The New Nation - Internet Edition

Trailing behind Obama in the battle-ground states, McCain made a strong pitch for his candidacy as representing mainstream America and criticised Obama for being "far left". In an interview given to Larry King of CNN, McCain again commented on Obama's relation with Bill Ayers, a member of the 1960s militant organisation 'Weatherman' and wanted clarification of this relationship. He also hinted at a meeting that Obama reportedly had with a Palestinian leader before becoming Senator. The latter reference was seen as a caution to the Jewish voters against Obama.

In the battle-ground state of Florida, Obama held a joint midnight rally on Thursday with president Clinton where the latter told the audience that Obama had a better plan for the economy as a whole and for health and education. He told the audience "Barack Obama represents America's future, and you've got to be there for him next Tuesday."

Obama continued to lead in the battle-ground states but the percentage points overall had come down to 4 from 8 percentage points a week ago. This indicates that McCain is gaining ground and this can turn the polls in his favour in the states where the margin is narrow. With a fast changing political landscape, it is too early to predict a landslide victory for Obama, though his camp is euphoric about it. As a rear-guard action, McCain is pointing out to the voters the danger of Democratic control of both the executive and the legislature.