U.S. presidential race tightens as candidates focus on key states

Source: Xinhua | 10-31-2008 07:51

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- In the final days before the election, the U.S. presidential race appears to be tightening again.

U.S. Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama campaigns during an election rally in Sarasota, Florida, October 30, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

RACE TIGHTENS

Latest national polls continue to show Democrat Barack Obama leading Republican John McCain in the race for the White House.

However, the size of Obama's lead is shrinking a bit.

The Gallup daily presidential tracking poll of 2,789 registered voters taken Oct. 26-28 has two likely voter models.

One based on past voting behavior and current intention to vote shows Obama leading McCain 49 to 46 percent, while the second based on current intention to vote shows Obama up 51 to 44 percent.

The CNN survey shows that Obama is ahead 51 to 47 percent.

Among various polls, Obama's leading range is between 3 and 8 points, while the range was between 2 and 15 points Wednesday.

A new Ipsos/McClatchy Poll this week found McCain trailing nationally by 6 percentage points, 2 points closer than the week before.

The poll also found 8 percent of likely voters still undecided, enough to deliver the election to the Arizona senator if they moved to him as a bloc.

With Obama's lead seeming to be solid, many experts and a lot of media outlets are saying the race is effectively over.

However, some analysts pointed out that while he's still trailing, McCain still has a chance, although it looks very slim.

"Sure, McCain can win," election analyst Greg Mueller said. "It's not going to be easy. But it can be done."

Howard Fineman, a senior writer for Newsweek, said Obama's campaign staff believe it will remain a close race to the end because there is still a number of undecided voters who could vote for McCain on the final day.