Battleground shrinks for the great debate

[T_i_B]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1033651,00.html

PITY the American voter in Ohio and the dozen other battleground states, especially if they are undecided. They are about to be bombarded by the most sophisticated and relentless canvassing operation that democracy has yet devised.

Pity, also, the overwhelming majority of Americans who live in the three dozen other states where the result of the presidential election in November is considered a foregone conclusion. Their votes are virtually worthless.

More than ever before, the presidential election this year will be focused on the shrinking number of swing states that determine the result. And in a nation split 50/50 even before President Bush further polarised the camps, the number of swing voters will also be close to a record low.

In 2000, fewer than 10 per cent of Democrats voted for Mr Bush, and a similarly small percentage of Republicans backed Al Gore, the lowest crossover vote ever recorded. Analysts expect those figures to fall further in November.