CNN Electoral Map: McCain Loses Ground

Instead of the polls tightening, when it comes to the all important electoral map, they are widening. The same is true of the polls in the Battleground states. "CNN now estimates that if the presidential election were held today, Obama would win 291 electoral votes and John McCain 160. There are 87 electoral votes up for grabs." 270 electoral votes are needed to win the White House. Real Clear Politics, which is a bit less cautious, has Obama at well over 300. It appears that if everyone keeps doing what they are doing and not make any major changes or slack off, Obama could have a real electoral college blow out.

Gallup Poll Daily tracking conducted Oct. 25-27 finds Barack Obama’s lead over John McCain narrowing slightly among registered and likely voters. But, among those who have already voted, Obama leads McCain 53% to 43%.

No time to celebrate yet, but certainly a hopeful sign. This is different than in previous years where the gaps narrowed as election day approached. And since 1956 only two candidates who were behind a week before election day were able to pull out an upset win. Not impossible, so we don't slow down, but certainly not good news for John McCain.