US election at-a-glance: 2 Nov

DAY IN A NUTSHELL

On the penultimate day of campaigning in the White House race, the rivals target the key swing states they are likely to need to win the presidency. Hours after a light-hearted appearance on Saturday Night Live, John McCain holds two rallies in Pennsylvania and moves on to New Hampshire. Barack Obama targets Ohio, urging supporters to help rally the vote. The latest polls paint a gloomy picture for Mr McCain, but his team says he is staging a comeback.

KEY QUOTES

"I've been in a lot of campaigns. I know the momentum is there."
John McCain addresses supporters in Pennsylvania.

John McCain may be the greatest closer politician of all time

McCain campaign manager Rick Davis

US election at-a-glance: 1 Nov

"We did not want to wake up on the morning of November 4 waiting for one state. We wanted a lot of different ways to win this election."
Obama campaign chief David Plouffe explains the tactic of targeting traditionally Republican states.

"Now for those of you who have not voted, taken advantage of early voting... it would be a shame to come to a rally and then not vote. Go vote right now, do not delay because we've got work to do."
Barack Obama rallies supporters in Columbus, Ohio.

"I think that what we're in for is a slam-bang finish. I mean, it's going to be wild. I think that we are able to close this campaign. John McCain may be the greatest closer politician of all time."
Rick Davis, John McCain's campaign manager.

"Instead of taking your hard earned money and spreading it around according to some politician's priorities, we're gonna spread opportunity so that you and Joe the Plumber can create new wealth."
Sarah Palin campaigns in Canton, Ohio.

"Get up folks, take back America - it's our time, it's your time, it's Barack Obama's time."
Joe Biden rallies supporters in Florida.

NUMBER NEWS

A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation national survey suggests Mr Obama has a seven-point (53%-46%) lead over Mr McCain in the race for the White House.

Meanwhile a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll saw Mr Obama increasing his lead by one point, leading Mr McCain by 50% to 44%.

In the Washington Post-ABC News daily tracking poll, Mr Obama holds a nine-point national advantage, topping McCain 53 to 44%. In the same poll, more than half of all voters say the economy is their central voting issue.

More generally, polls suggest the six closest state races on election day will be in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada and Ohio.

DAILY PICTURE