A new NPR poll conducted in 19 "battleground" states shows McCain and Obama in a tight race, with Obama leading 46%-44%.

According to NPR, 14 of the 19 states were ones Pres. Bush carried in 2004, including Alaska and North Dakota, states Democrats don't often compete in but which were included because Obama has put them in play. The fact that Obama is showing so well in traditionally Republican states is evidence of the changing landscape of the electoral map, as well as the well-organized and well-funded campaign Obama is running.

Still, McCain has so far spent relatively little -- if anything -- in some of these states, so the fact that he's running so close could be viewed as a good sign for him as well.

On the issues, Obama has the edge on who has the better approach to the economy (Obama, +5%) and who could best solve the energy crisis and lower gas prices (Obama, +3%). McCain holds a clear edge on who could best handle the situations in Iraq (McCain, +10) and Afghanistan (McCain, +17). McCain is seen as being more negative (+24), while Obama is seen as having flip-flopped on issues (+22). By far, more people said they had heard more about Obama's campaign (+25%) and had seen him more on TV (+42%).