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== Analysis of State by Region ==

== Analysis of State by Region ==

Because of the [[electoral college]] system in the United States, it is extremely important to analyze each presidential election by each state. We can group these states into regions.

Because of the [[electoral college]] system in the United States, it is important to analyze the presidential election by each state. These states are grouped into regions.

=== New England ===

=== New England ===

With the exception of [[New Hampshire]], [[Barack Hussein Obama]] is almost certain to win almost every state in this region, which tend to be very liberal.  The only exception is in New Hampshire, where [[John McCain]] is well liked and George Bush won in 2000.  This state is sure to be competitive in 2008.  On the other hand, with only four electoral votes, the impact on the election will not be as great as some other battleground states.   

[[Barack Hussein Obama]] is almost certain to win almost every state in this region, which tend to be very [[liberal]].  The only exception is in New Hampshire, where [[John McCain]] is well liked and George Bush won in 2000.  This state is expected to be competitive.  On the other hand, with only four electoral votes, the impact on the election will not be as great as some other battleground states.   

=== Mid-Atlantic ===

=== Mid-Atlantic ===

[[New York]], [[Delaware]], and [[Maryland]] are solidly Democrat and will vote for Obama this election.  [[New Jersey]] is somewhat of a swing state; however, at this point it can be considered safely Obama based on polling numbers. [[Pennsylvania]] is a very important swing state for both candidates, as it has 21 electoral votes, fifth most in the nation, and has both liberal and conservative elements.  In recent years, the state has moved toward becoming Democrat.  However, it is not yet at that point yet, and will still be focused on heavily by both candidates during this election cycle.  McCain still has a very good chance because Obama has been unable to connect with the working-class citizens of Pennsylvania.   

[[New York]], [[Delaware]], and [[Maryland]] are solidly Democrat and will vote for Obama this election.  [[New Jersey]] is less so, but still has Democratic leanings, and will probably go for Obama. [[Pennsylvania]] is a very important swing state for both candidates, as it has 21 electoral votes, fifth most in the nation, and has both liberal and conservative elements.  In recent years, the state has moved toward becoming Democrat.  However, it is not yet at the point that is safely in the Democratic camp, and will still be focused on heavily by both candidates during this election cycle.  McCain still has a very good chance because Obama was unable to connect with the working-class citizens of Pennsylvania during the Democratic primary.   

=== South-Atlantic ===

=== South-Atlantic ===

[[Washington, D.C.]] is overwhelmingly liberal and will vote for Obama; however, with three electoral votes its significance is limited.  [[Virginia]] is an extremely competitive state; despite the relative success of Republicans in the state in the past, polling indicates that this year, the election is dead even.  Democrats will work on increasing the voter turnout in the northern part of the state, with a high population of D.C. transplants.  McCain has stayed strong in the state, relying on the southern regions and a strong military presence in the state.  In the Carolinas, John McCain still has a substantial lead.  Obama may be slightly more competitive in these states if he mobilizes the African-American population.  However, right now they are not exceptionally close.  [[Georgia]] is the state where a third-party candidate can make the most difference.  At this point, John McCain is still considered the clear favorite.  However, if [[Bob Barr]] takes away a significant portion of the Republican vote the Democrats may have a chance.  [[Florida]] is a very close swing state, most famously known for its role in [[Election 2000]].  In recent years, recognizing, for example Barack Obama's naive declaration that he would meet with leaders such as [[Fidel Castro]], Floridians have leaned Republican.  An important constituency in this state is the [[Jewish]] population, who are continuing to support Obama over McCain, according to recent polling.  Cuban-Americans are also very important.

[[Washington, D.C.]] is overwhelmingly liberal and will vote for Obama; however, with three electoral votes its significance is limited.  [[Virginia]] has become a competitive state; despite the relative success of Republicans in the state in the past, polling indicates that this year, the state could go either way.  Democrats will work on increasing the voter turnout in the northern part of the state, with a high population of D.C. transplants.  McCain has stayed strong in the state, relying on the southern regions and a strong military presence to support him.  In the Carolinas, which usually votes Republican, McCain is seen as having the edge, but Obama may be competitive in these states if he mobilizes the African-American population.  [[Georgia]] is the state where a third-party candidate can make the most difference.  At this point John McCain is still considered the favorite, however, if [[Bob Barr]] takes away a significant portion of the Republican vote the Obama may have a chance, especially if there is a large black turnout.  [[Florida]] is a very close swing state, most famously known for its role in [[Election 2000]].  In recent years, recognizing, for example Barack Obama's naive declaration that he would meet with leaders such as [[Fidel Castro]], Floridians have leaned Republican.  An important constituency in this state is the [[Jewish]] population, who are continuing to support Obama over McCain, according to recent polling.  Cuban-Americans, who would be most upset with the idea of meeting with Fidel Castro, are also very important.

=== Deep South ===

=== Deep South ===

John McCain will do very well in the deep south.  This includes the states of [[Texas]], [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]], [[Louisiana]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Arkansas]], [[Tennessee]], [[Kentucky]] and [[West Virginia]].  This area is very [[conservative]], and many of these states have not voted for a Democrat in a long time.  Here, John McCain is very popular, and there should be no contest.  Although Obama believes in a fifty-state strategy, it is unlikely that such a strategy will be helpful in getting out the vote in these states.

John McCain will do very well in the deep south.  This includes the states of [[Texas]], [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]], [[Louisiana]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Arkansas]], [[Tennessee]], [[Kentucky]] and [[West Virginia]].  This area is generally [[conservative]], and many of these states have not voted for a Democrat in a long time.  Here, John McCain is very popular, and there should be no contest.  Although Obama believes in a fifty-state strategy, it is unlikely that such a strategy will be helpful in getting out the vote in these states apart from the black population.

== Battleground States ==

== Battleground States ==