What difference does 1% make? - 2004 Edition

[McGarnagle]

What difference does 1% make? - 2004 Edition

Take 1% from Bush, add to Kerry

Bush/Cheney (R) 274 defeats Kerry/Edwards (D) 264

This would result in an even closer election, with Kerry keeping New Mexico and Iowa in the Democratic column, but falling just short of flipping Ohio, by 0.1%. Bush would've won the Electoral College by the skin of his teeth again, except he'd also narrowly win the popular vote this time. Such a scenario would likely have resulted in a recount that may have taken weeks.

Take 1% from Kerry, add to Bush

Bush/Cheney (R) 300 defeats Kerry/Edwards (D) 238

This would result in a more substantial win for Bush, keeping New Hampshire in the Republican column while flipping Wisconsin.