Gallery

The contenders

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U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks during a campaign rally in Dunedin, Florida, September 24, 2008. REUTERS/Jason Reed
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Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., accompanied by his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, arrive at a campaign rally, Monday Sept. 22, 2008, in Media Pa. (AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek )
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Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, left, smiles as his choice for his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, pumps her fist as she is introduced to supporters at a campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
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Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. speaks during news conference in Clearwater, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008. In response to Republican John McCain's statement Wednesday that he wants to postpone Friday's debate to deal with the nation's financial problems, Obama said "it's more important than ever" that the country hear from its next president. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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US Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) makes a statement to the press about his campaign following a telephone conversation with his opponent, Republican Senator John McCain, in Clearwater, Florida, September 24, 2008. REUTERS/Jason Reed
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US Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) makes a statement to the press about his campaign following a telephone conversation with his opponent, Republican Senator John McCain, in Clearwater, Florida, September 24, 2008. REUTERS/Jason Reed
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US Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) takes a question from the press following a statement in Clearwater, Florida, September 24, 2008. REUTERS/Jason Reed
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US Republican vice Presidential nominee Alaska Governor Sarah Palin speaks during a rally in Media, Pennsylvania, September 22, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (USA)
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US Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) speaks during a rally in Media, Pennsylvania, September 22, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (USA)
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U.S. Republican Vice Presidential nominee Alaska Governor Sarah Palin speaks during a rally in Media, Pennsylvania September 22, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (USA)
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Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) delivers remarks at the National Jewish Democratic Council's Annual Washington Conference in Washington September 23, 2008. .REUTERS/Mitch Dumke
US Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) speaks at the Key Air Hangar at the Anoka County Blaine Airport in Blaine, Minnesota, September 19, 2008. REUTERS/Eric Miller (USA)
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US Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) talks with Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin (R) during a rally in Media, Pennsylvania, September 22, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Shaffer (USA)
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U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) makes a statement in New York September 24, 2008, announcing he is suspending his campaign because of the economic crisis in the United States. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (USA)
Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) greets supporters during a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina September 21, 2008. REUTERS/Chris Keane
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Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) delivers remarks at the National Jewish Democratic Council's Annual Washington Conference September 23, 2008. .REUTERS/Mitch Dumke