There is still hope. While I absolutely do not approve of assination, there is a good chance of someone trying it before he is sworn in or shortly after.

Also don't forget the challenges to his citizenship. I doubt that the people pressing that issue will slack off now. Rather, I expect them to redouble their efforts before the innauguration.

Does anyone know what the required action will be if Obama is assinated before he is sworn in? Also what does election law, or the constitution, say about the way to handle it if he is shown to be inneligible for the office? Does the succession rule that would give the presidency to Biden apply before Obama is sworn in or would we need a new election? Or a possible third scenario of McCain, with the second highest vote tally, being declared the winner instead