david rudes/bw
Since Oct. 1 customers at 7-Eleven have been able to choose cup colors for their 20-ounce hot drinks—Democratic blue or Republican red. The convenience store’s previous Presidential cup polls, in 2000 and 2004, accurately predicted the winners within a few percentage points, says spokesperson Margaret Chabris. As of Oct. 7 the running tally from 5,375 participating stores (posted at 7-election.com) shows Obama ahead, 58% to 42%. He’s also on top (55% to 45%) at BuyCostumes.com, which sells paper Halloween masks of the candidates. Palin, though, is outselling Biden more than 3 to 1. –Aili McConnon