"The census cost him at least a 40 electoral college swing in the coming election, more probably close to 100." OK, that's your opinion. Now give us the hard evidence to support it. Obama is right now 56% positive with the gambler's odds.
Do. The. Math. Both electoral college and presidential reelection bids for years ending in 2.
"When the electoral college map is changing normal strategies tend to fail." OK, that's your opinion. Now give us the hard evidence to support it.
Now for some hard evidence. In 1948, 1956, and 1996 the sitting presidents, having been rocked by massive changes in favor of their congressional opposition, won election: handily in the last two campaigns.
None of your examples are post census reelection examples such elections end in 0 or 2. As in FDR and McKinley are exemptions for reelections ending in zero.
See, William, what some hard evidence does to talking point opinions. You are only whistling in the dark as you pass the graveyard. Want to buck up GOP odds. Work as hard as you can against a Palin nomination and work as hard as you can for a Romney nomination.