The US election is like the Gerry Springer show running for 18 months. Surely there must be a better way for the proponents of Democracy to pick their leaders. After getting it wrong the last two times, I fear for the world they will be wrong again.

Richard Francis, Mississauga , Canada

There isnt enough actors in hollywood and oprah's to get obama elected.........

McCain/Palin 2008

Sue, Indianapolis, USA of course

Obama's lack of experience is allowing his poor judgment to show forth, finally. You can say, "I regret that choice" when you've made a poor call during a campaign, but what are you going to when Iran launches missiles and Russia cuts off Europe's gas? This isn't just another community organization.

Steve, Denver, USA

The DNC cost Hillary the race despite the fact she kept winning. They wrongly supported no- accomplishment, dirty politics Obama. They and he dissed her and the media lapped it up. Don't forget Michigan and Fla. It's too late now. She's done enough of a service to her party and her country.

H Rich, London, UK

The Democrats seem to have blown it again! Barring disasters and taking into account the dislike of OB that seems to be spreading in the US, plus the charismatic Palin, I think we are in for another 4 years of Republicans. What a pity for the rest of the world; more of the same...

Colin, shrewsbury,

Exactly what part of the Swift Boats statements were false? Has John Kerry released his Military records? Did I miss something?

Alex Elliott, Tamarac, USA

Big tactical blunder of Barak to turn his attention to the no.2 rather than his direct opponent. If he makes a tactical blunder on such a simple issue, how can we trust his judgement the moment he faces a real problem? Is he just going to turn his back, and walk away, like he did from his pastor?

N. Monrad, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Independent here. Will vote McCain. Never thought I would, but I like what I am hearing and I like A WOMAN on the ticket. Hillary should not rescue Obama. She will never be president if she does. After the slap in the face he gave her, No Way! If she has to run against Sarah Palin in 4 years Great!

Katelesley, Hawkins,

Independent here. Will vote McCain. Never thought I would, but I like what I am hearing and I like A WOMAN on the ticket. Hillary should not rescue Obama. She will never be president if she does. After the slap in the face he gave her, No Way! If she has to run against Sarah Palin in 4 years Great!

Katelesley, Hawkins, USA

This is the most outrageous scenario. If a woman, black, white, or blue votes for Sarah Palin, than she was NEVER a true Democrat to begin with.

They are woman who are ANTI-choice, and don't care if abortion is made illegal (I don't know ANY Democratic women who want abortion made illegal).

Melissa Murray, London, UK

She says stuff and it is ok. He says stuff it is sexist. If you can not stand the heat, get out of the kitchen Hillary would say, and i am very comfortable. I think Biden needs to lay into her with the foreign and domestic stuff she has no clue on, then bring up the bridge to nowhere,

sandy, quakertown pa, usa

To you, 58-yr old white woman voting for McCain....remember when you pull that lever that you are setting women's rights back 20 years. Any woman who goes to work when her special needs child is only three days old is not a role model for my children and grandchildren. Family values lacking!

nett ferguson, San Diego, CA, USA

I'm from Obama's district but we will vote for McCain.

Lynn, Chicago, USA

Pamela Johnston: so instead of Clinton, you're going to vote for a woman and a party who stand for everything Clinton opposes-- no abortion choice even for raped girls, creationism taught in schools, tax cuts only for the rich, indifference to environmental protection... Please, use your brain!

Tina Rhea, Greenbelt Maryland, US

The damage of Obama's 'lipstick on a pig' "has been done"? You have got to be kidding! The US media has been questioning the veracity of the McCain campaign all week. It was a master stroke. It's got the news cycle back onto him and exposed McCain as the emperor without any clothes - just lipstick

Dr Francis Meynell, Norwich, UK

The Obama campaign is rattled and it shows. Perhaps he can turn it back around, but I doubt it. If anything, these latest events show me that he really doesn't have the experience we need and the people around him are running out of ideas. You can already see that he is second guessing himself.

Dave, Austin, USA

Obama is losing because his true colors are coming through. He's inexperienced, ignorant, arrogant and superficial. Americans can smell a rat a mile away. He's toast

Tom, NY, USA

I am a 58 yr old white woman that has decided to vote the McCain / Palin ticket. I am an independent voter and I have voted Dem in the past. I personaly think that Obama has to little experience and to much baggage. I don't think Obama was properly vetted. Hillary should have gotten the nomination !

Pamela Johnston, Tavernier, USA

The candidacy of Barack Obama seems to have lost some of its luster of late, and I suspect this has something to do with large questions many Americans still harbor about his view of the dangerous world around us. Those questions were not stilled by the choice of Joe Biden as his running mate.

Amad Shaff, Beverly Hills , USA

Obama needs Hillary like a hole in the head. The woman is divisive and self-serving. If Obama is to win he must do so in his way and on his own terms - he doesn't want to owe the Clintons anything.

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

HIlary has very little choice. if she does not help Obama win the Dems will never forgive her. And by the time of the next election, she wont have a chance against Palin..

Neil Murphy, cromer,