Results Are In

At 11 p.m. the Web sites of national newspapers had different feels -- but the same results. As The Washington Post reported, Obama "Becomes 44th President."

Front Page Prediction

The New York Post made a bold front-page prediction this morning. Was it a safe call? Or one that could add its name to the list of newspapers through history that have incorrectly reported election results? Remember "Dewey Defeats Truman"? The Post, by the way, endorsed John McCain. Read about past election coverage in this Newseum essay and about past mistakes.

Pivitol Moments

In analyzing Presidential Campaign '08, CBS's Bob Schieffer identified three pivotal events -- all of which made front page news:

1. Fundraising and Barack Obama's decision not to take federal campaign financing.

2. John McCain's choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his No. 2. The choice quickly energized the Republican base. But for others, the enthusiasm has waned since her appearance at the Republican convention. By the end of the campaign, the Anchorage Daily News endorsed Obama, a move that might have surprised those outside of Alaska.

3. The economy. National polls show an Obama lead over McCain when likely voters are asked who they trust to deal with the economy.

How did your newspaper share these critical events with your readers and viewers?

(Anchorage Daily News endorsement)

Decision Day '08

With voters streaming to the polls on this historic Election Day, how is your newspaper reporting on turnout and examining problems at polling places?

USA TODAY is allowing voters to share their stories.

The Chicago Tribune created an e-mail address for readers to report voting problems. It also is accepting photos.

The Washington Post is reporting minor problems in voting in its outer suburbs. In an election package, it is making use of mapping technology to report "Candidates Make Final Appeals." Post readers can stay up-to-date throughout the day with news via Twitter and alerts via text and e-mail.

The New York Times is reporting "Lines, Glitches and Enthusiasm."

The Miami Herald, which includes an interactive graphic about the presidential candidates in its coverage, reports things are humming along in its circulation area. "Polls busy but few glitches reported."

The Plain Dealer in Cleveland posts a blogs roundup on its Home Page. On its Northeast Ohio News Page, it notes that "Elections chief reports no major problems in voting."

The Philadelphia Inquirer also is accepting reader photos. Its news headline: "High turnout, few problems in Philly, says watchdog."

Breaking News from Hawaii

The Honolulu Advertiser reports that Barack Obama's grandmother has died. Its initial reporting on the newspaper's Home Page quotes a statement by Obama and his half-sister and features a photo of Madelyn Dunham of Honolulu from Obama campaign video. How is your site playing the news?

One Day and Counting

Five U.S. newspapers have reporters traveling the campaign trail with presidential candidates:

The New York Times, which is all smiles today with photos of John McCain and Barack Obama. "McCain embraces his lighter side," the Times said. "Obama's Even Keel Holds in Final Turn."

The Washington Post, which looked at "A Positively Negative Home Stretch," noting "McCain, Obama Break Tradition By Staying on Attack."

The Wall Street Journal, which reported, "Obama leads in the Home Stretch."

The Los Angeles Times, which examined the Big O -- Ohio. "Both campaigns target Ohio, and both have volunteers mobilized. But Obama's team may have the advantage."

The Chicago Tribune, which referred to "One last day of historic campaign" content inside. It also promoted a customize-your-ballot feature on its Web site and reminded readers to check the site on Tuesday for results, analysis, photos and video.

Future for Front Page? It's All in a Little Magic

Circulation is declining, and free content on the Internet is booming. But yet, few things can be as personal as a newspaper front page.

Sometimes the front page is predictable. Often it’s overly gloomy. And in too many cases, it’s inconsistent.

But every day it has an opportunity to touch people by:

Sharing what people are talking about: “They never thought they’d see the day,” the Detroit Free Press said today about African-Americans’ feelings about Barack Obama’s run for the White House.

Seeing the big picture: With its state in an economic crisis and its governor in a scandal, the Las Vegas Sun examined the state of the state: “Nevada Turns 144, But What’s To Celebrate?” But not forgetting important details: The San Francisco Chronicle pursued police documents that showed “Missed opportunities hours before slaying” of the editor of the Oakland Post.

Looking beyond the headlines: In a different kind of election story, The Denver Post reported on “A risky conversation.” Said the Post: “Politics naturally divides people, but this election cycle has highlighted the divide. Now, simply talking about the presidential candidates seems like a wedge issue.”

Providing news that readers can’t get anywhere else: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., noted that late Wednesday night its city matched the record for the number of homicides in a year. And owning what they know: “Shuttle set for Nov. 14 liftoff,” said Florida Today in Melbourne, which swamps the space beat.

Writing good headlines: “We Shopped Till We Dropped,” the Star Tribune of Minneapolis said in summarizing GDP data. “Plumb Job,” said the New York Post with a photo of Joe the Plumber on the campaign trail. And in writing a label headline that actually works, the Houston Chronicle described the path of a high school football team: “From Cream Puff to Cinderella.”

Presenting good stories and images: In an eye-catching “To Catch a Cyber-Thief” presentation, the Kitsap Sun in Bremerton, Wash., said: “A Bainbridge Island couple recovered a stolen $2,700 bicycle through sting tactics – online and with police.”

Taking a different look: Halloween stories are everywhere today, but The Post-Crescent of Appleton, Wis., breathed new life into a stale story with Rob Kaiser’s “Houdini works his magic” column about “Legendary artist offers lesson on escaping troubles.” Harry Houdini, who lived in Appleton, died on Halloween 1926.

What will the future hold for the front page? Will it escape its troubles? To editors, I’d say: Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow, but don’t stop thinking about print.

Make me laugh. Make me cry. Move me to share my opinion. Move me to take action. Make me want to pick up tomorrow’s front page.