CNN grudgingly moving states to Obama

[NeedleCast]

CNN's electoral map (http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/) is finally starting to move towards Obama despite CNNs desperate desire to have this election continue to be "to close to call." They've moved NH, WI and MN to leaning Obama, Michigan to Safe Obama and NC from leaning McCain to toss-up. Indiana remains leaning McCaind despite some Tuesday morning polls that now show Obama up.

[featherman]

1. I have no doubt they would have kept MI a "toss up" if McCain campaign hadn't

announced they were withdrawing.

[NeedleCast]

3. They actually moved MI to leaning Obama about a week ago

I think but they don't seem to have any rhyme or reason behind why they move states when they do. It took a 7 point poll lead in MI to move the state towards "leaning Obama."

[gratuitous]

2. They have a financial interest in keeping this looking close

Who's going to watch their bloviating talking chuckleheads if everyone decides this election is a foregone conclusion? And what will they talk about if not the "horse race" aspects of the campaign as McThuselah wheezes toward his denouement? Can't sell advertising if no one's watching.

But yeah, the dirty little secret of the campaign is that it's not going to be close at all. This isn't 2000 or 2004, where one crooked Republican Secretary of State can swing a state into the red column and salt away the victory for George Duhbya. This is going to be a blowout, so for once volunteers, your hard work is going to pay off. Do your duties with a light and gladsome heart. Let's finish the job and leave no doubt.

[NeedleCast]

4. No argument here

You're exactly right...they'll do whatever it takes to keep butts-in-seats...in front of the TV, locked on their channel. I understand the pressure on them to do so, but yeah, this is going to be a blow out, which is going to make me very happy. This will end the threat of a McCain presidency and hopefully torpedo Palin's political career.