1. 2008: the Year in Political Geography By Patrick Ottenhoff, TheElectoralMap.com
2. It’s mid-2007, and Republican frontrunner Rudy Giuliani releases a series of electoral maps to argue that he’s the only candidate who can conquer the juggernaut Clinton campaign. He forecasts a 210-18 electoral vote rout. Fall 2007
3. Not to be outdone, John McCain releases a map contending that he’ll outperform Giuliani against Clinton in many states… but in classic McCain style, he also maps out where Giuliani outperforms him. Fall 2007
4. While the two frontrunners are debating electability, Ron Paul’s “money bomb” hauls in $4 million in one day, mostly from the Mountain West. November 4, 2007
5. One the state level, Bobby Jindal posts an historic victory in Louisiana, completing its transition to a Red State. October 20, 2007
10. … Where the Obama campaign is establishing an unprecedented voter outreach network.
11. It pays off. Obama wins the Hawkeye State... January 3, 2008
12. And Mike Huckabee surprises everyone by winning caucuses in nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s counties. January 3, 2008
13. The candidates take the overnight flight from Des Moines to Manchester, where McCain is waiting.
14. And sure enough, the Granite State saves McCain once again. Winnipesaukee vacationer Mitt Romney wins only a handful of towns on the Massachusetts border. January 8, 2008
15. Speaking of rescuing candidacies, New Hampshire’s four most populous counties choose Hillary Clinton, and she squeaks by Obama, 39-36%. January 8, 2008
16. The attention quickly turns to Michigan, where former Gov. George Romney’s son wins. January 15, 2008
17. Clinton posts a strong victory over Uncommitted (which claims two counties itself) in the contested Democratic primary. January 15, 2008
18. Continuing his winning streak, Romney rolls in Nevada, although Paul makes a strong statement. January 19, 2008
19. Clinton edges Obama in votes, but in a sign of what’s to come, his campaigns keeps its eye on the prize: Delegates. January 19, 2008
20. While Romney is campaigning in Nevada, McCain and Huckabee are battling it out in South Carolina. McCain wins, avenging his 2000 showing. January 19, 2008
21. Obama beats Clinton by almost two to one. Bill deftly points out that race may have played a factor. January 19, 2008
33. Obama crushes Clinton in Virginia, thanks to the vote-rich urban crescent. But in a sign of what’s to come, Hillary sweeps the state’s Appalachian region. February 12, 2008
34. DC gets to exercise a meaningful vote. January 8, 2008