I found it odd that  the Obama campaign  considered NC a "traditional battleground"  state in  a recent conference call rather than classifying it as a  "new state", i.e. those Obama puts this year in play.

Clinton would basically refight the 2004 campaign, essentially relying on Kerry States plus Ohio at win.

Obama broadens the playing field to an extent we haven't seen in years. He's strong in the West and in parts of the South. Even states like Montana, North Dakota, and - if you look at the matchups against McCain - Texas (!!!) are in play. 

Anyway, the anticipated increased youth and African-American turnout is a major factor in redrawing the whole electoral map.