12 Key Factors for the Presidential Election

Mark Halperin of Time Magazine lists his 12 key factors that will determine the winner of the presidential election, in descending order of importance.

1. Michigan.

2. The first debate.

3. The final debate.

4. The percentage of voters on Election Day who think Barack Obama has a Muslim background.

5. Colorado, Virginia, Ohio.

6. The percentage of voters on Election Day who believe the country is on the wrong track who vote for John McCain.

7. The percentage of Democrats who turn out on Election Day who vote for Obama.

8. New Mexico, Nevada, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Iowa.

9. An/the October Surprise.

10. Voters’ views on Election Day of Obama and McCain on who would be better on the economy.

11. The Palin Factor.

12. The percentage of Republicans who turn out on Election Day who vote for McCain.

The Page - by Mark Halperin - TIME