US election at-a-glance: 4 Feb

DAY IN A NUTSHELL

The candidates campaign feverishly nationwide on the eve of Super Tuesday, when 24 states hold primaries or caucuses. As she did before the New Hampshire primary, Hillary Clinton appears to have an emotional moment, this time after she is reunited with a former colleague. Actor Robert de Niro campaigns for Barack Obama, while another New Yorker - former state governor George Pataki - endorses John McCain. Mitt Romney reminds voters that Democrat John Kerry reportedly asked Mr McCain to be his presidential running mate in 2004.

Primary roadmap

KEY QUOTES

"When the primaries are over, if McCain has won the day, don't sulk and don't sit it out."
New York Times columnist William Kristol urges conservatives to unite

Barack Obama does not have the experience to be president of the United States. He wasn't experienced enough to authorise the invasion of Iraq Robert de Niro At an Obama rally At-a-glance: 1 Feb

"I said I would not tear up. Already we're not on that path."
Hillary Clinton gets emotional in Connecticut

"Republicans, who traditionally abhor competition, are ready tomorrow to crown Senator John McCain as their nominee. Democrats will still be battling."
Robert Novak, Washington Post

"Barack Obama does not have the experience to be president of the United States. He wasn't experienced enough to authorise the invasion of Iraq."
Actor Robert de Niro, makes a reference to Hillary Clinton's voting record at an Obama rally

NUMBER NEWS

A large number of pre-election polls have been released, shedding some light on the state of the Super Tuesday races.

For the Democrats, polls suggest that Barack Obama will win comfortably in Georgia and in his home-state of Illinois, while Hillary Clinton can expect victories in New York and New Jersey.

The races in Missouri, Connecticut, Massachusetts and - the biggest prize of all - California are too close to call, however.

In the Republican contest, polls indicate that John McCain is almost certain of victory in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, while Mitt Romney has a comfortable lead in Massachusetts, where he was formerly governor.

In Missouri, Georgia and California, however, Mr McCain and Mr Romney are vying with one another for first place.

DAILY PICTURE

Carnival-goers in Dusseldorf are treated to a visual representation of current US opinion polls