As the big day approaches...

I know, I know! 

There's only a few days until Election day and I absolutely can not wait to watch those results come in. I know I should probably be looking at the big picture but in all honesty I only care about the outcome in certain states. All other politically savvy people can agree with me that these are the only states that really matter, since other states are expected to do the predictable thing. 

In case you're planning to go to an Election Night Results party and don't want to be completely oblivious to the "swing state" banter, here's some tips on the states you should be paying close attention to: 

Missouri: If you looked up Missouri a few months ago, you'd find that it wasn't really in play for this election. It was supposed to be a McCain stronghold but every since the economy tanked, Obama's popularity has risen in this state. Last week, Obama drew one of his largest crowds ever when he spoke in St. Louis underneath the Gateway Arch. 

Florida: Of all the swing states, Florida has the most electoral votes up for grabs (27). Florida is a must-win for Sen. John McCain but currently Sen. Obama is winning. The outcome of this state may all come down to the way the voters in Central Florida vote. 

Ohio: Ohio has been a great predictor of elections. In the last 4 presidential elections, this state has voted for Bush, Bush, Clinton, and Clinton- all the winners! It's widely known that a good indicator of whether or not a candidate will win the election is whether or not they're gaining in Ohio. The state is completely up for grabs at this point. 

North Carolina: The state brandishes just as many McCain signs and stickers as Obama ones but this state is unique in that it's one of the few "deep South" states that actually may choose Obama. Racism is very rampant in the state of North Carolina BUT North Carolina has a HUGE African-American population that wants to put Obama in the office, as well as many non-black progressives in the Charlotte-area. 

Pennsylvania: I personally think that Pennsylvania will go for Obama but McCain absolutely NEEDS this state to win. He's picked up campaigning there despite the fact that the state hasn't chosen a Republican in over 20 years. Interesting... Also makes me think McCain might have some last minute tricks up his sleeve. 

Arizona: AZ is the only state on this list that's not a swing state BUT it probably should be. A few polls are revealing that Sen. John McCain is clinging on to a NARROW 2 point lead in the state and Sen. Barack Obama is taking out ads there for the first time in the general election. This is McCain's home state and I'd just love it to death if his own state didn't vote for him!