Well, let’s remember that each vote cast counts for one, regardless of the gusto (or lack) with which it is cast, So there’s that.

But we like to think that enthusiasm can be contagious, which it seems to be. Will such contagion cross state lines? IOW, will extra enthusiasm for Obama lead to more blue states? Or just blue states that are bluer than usual?

I don’t know. But I want to know. That’s why I keep saying that the place to look is at the trend in the set of polls withinr each given state, over time.

The trends could show spreading enthusiasm, if the idea that spreads is that Obama represents a fresh approach and real substantive change for middle class and blue-collar voters.

Or the trends could show spreading fear, if the idea that spreads is that Obama is too unproven and thus risky, not to mention just plain old too liberal.

Skeptics and cynics vote, and they vote in great numbers, although perhaps not with naive joy. Don’t forget that if skeptics and cynics sense that the next President could get elected on a wave of unfounded emotional enthusiasm, THAT phenomenon itself will motivate skeptical turnout. For a skeptic, cancelling out the vote of an unrealistic dreamer is strong motivation.