Is this possible?


Pie-in-the-sky, but this reflects a worst-case for McCain and possible, though not by any means likely result...total realignment. But it isn't completely out of the realm of possibility. We are 5 precious days before the election, and McCain may very well be forced to defend his home state, Arizona. He is already playing defense in Indiana, North Dakota and Montana. His push into Pennsylvania seems ill-advised, though I do suspect Obama wins by a smaller margin than the polls predict there. Georgia is in play, for cryin' out loud!

More likely is something along these lines


But notice the electoral totals; still a big win.

Finally, the close race the traditional media would love to see


Not gonna happen, but notice from this map the regional strengths. Colorado and New Mexico. Virginia. The Democrats still show that they are a national party, whereas the GOP must rely on the South, minus Virginia (with a very divided North Carolina) and the mountain West (minus Colorado) for its strength.

The 50-state strategy is a winner. Thanks, Howard.

ps: You can play with the maps, just hover the cursor and click to make changes.