Who's backing whom in US race

The presidential candidates have been eagerly seeking endorsements from popular celebrities and influential politicians.

The BBC News website takes a look at some of the famous supporters the candidates have attracted, and what their endorsers have said about them.

BARACK OBAMA

Ms Winfrey was a prominent early supporter of Mr Obama

Celebrities Oprah Winfrey, talk show host George Clooney, actor Scarlett Johannson, actress Robert De Niro, actor Tom Hanks, actor Matt Damon, actor Halle Berry, actress Bruce Springsteen, musician Warren Buffet, business leader Eric Schmidt, CEO Google

Notable politicians Gen Colin Powell Scott McClellan, ex-Bush aide Newspapers Washington Post New York Times Chicago Tribune Chicago Sun-Times Los Angeles Times Miami Herald

"We need a president who can bring us all together. I know [Barack Obama] is the one."
Oprah Winfrey

"He's a pretty smart guy. I'm sure he could learn how to [run Google]."
Google CEO Eric Schmidt

"Few people in my lifetime, that I've heard speak made me want to get up and do something - I don't want to hurt him by saying that!"
George Clooney

JOHN MCCAIN

Senator Lieberman (right) spoke at the Republican National Convention

Celebrities Sylvester Stallone, actor Clint Eastwood, actor Robert Duvall, actor Joe Gibbs, football coach Gary Sinise, actor John Rich, singer Heidi Montag, reality TV star

Notable politicians Senator Joe Lieberman Newspapers New York Post Boston Herald Dallas Morning News New Hampshire Union Leader

"We're all just a-raisin' McCain."
John Rich

"I like McCain a lot. A lot."
Sylvester Stallone

"Let's put the United States first again, and John McCain is the man as president who will help us do that."
Joe Lieberman