:01 a.m. Pacific 3/1/2016 to reflect current search data.
Update/Correction: This post was updated at 5:01 a.m. Pacific 3/1/2016 to reflect current search data. The headline of an earlier version of this post was corrected to remove suggestion that Google and Bing showed similar predictions for Clinton.
Today is Super Tuesday, when 12 states hold their primary elections and caucuses in the U.S. presidential campaign. It is arguably the most important day for candidates in the battle for the Democratic and Republican nominations, a day when the most states and the most delegates are up for grabs. It’s also a day when the wisdom of the crowds, a hallmark of American democracy, is put to the test.
And while entering a search query is quite different from casting a vote, a look at search trends on Bing Search Waveand Google Trendsoffers a powerful indicator of people’s support for the candidates. Call it the curiosity of the crowds.
As of this writing (on the morning of Super Tuesday), both Bing and Google agree: Based on search volume, Trump will win all 11 Republican contests. However, they disagree on the Democratic contests, with Bing showing Sanders ahead 6 states to Clinton’s 5 states, and Google showing Sanders ahead in 9 of the 11 contested states. (The discrepancy between 11 contests across 12 states is due to Alaska holding its Democratic contest on March 26 and Alaska holding its Republican contest on March 29.)
How the Republican candidates rank on Bing Search Wave:
How the Democratic candidates rank on Bing Search Wave:
How the Republican candidates rank on Google Trends:
For the Democratic candidates, Google Trendsis ranking them on a state-by-state basis. For example, Texas:
For updated information on candidate search queries, visit Bing Search Waveand Google Trendsthroughout Super Tuesday.
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