The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Chicago

Democrat Barack Obama on Friday put the finishing touches to the unveiling of his choice of running mate after unleashing a fusillade of vitriol on White House rival John McCain.

The Republican came under attack after confessing to being in the dark about how many properties he owns, as the pair braced for the convention season.

Obama returned to his home in Chicago after a week-long tour of southern states, and was to stay huddled with top aides to roll out the closely guarded secret of who his vice presidential pick is. The Illinois senator told reporters traveling with him in Virginia Thursday: "I've made the selection and that's all you're going to get."

His shortlist reportedly includes Delaware Senator Joseph Biden, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Supporters of Obama's former party rival Hillary Clinton are still pushing for her to be on the ticket.

The Democrat's choice of VP nominee will be unveiled at the latest at a campaign event Saturday in the town where Obama first launched his White House bid in February 2007 -- Springfield, Illinois.

Republican McCain also off the campaign trail Friday, finalizing his own VP pick days before next week's Democratic National Convention in Denver marks the formal start of hostilities for November's presidential election.

While both the candidates will be officially anointed by their parties over the next fortnight, they are already locked in a fierce political battle and Thursday saw some of the fiercest clashes yet.