A CNN opinion poll shows 47 per cent of US voters think health issues would force John McCain to step down as American president.

William Hill makes Barack Obama its 7/4 favourite to win the US presidential election in 2012.

William Hill has installed Sarah Palin as 6/1 favourite in their betting odds on the first female president of the USA.

John McCain’s presidential running-mate will prompt Democrats as well as Republicans to rally behind their candidate with her defiant convention speech.

Democrats and Republicans have each scored goals and own-goals over the past two weeks – and that can only suit front-runner Barack Obama.