As I look at more data, I have to conclude you are wrong.
Obama fell 15 million votes short of his 2008 totals, but Romney also fell 6 million short of McCain’s totals. I would have guessed that Romney got more votes than McCain, but I would have guessed way wrong.
Here in Arizona, voters overwhelming rejected extending a sales tax increase that was passed a few years back as a temporary measure. It wasn’t close, either - 65/35 split. This time, the “children” lost! Finally!
And a measure to protect someone who shoots a crook passed 80/20.
I wasn’t pro-Romney. I was ABO. And apparently, regardless of what the GOP-E says, that isn’t enough. It was nice to see that Mitt truly loves America, and I’d have voted for him on that basis alone in the end, but that isn’t enough to fire up the republican vote.
You are using dated figures. The counting is still going on. Currently, it is Obama with 50% (59,666,257 votes) and Romney with 48% (57,045,223 votes).
Obama received 69 million in 2008 and McCain 59 million. I anticipate Obama will finish with around 63 million and Romney with about 60 million. Obama lost far more votes, but I think Romney did well since many conservative voters (WWII era folks) have died since 2008 and we are not replenishing them in the GOP.
That 59 million by McCain was the second largest number ever received by a Presidential candidate topped only by Obama's 69 million. I think the Rep vote is already hitting a high water mark. Demography is destiny.
FYI: Only 68% of the CA vote is in with Obama leading by about 2 million 5.5 million to 3.5 million. In 2008 Obama won CA 8.2 million to 5 million. We should see around another 4 million votes counted in CA, which will add to both totals.