Politics this week

Barack Obama and John McCain made one last frantic round of campaign appearances ahead of America’s presidential election on November 4th. Flush with funds, Mr Obama appeared on prime-time television in a glossy 30-minute campaign ad. National opinion polls narrowed somewhat, but still pointed to a big win for the Democrat. Mr McCain insisted he would prove the pundits wrong and eke out a victory. See article

Those states that allow early voting reported a brisk turnout. Gallup suggested that, as of October 27th, 18% of voters had cast their ballots already, and that Mr Obama held a ten-point lead over Mr McCain in that group.

The Democrats were expected to increase their majority in Congress on election day. Their chances of securing a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority in the Senate improved with the conviction of Ted Stevens on all charges of corruption relating to repairs on his home. The Alaskan senator is contesting his seat in a tight race. Senior Republicans, including Mr McCain, said he should resign. See article

New York’s city council voted to amend a law that restricted mayors to two terms in office, which will allow Michael Bloomberg to run again. The decision was met with some criticism; New Yorkers have twice voted in favour of the term limit.

Shaking land
An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck Baluchistan, in north-west Pakistan, killing at least 200 people and destroying hundreds of houses.

Article Source: http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12517165