Special Report: U.S. presidential election 2008

    BEIJING, Nov. 4 -- The battle for the U.S. presidency has entered its final hours. Both Barack Obama and John McCain are assuring U.S. voters that they are the best candidate to usher in brighter prospects for the country.

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) addresses a campaign rally in Jacksonville, Florida, November 3, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The latest polls show Obama is holding a solid lead in his quest to become the nation's first black president.

    The sunshine state of Florida is a crucial battleground for both candidates. With 27 electoral votes up for grabs, it's a state neither candidate can afford to lose.

    Despite Obama's overall lead, polls show the two candidates are running neck and neck in the state, where both Obama and McCain staged recent rallies.

    John McCain, Republican Presidential Candidate, said, "There's one day left. There's one day left until we take America in a new direction, my friends. This is the fundamental difference between Senator Obama and me. We both disagree with President Bush on economic policy. The difference is, he thinks that taxes are too low and I think that spending has been too high."

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) speaks at a campaign rally in Wallingford, Pennsylvania November 2, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    McCain plans to race through seven swing states by Tuesday morning in a bid to persuade undecided voters that he's the most qualified to lead the US through the aftermath of wars and economic crisis.

    On the last day of his 21-month campaign for the White House, Obama told supporters in Jacksonville, Florida, that he could win the longest and most expensive US presidential contest in history.

    Barack Obama, Democratic Presidential Candidate, said, "I have just one word for you Florida: tomorrow. This is going to be close here in Florida, this is going to be close all across the country. We're going to have to work like our futures depend on it - for the next 24 hours because it does. Understand at this point I've made the arguments, now it's all about who wants it more, who believes in it more. Florida, the time for change has come."

    Monday's USA Today/Gallup poll found likely voters favoring Obama by 11 points over McCain, their support rates being 53 and 42 percent respectively.

    Other polls show Obama with a 7 to 8 percentage point lead.

    
    (Source: cctv.com)