“Battleground State” Rundown: Polls, Analysis & RNC Talking Points

July 2, 2008

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Here is a quick “swing state” rundown. Here we will take a look at a handful of crucial general election states which are considered to be “up for grabs”. I say considered because in a state like Michigan (which you will see is included) there really is no reason to consider it a “swing state”. Clinton won the state both times he ran, Gore won in 2000, Kerry won it in 2004, and *surprise, surprise* Obama looks to take it in 2008. Anyways, I will chill on my little rant, and get you those numbers.

So for your viewing pleasure here are the latest numbers for the “battleground” states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin (another state that has no business being considered “up for grabs”). The numbers come to us via Pollster.com, who take each individual poll in a given state, and average them out - that average then becomes the final “results” you will see below:

Michigan:

(R) John McCain: 40.9%
(D) Barack Obama: 47.4%

Ohio:

(R) John McCain: 42.7%
(D) Barack Obama: 46.1%

Pennsylvania:

(R) John McCain: 40.5%
(D) Barack Obama: 48.0%

Wisconsin:

(R) John McCain: 40.4%
(D) Barack Obama: 50.6%

I also want to point out that the Republican National Committee has decided to go through with massive “ad buys” in these very states, hoping to narrow, if not overcome Barack Obama and the lead he has now held for quite some time now. DailyKos shared an interesting little piece from the “subscription only Roll Call”:

The Republican National Committee is launching $3 million in independent expenditure television ads in four states, focusing on the energy issue.

The ad is slated to run on network and cable television in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and will highlight the differences between Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) on energy security.

Apparently McCain and company are beginning the infamous GOP “attack mode” of the campaign, the one which they claim as “inspiring people” or some other overloaded title which is codeword for “smear, attack, lie, distort”. Whatever though, it’s all good - I mean they are running these ads in states “Kerry blue” states, clearly showing that ads such as the 2004 “swifboat veterans against Kerry” are seen for the garbage they really are.

None the less, we are starting to see the race heat up, and the fireworks are starting to take flight. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show - it’s going to be a good one.