It is Sunday morning and most of the 2,000 Republicans packed into a high-school gymnasium in this affluent commuter town just south of Philadelphia would normally be in church. Today, however, they have a higher, more urgent calling. It is to convince America that John McCain’s campaign is still alive, that he can still win tomorrow’s presidential election, that the country can yet be saved from the catastrophe of an Obama White House.

These are the diehards of the Grand Old Party, the unshakeably faithful, the eternally optimistic who not only scoff at the polls that show Mr Obama several points ahead but believe Mr McCain can offset the loss of traditionally Republican states such as Virginia by winning Pennsylvania – a state where John Kerry defeated President Bush four years ago.

“I don’t give a damn about the polls,” declares Eugene Kernan, 83, a Catholic priest who prays daily for a McCain victory. “I don’t believe people are stating their true intentions to the pollsters,” insists William Heidig, 53, a financial adviser dressed – like his nine-year-old son – in a suit and tie because they have rushed to the rally directly from an early service.

“I’ll not give up till the utmost last minute, because I’m certain the wisdom of the American people will come through,” says Maria Dichiacchio, 65, an office manager.

This is a much older, more staid, more traditional audience than Mr Obama’s vast crowds and is almost entirely white. It is an audience that is happy to accept mass-produced “Country First” placards from McCain aides instead of bringing homemade signs, an audience that regards the “change” promised by Mr Obama as a distinct threat, a defiant and aggrieved audience that believes the electoral playing field is far from level.

They regard the mainstream media as shamefully biased and believe the country has been duped by Mr Obama’s silver tongue. “He could read a telephone directory and make it sound interesting,” says Bob, 71, a retired chemical engineer sporting a McCain-Palin baseball cap. “He’s a good speaker – a very good speaker,” concedes Dorothy Bieter, 35, an auditor, who has bought her three children.

While some have reservations about Mr McCain’s campaign performances – and some are clearly more enthused by his running-mate Sarah Palin – they are united in believing he is a far better option that his untried, untested opponent.

“I’m 71 and I’ve never seen anything more fearful for my country,” Bob, the chemical engineer, says of an Obama presidency. “I have more experience than he does,” Mr Heidig snorts. “I don’t want our country to become socialist,” says Michelle Buolo, 41, a quality controller sporting a red-white-and-blue Stetson. Danielle Dore, 25, a restaurant manager, says she would seriously consider emigrating if Mr Obama wins tomorrow.

Two young children lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The high-school choir sings the national anthem. Finally Mr McCain and his wife Cindy appear on stage and over the next 40 minutes the 72-year-old senator whips his audience into a foot-stamping frenzy.

“We’re going to win Pennsylvania. We’re going to win this election. I know it. I feel it,” he proclaims. He promises to cut taxes, eliminate wasteful spending, end foreclosures, drill offshore, create millions of new jobs. He mocks Senator Obama for running against President Bush, not against him, for planning to raise taxes and cripple small businesses, for saying he will sit down unconditionally with the world’s worst dictators, and for conceding defeat in Iraq.

“Senator Obama is running as redistributionist-in-chief. I’m running as commander-in-chief,” he declares to thunderous applause as he reaches his peroration. “There are just two days left. The pundits have written us off. But, my friends, Mac is back,” he shouts. “I’m an American. I choose to fight. Don’t give up. Fight for a new direction. Fight for what’s right. Fight for our children’s future. Stand up and fight. Stand up, stand up . . .” The rest of his words are lost in the tumult.

It is a stirring, rip-roaring call to arms, and his audience love it, but as they stream from the gymnasium afterwards – their ardour rekindled — the cold facts remain. Mr McCain has devoted huge amounts of money and time to Pennsylvania, but the last six polls show he is still trailing by an average of six points in a state where he has chosen to make his last stand.

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