BeckyDoing the math: McCain’s only path to the White House
The MSNBC map shows McCain’s dilemma (click map to view large). To gain the electoral votes he needs, even if he wins EVERY toss-up state, he still needs to steal an Obama state.
Likely and Leaning McCain: 163
Toss Up States: 89
Total: 252
Needs: 18 more electoral votes to reach 270
For all the bravado and spin still coming from the McCain campaign, the only way McCain wins this is by running the table on the toss-up states plus either a leaning Obama state like New Hampshire, or a significant upset in an Obama state like Pennsylvania.
It’s too soon to celebrate. But the numbers tell the story.