In 2007, Harold Ford, Jr., attempted to become the first African-American senator in the South since Reconstruction. His candidacy polled well in the weeks leading up to the election, but he eventually fell short with 48 percent of the vote. Citing the Bradley Effect, writer Ellis Cose warned of this in an October 30, Newsweek article. Ford is shown here conceding to Republican Bob Corker on November 7, 2006, in Memphis, Tenn. (Chris Hondros / Getty Images)

Was it the Bradley Effect?

In 2007, Harold Ford, Jr., attempted to become the first African-American senator in the South since Reconstruction. His candidacy polled well in the weeks leading up to the election, but he eventually fell short with 48 percent of the vote. Citing the Bradley Effect, writer Ellis Cose warned of this in an October 30, Newsweek article. Ford is shown here conceding to Republican Bob Corker on November 7, 2006, in Memphis, Tenn.

Credit: Chris Hondros / Getty Images