FIRST READ: Obama holds 264-163 lead on electoral map. No significant changes.

[jefferson_dem]

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann

*** Two weeks out: There are no significant changes to this week’s NBC electoral map. Obama continues to hold a 264-163 lead over McCain, which is unchanged from last week. The slight changes: We moved Georgia, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District from Likely McCain to Lean McCain. Also, we almost moved McCain’s home state of Arizona to the Lean column; the state would have been a battleground had McCain not been on the ticket. And keep an eye on South Carolina -- yes, South Carolina. The historic African-American turnout appears to be happening and could make it a single-digit race there. In sum, the political winds are still at Obama’s back. As for the Toss-up states and any that are teetering toward Obama: Colorado, Florida, and Virginia all seem to tilting the Democrat's way, but we haven't moved them yet because all three states have histories of Republican candidates over-performing polls. Unlike other maps, ours is not poll-driven. Polls are only a part of how we make our decisions on our map.

Video: NBC Deputy Political Director Mark Murray offers his first read on this week's changes in the NBC electoral map, Colin Powell's endorsement and the latest NBC/Mason Dixon polls.

Likely Obama: CA, CT, DE, DC, HI, IL, ME, MD, MA, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA (175 electoral votes)
Lean Obama: IA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NM, PA, WI (89 votes)
Toss-up: CO, FL, IN, MO, NV, NC, OH, VA (111 votes)
Lean McCain: GA, MT, NE 02, ND, SD, WV (30 votes)
Likely McCain: AL, AK, AZ, AR, ID, KS, KY, LA, MS, NE (the rest of the state), OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, WY (133 votes)

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/10/20/1570521.aspx

[tekisui]

1. Chuck Toad has suspended time.

What an idiot.

[speedoo]

3. It's OK.

"no change" is another nail in McLiar/Failin' campaign coffin.

[bookman]

2. Virginia?

Why is this still a "toss-up"?

I think polls are very favorable. I guess they want to keep the "horse race" alive.