Race to the White House

AMERICA will go to the polls next Tuesday (November 4) for the 56th United States presidential election.

Standing for the Republican Party will be John McCain and for the Democratic Party is Barack Obama.

It proves to be an historic result whoever wins. If Obama triumphs, then he will become the first black US president and if John McCain succeeds, his vice president, Sarah Palin, will be the first woman to achieve that office.

Barack Obama, who is favourite to win, has been accusing John McCain of negative campaigning.

It is said that McCain’s strategy of attacking his opponent has had an adverse effect and has turned voters off him.

A key issue is the race to the White House state of the economy, with another being Iraq. Obama opposes the war in Iraq and, if he takes office, wants to see all US troops out of the country within 16 months.

McCain had wanted US troops to remain in Iraq, but now says if he becomes president US troops would be withdrawn by 2013.

Last week Obama took two days out to look after his dying grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, and John McCain has being trying to fight back. While Sarah Palin has been attempting to shake off bad publicity about her wardrobe. It had been said she has spent over £100,000 on new clothes, as a way of improving her style.

Millions will vote on Tuesday and a result will be expected within 12 hours.

The new president won’t be in office until January 20 next year though.