First, the question is not whether Sen. Barack Obama will win Rhode Island's four electoral votes, but by how much.
Pollster.com has Obama with a 17.3% lead and FiveThirtyEight.com has Obama winning by a margin of 24.4%.
Here is my guess....
The large number of senior citizen voters in Rhode Island, combined with our large electorate of ethnic Irish, Italian and Portuguese voters and our huge Catholic density, will drive down the numbers for Obama. In addition, we don't have huge pockets of African-Americans and "latte liberals" to combat these trends against Obama. And keep in mind that Hillary Clinton won Rhode Island big by 18 points in the March 4th Primary.
Here is my prediction for the final result.
Obama-57 McCain-41
Compare that with 2004:
Kerry-60 Bush-39
And 2000:
Gore-61 Bush-32
Yes, there is still racism in the North. Perhaps it's because racism is dealt with so much more openly in the South and it is so subtle in the North. Either way, it's still pervasive. Even in Rhode Island.
Second, if you missed the October 4 deadline to register to vote the full Rhode Island ballot on Election Day, you are still eligible to cast a so-called "same-day" ballot for President and Vice President. In most places, just to go to your community's city or town hallon November 4.
Four cities and towns have set up special locations instead of town hall on Election Day: Coventry Town Hall Annex, 1675 Flat River Road; Little Compton, Wilbur McMann School, 28 Commons; Providence, Dunkin Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Square; and Smithfield Senior Center, 1 William J. Hawkins Jr. Trail.
Whether you go to town hall or a special location, local elections officials will be on hand to help. If you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizens and a resident of Rhode Island, you can register to vote and cast a ballot in the presidential race on the spot. And you will be officially registered in Rhode Island for future elections.
Third, and finally, with 36 hours until polls close, don't forget to leave it all on the field. From Obama RI director, Ray Sullivan:
We’re in a full-throttled race to the finish line with no time to let up. Starting Monday, our phones go live first thing in the morning and we’re going straight through to midnight. We’ve set up multiple shifts for you to find a time convenient to get in here, so please, take a minute to RSVP and let us know when you’re available. As always, folks willing to bring their own cell phones and chargers are particularly helpful. For more information, be sure to give the Rhode Island for Obama Headquarters a call at (401) 536-7870.