Even if no one changes their vote between November 2008 and November 2012, Obama could still lose....

Those states are actually just turning more purple than red or blue. Look to start seeing races at the local level go more blue and federally to be red then purple and blue states by 2020.peoples beliefs and party doesn't change just their location.

So, the population growth in those states is more due to movement of people from North and East (or other traditionally 'blue' states) into the South and West?

Yes, I think that is what is occurring. States like Michigan and parts of the north east like New York are bleeding population to the south and west as younger residents leave in pursuit of jobs.

into which orange states are the green ones bleeding? anybody have any news on the reapportionment of the major yellow states?

The Stache wrote:

So, the population growth in those states is more due to movement of people from North and East (or other traditionally 'blue' states) into the South and West?

The population growth is also due to Mexican immigrants and their children, who aren't voting for Republicans anytime in the near future.

The Stache wrote:

I find the whole shift toward South and West interesting and wonder what is the primary impetus behind it.

Primary reasons: 1) jobs 2) weather 3) government/taxes

Easy win for Obama if Republicans nominate Sarah Palin for their rep.

People in Red states will flock to the Dems.