George W Bush, Speaking at a Republican rally
Democratic nominee, Al Gore closes the gap
With two days to go before the American Presidential election, the lead of the Republican candidate, George W Bush, over his Democratic rival, Al Gore, has fallen by two percentage points. In the latest Reuters poll, Mr Bush has the support of 46% of voters against 44% for Mr Gore. With a 3% margin of error, the two candidates are in a statistical dead heat. Separate polls in each of nine key states have shown a totally unpredictable election. Both candidates are involved in a final campaign sprint in the hope of picking up undecided voters.
Mr Bush sprinted through Florida today in a frantic bid to seal victory in Tuesday's presidential vote in this traditionally Republican state where Mr Gore is mounting a strong challenge. A MSNBC poll credited Gore with 46% in Florida, compared with 45% for Bush. Both candidates covet Florida's 25 electoral votes, as the victor must take a minimum of 270 electoral votes, out of a total 538, to win the White House.
Losing this southern state would deliver a symbolic blow to Bush's ambitions as his brother Jeb is its governor. "I am very confident that he'll carry Florida," Jeb Bush said. Bush was courting the large Cuban community of Miami late today, promising to "keep the pressure" on Cuban President Fidel Castro should he be elected president two days from now.
