I took some heat for a column I wrote last month discussing Barack Obama?s campaign in North Carolina. Some readers thought that pointing out Obama?s targeting of the Tar Heel State, and its northern neighbor Virginia, was tantamount to handing both states over to him. Contrary to that, my goal was to point out that Obama is taking this state seriously and that the McCain/Palin combo hasn?t even set foot here.

I was again reminded of this by a story in the News & Observer covering Obama?s speech in Greensboro on Saturday. From the N&O article:

The post-debate trip to North Carolina — followed by a stop later in the day in Virginia — underscored the importance that Obama is placing on two traditionally red-leaning Southern states.

This was the fourth general election appearance by Obama in North Carolina, where he continues to draw immense crowds not seen here since the 1980 campaign of Ronald Reagan. It was Biden’s second visit. By comparison, McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, have yet to campaign here, and McCain officials could not say when they might.

Polls continue to show the race a dead heat, and some even give Obama a slight edge. The possibility of an economic implosion hasn?t helped McCain?s position, either. So, a warning: we can bloviate about how Obama has no chance here, but that doesn?t change the electoral facts. McCain would be wise to send some resources this way.