Weβre all human, including β believe it or not β the almost infatigable Steve Kornacki.
The NBC News chief data analyst on Nov. 4 revealed on social media platform X why he abruptly left his election night livestream, better known as the βKornacki Cam,β without closing out the show.
Around the 10 hour mark of his livestream, Kornacki had told viewers that he was taking a quick five-minute break and that he would βbe right back.β However, the beloved NBC stats pro did not return. And it turns out, the marathon of election coverage really took a toll on Kornacki.
βI was sure 13 hours would be fine but things caught up to me in a hurry at hour 10. I canβt say thanks enough to all of you,β the data analyst wrote on X. βWhat a ride and I think we did make livestream history. Sorry for the abrupt ending.β
Kornacki, whoβs been praised for his mental fortitude, particularly on election nights past, was met with an overwhelming of not only understanding from viewers, but also praise for his work in breaking down the high-stakes races for such long hours.
β10 hours. Not including commuting in, and prep. Probably 12 hours,β one viewer wrote on Instagram. βMy guy, go home and recharge till Thursday, we good! Oh and THANK YOU!!β
Another commenter called Kornacki a βlegend.β
βI was locked in the whole time on the Kornacki cam,β the social media user wrote. βGo take a long nap my guy, youβve earned it.β
Kornacki has long been a staple on election nights, giving NBC News viewers a look at key races, polling and results. His work on election night has even earned him the nickname βMap Daddyβ and βChart Throb.β
The data analystβs βKornacki Camβ this year, streamed from 30 Rockefeller Plaza, was particularly successful. The 10-hour livestream drew more than 6.3 million views on YouTube alone. Across all platforms, the program garnered a record of 29 million views, making it the top election livestream for the midterms.
Take a bow, Steve. Youβve more than earned it!
