2008 primary coverage

Mainstream media is covering this year’s election like never before: There are games, moving maps and interactive timelines — and that’s just for starters. Have you seen any great interactive political graphics? Send ‘em my way!

Match-o-Matic: Take the ABC/USA Today quiz to see which candidate most closely reflects your ideals. Mine accurately told me who I am planning to vote for. (USA Today has the same quiz on its site, but with a different set-up. Match-o-Matic wins that one, but Candidate Match Game shows better comparisons to each candidate throughout the quiz.) While you’re there, check out the trivia quiz and Buzz-o-Meter.

The Contenders: There’s always a boxing metaphor with elections, and MSNBC uses it creatively. Click on candidates for a complete scouting report — pros and cons, a bio and “notable nuggets.” While you’re there, check out the Candidates + Issues Matrix: See where each candidate stands on five key issues, and rate them. They also have a national overview map.

Political Market: CNN used the stock market as inspiration. You get $5,000 (in virtual money, of course), and you predict how the “stock” will perform. The network also has a Delegate Scorecard.

Candidate Schedules: The New York Times breaks down where each candidate is (and has been and will be). The Times also asks readers to post photos of their polling places.

Primary Tracker: The Los Angeles Times takes a look at what’s at stake in each state, by map and timeline. (The other Tribune Co. papers have picked up the Primary Tracker, too.)