Create a *close* map for 2012.

[°Leprechaun]

Create a map that you think is a possibilty for 2012.
Only one request. Put the electoral votes on what that map is for 2008 and for 2012 and who wins.
If you divide the country into red state blue state the Republicans have the advantage in 2012, but if you divide it into red state blue state swing state the situation changes.

For example consider the following which represents a narrow win in 2008 and 2012 for the Democrat, and involves a Dem victory in Arizona and Nevada:
274-264 in '08 and perhaps 271-267 in '12

[°Leprechaun]

Remember, your map is a hypothetical for 2012 and may or may not represent a possible map in 2008 (that's up to you). Obviously Arizona is not a battleground in 08 but may be in 12.

[°Leprechaun]

How you define close is up to you, but be realistic -- for example 338-200 is not close.

[°Leprechaun]

McCain wins in 08 and decides not to run again. The Republicans nominate Palin for President and Crist for VP. The Democrats nominate Clinton for President and Warner for VP.

Here is the map (with adjustments for the census)

Clinton wins with 276 EV

The most interesting thing about your map is your prediction for how the census will change things. For example, on your map Florida and New York both have 29 electoral votes.
It is hard to say, of course, but your projection of electoral vote changes may not be far from the actual result.