US election at-a-glance: 17 Oct

DAY IN A NUTSHELL

As the McCain camp continues to make allegations about possible voter fraud on the part of the Obama-linked group Acorn, the US Supreme Court blocks an attempt by Ohio Republicans to challenge the rights of 200,000 newly-registered voters (whose names do not match social security or driving licence records) to cast their ballots. Speculation mounts that former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican, is set to endorse Barack Obama over the weekend. Mr Obama receives endorsements from a number of high-profile newspapers.

KEY QUOTES

"A cloud of suspicion... seems to right now hang over this election."
Rick Davis, McCain campaign manager, is worried about voter fraud

"This is the first time the newspaper has endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee for president"
Chicago Tribune

US election at-a-glance: 16 Oct

"I'm playing the old guy role anyway, you know, this whole campaign and now I gotta come behind him! Jeez!"
Joe Biden complains to Ellen DeGeneres about appearing after actor Colin Farrell on her chat-show

"He just asked a question. And Americans ought to be able to ask Senator Obama tough questions without being smeared and targeted with political attacks."
John McCain defends the honour of Joe the plumber

"There are few public figures we have respected more over the years than Senator John McCain. Yet it is without ambivalence that we endorse Senator Barack Obama for president."
The Washington Post makes its endorsement

"The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president."
The LA Times offers its first endorsement since 1972

"This endorsement makes some history for the Chicago Tribune. This is the first time the newspaper has endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee for president."
The Chicago Tribune is backing the local candidate

NUMBER NEWS

Barack Obama's lead remains steady in the daily tracking polls.

In most battleground states, the polls suggest that Mr Obama is also in a strong position.

Rasmussen has him ahead in Nevada by five points and Missouri by six points, while Research 2000 has him tied in North Dakota, and leading in Florida by four points.

A Survey USA poll of Florida, however, puts John McCain ahead by two points.

DAILY PICTURE

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Washington Post campaign tracker
New York Times candidate schedules
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