McCain vs. Obama: The Electoral Map

[David Wong]

Obama opens up a 10 point lead in Iowa.

The lead was 2 points in May, 4 in June, now 10 in July. So I supposed that's a trend.

It's only 7 electoral votes so I'm not sure why it's such a big deal. Maybe because it's a "white" state?

 

[Puppycow]

Obama opens up a 10 point lead in Iowa.

The lead was 2 points in May, 4 in June, now 10 in July. So I supposed that's a trend.

It's only 7 electoral votes so I'm not sure why it's such a big deal. Maybe because it's a "white" state?

I think there might be a cynical political explanation. One involving pork.

1) Iowa is corn country
2) Obama voted for the recent Farm Bill including ethanol mandates
3) McCain (IIRC) voted against the recent Farm Bill

Iowa farmers know which side their bread is buttered on.

 

[Pookster]

I was just looking at RCP polls for Florida and compared them over the past few months, specifically Rasmussen's ...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/fl/florida_mccain_vs_obama-418.html

Rasmussen 07/22 - 07/22 500 LV 47 49 Obama +2.0
Rasmussen 06/26 - 06/26 500 LV 48 41 McCain +7.0
Rasmussen 06/18 - 06/18 500 LV 47 39 McCain +8.0

McCain's numbers have remained stable, but Obama has been picking up a lot of apparently previously undecided likely voters. Without details for the Rasmussen polls, it's hard to figure out the demographics of these new supporters. Anyone have a feel for this?