Ohio River controls the fate of the world

WaPo has begun the Ohio River Ramble:

The area is ground zero in the battle for control of Congress and the larger battle between America's two major parties. The region is also emblematic of a closely divided nation -- neither the Republicans nor Democrats have a lock on its electorate.

Rothenberg said "this swath of prime campaign territory" roughly follows the Ohio River and could all be seen in a few days and 500 miles. Well readers, buy some beef jerky and grab your iPod, because we're making the trip.

Just a few days ago I was lamenting my lack of enthusiasm for this election. Suddenly, though, my interest has been piqued. Something called hope is starting to come back to me...