cnn politics election 2008

CNN’s 2004 election coverage created the framework for the network’s approach to 2008, said David Bohrman, a senior vice president for CNN and executive producer of CNN’s primary coverage.

Take three election-centric TV programs, sprinkle in a little of the Barack Obama phenomenon and add a gee-whiz-worthy high-tech map, and you have a recipe that has cooked up favorable results for CNN. Shows such as “The Situation Room” and “Anderson Cooper 360″ have their fair share of political news and analysis as well.

Derek Baine, an analyst at New York media research firm SNL Kagan, said CNN will “have to come up with something new” after the election. Klein said CNN will be able to use its all-hands-on-deck strategy somewhere else, such as reporting on the faltering economy.

Graphics like the one CNN Senior National Correspondent John King is pointing to aided in the understanding of the election process and contributed to the increase in the network’s ratings.

John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee.

CNN estimates that if the election were held today, Obama would win states worth 291 electoral votes more than enough to capture the White House.

CNN Polling Director Keating Holland cautions against assuming the election is over.