Obama tries to close deal, McCain vows to fight on

OBAMA HOLDS ADVANTAGE IN ELECTORAL VOTES

The U.S. president is elected by the Electoral College, which is elected on a state-by-state basis and a person needs at least 270 of the total of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain is joined by U.S. Republican vice-presidential nominee Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (L) and her husband Todd  (2nd L) at a campaign rally in Hershey, Pennsylvania  October 28, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Therefore, presidential candidates will focus on key states that will determine their fate. In this election, five states are considered very crucial.

The Republicans haven't lost Virginia in 44 years and they absolutely need Florida to reach 270 electoral votes.

Republicans never won the White House without carrying Ohio, and the last time Missouri backed a losing candidate was in 1956.

Although a traditional Democrat-leaning state, Pennsylvania is also pivotal because McCain does have a chance there.

However, new poll numbers for these states look grim for him.

A Survey USA automated poll of 648 likely Ohio voters shows Obama leading McCain 49 to 45 percent.

A Bloomberg poll of 639 likely Florida voters taken Oct. 25-27 shows Obama leading McCain 50 to 43 percent.

The Rasmussen Reports automated poll of 500 likely Pennsylvania voters taken Oct. 27 shows Obama leading McCain 53 to 46 percent.

Obama is also leading in Virginia and Missouri.