the buzz log

Missouri, population 5.8 million. Indiana, population 6.3 million. Each will send 11 votes apiece to the Electoral College., and polls say constituents are in a virtual dead heat. The Buzz Log daily countown focuses upon what these Midwestern states want to know about John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D).

Follow these links to find what other battleground residents have been contemplating in these last electoral days:
• Nevada and Colorado
• Montana and New Hampshire
• New Mexico and Virginia

Troop Activity: McCain pulled in 13% of online research on the candidates, Obama 86% (the difference are queries involving their wives). Searches for slogan "john mccain for president" have dropped 16% in the past 7 days, but scrutiny into his biography is up. Of concern to Hoosiers in the Obama camp are the assassination attempt, although a few still want details on his family and religion. For campaign issues, though, it's all about the "obama tax facts."
Final Offensives: A crowd 40,000 strong heard Obama on Halloween night, but Democratic veep candidate Joe Biden still plans a Nov. 1 stopover in southern Indiana. His Republican counterpart Sarah Palin paid her third visit to Indiana Oct. 29, Mitt Romney's coming Nov. 2, and McCain's expected to campaign in Indianapolis Nov. 3.
Insider View: The Indy Star reports the elections have been so pervasive, it's taking up lunchroom conversations in high school cafeterias. By the way, congrats to winners of the 2008 Elementary Art Contest.

Troop Activity: The Show Me State has demanded a lot of details in the past 7 days. Obama accounts for 86% of the candidate online research, and McCain accounts for 12% (respective wives Michelle and Cindy and brother Joe McCain make up the remainder.) Like the other battleground. Obama's family tree, citizenship and religion are in question. People have also focused upon his platforms on gun control, taxes, and abortion. McCain's tax plans have also been examined, and queries continue to climb for "john mccain website" (+47%), "mccain palin" (+14%). Most importantly, Missourians have put the two side by side to compare "obama vs mccain on issues" (+64%), "obama vs. mccain" (+56%), and "mccain obama" (+5%). The attention to "obama mccain polls" dropped 74%—but perhaps because people have been distracted by the creative video, "obama mccain dance off."
Final Offensives: For those who still care about polls, McCain has the slimmest lead. Sarah Palin, Republican veep hopeful, pulled in 15,000 Oct. 24 and even got singer Naomi Judd out of retirement. Democratic veep pick Joe Biden came by Oct. 30 with a line-up of unemployed Chrysler workers. Obama plans an Election Eve appearance in Springfield.
Insider View: NPR captured the people of Mark Twain's boyhood hometown of Hannibal, Mo. The News-Leader estimates a whopping 76% turnout, but a state statute gives workers up to three hours off for poll time.

scenes from Indiana and Missouri