Barack Obama South Florida Zogby Poll

Via Sinfonian: Barack Obama holds a 46 to 30 lead in the lates South Florida Zogby poll.

''Obama's 16-point lead in South Florida could springboard him to make it a competitive race statewide,'' said pollster John Zogby. ``I really think Florida is in play.''

Two months ago, I didn't think Obama had a chance in Florida. The Panhandle bleeds red. Where Obama is going to have to concentrate is the I-4 corridor. Hillsborough and Polk counties are along the interstate. If Obama wins South Florida (which has many registered Democrats) and the I-4 corridor then he wins the election. The Panhandle is more sparsely populated than South Florida. That alone will not put McCain over the top.

Florida is a must-win for John McCain. The Obama campaign has hinted that winning Florida is not an absolute must. McCain will have a problem competing with Obama for television ad buys. The Obama can make McCain burn money that he could use elsewhere. McCain could still win Florida. But at a huge cost. McMaverick can not comete with the Obama fundraising machine.