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Some key swing states leaning to Obama

October 7, 2008

In the period leading up to tonight's presidential debate in Nashville, the presidential election map changed substantially. Polls showed that Democrat Barack Obama pulled ahead in key swing states after two weeks of economic uncertainty, while Republican John McCain found himself on the defensive in battleground states - many of which traditionally vote Republican. Here's what happened:

OHIO

Obama +3.0

Obama pulled ahead in polls Wednesday, two days after the House voted down a Wall Street rescue bill, and the Dow plunged more than 777 points in one day. McCain had enjoyed a small lead in the middle-class industrial swing state since mid-August.

FLORIDA

Obama +3.0

Polls show that Obama overcame McCain's small yet steady lead in the Sunshine State last week for the first time in more than eight months. Some analysts say McCain has been less aggressive in the state than Obama - and that this, coupled with heavy economic turbulence, has put him on the defensive in a state that went for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004.

NEVADA

Obama +1.8

While polls have shown Obama and McCain neck and neck all year in this western state, surveys last week showed McCain had lost his recent edge, with Obama gaining by 1.8 points after the stock market plunge and Congress' scramble to pass a bailout bill. Nevada is a traditional Republican stronghold that turned blue to support Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996.

VIRGINIA

Obama +2.4

Polls last week showed Obama slightly ahead of McCain. While both Democratic and Republican analysts say the race remains too close to call, they agree that McCain must do more to keep up with Obama, who is pouring significant time and money into the state.

NORTH CAROLINA

Obama +0.5

The economic crisis helped push Obama ahead of McCain for the first time all year in this state. Obama's lead of less than a percentage point might not break the margin of error, but analysts say the shift forces McCain to invest more time and energy in a traditionally red state where, as recently as early September, McCain had held a 4-point lead.