How important is Pennsylvania to the 2008 election?

Answer 1

Answering in 2009 makes it easier,

• President Obama received 365 electoral votes.
• Senator McCain received 173 electoral votes and was the winner of 22 states.
• Nine US States were crossed the aisle in the election from where they had been in the 2004. Pennsylvania was not one of them. In 2004, Indiana, Ohio and Florida had chosen the Republican candidate with 58 electoral votes, That is a very large block of voters that would have changed the election results. Large area and small population states like Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado went for Bush in 2004 and changed aisles in 2008. They hold only 19 electoral votes and are less relevant in the Swing Stateconcept.
• There are numerous combinations of numbers that can be used to play the electoral college game. The short answer is that in 2008 Pennsylvania had relevance but was not essential to a Democratic victory.

More relevant snd of importance to a political scince major are issues like:

• McCains age which voters considered and were against.
• Obama's lack of military service and considered irrelevant
• Obama's race was considered irrelevant.
• Religions was studied and cross studied and then rejeced.
• Spouses and prior divorces which considered relevant.
• VP choices. Considered and rejected that the US has an Iron Maiden.
• Corruption and the Keating Five is remembered.
• Confirmesd Heroism was rejected.