Krugman seems to be attacking a straw man here. I don't think Nate Silver has argued that data must be examined in an absolute vacuum. However, Krugman often t

Krugman seems to be attacking a straw man here. I don't think Nate Silver has argued that data must be examined in an absolute vacuum. However, Krugman often takes it (as in this case) to the opposite extreme – like many economists, finding a model, then examining the data and interpreting it to fit that model. This sort of confirmation bias and narrative-based news is what Nate Silver is trying to oppose, not the lack of a narrative or model whatsoever.