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Democrats set for crucial debate Democrats set for crucial debate
(20 minutes later)
The two main Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are preparing to face each other in a live televised debate.The two main Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are preparing to face each other in a live televised debate.
It will be their final encounter before next week's crucial primaries in Ohio and Texas.It will be their final encounter before next week's crucial primaries in Ohio and Texas.
Mr Obama is regarded as the front-runner, after winning the previous 11 primaries and caucuses.Mr Obama is regarded as the front-runner, after winning the previous 11 primaries and caucuses.
Ahead of the debate he won endorsement from a former rival for the Democratic nomination, Senator Christopher Dodd.Ahead of the debate he won endorsement from a former rival for the Democratic nomination, Senator Christopher Dodd.
Mr Dodd, who abandoned his bid last month, is the first Democratic campaign drop-out to endorse another candidate.Mr Dodd, who abandoned his bid last month, is the first Democratic campaign drop-out to endorse another candidate.
On Tuesday he and Mr Obama appeared at a joint news conference in Cleveland, Ohio, where the debate will be held at 0200 GMT.On Tuesday he and Mr Obama appeared at a joint news conference in Cleveland, Ohio, where the debate will be held at 0200 GMT.
Christopher Dodd is fully behind Barack ObamaChristopher Dodd is fully behind Barack Obama
Mr Dodd said Mr Obama had "been poked and prodded, analysed and criticised, called too green, too trusting and for all of that has already won" more than half the states and millions of votes.Mr Dodd said Mr Obama had "been poked and prodded, analysed and criticised, called too green, too trusting and for all of that has already won" more than half the states and millions of votes.
The BBC's Justin Webb says Mr Obama's campaign is still picking up support and speed.The BBC's Justin Webb says Mr Obama's campaign is still picking up support and speed.
Analysts say Mrs Clinton needs to win convincingly in both Texas and Ohio to remain in the race to choose the Democratic candidate for November's presidential election.Analysts say Mrs Clinton needs to win convincingly in both Texas and Ohio to remain in the race to choose the Democratic candidate for November's presidential election.
The race between the two Democratic front-runners has become increasingly heated in recent days.The race between the two Democratic front-runners has become increasingly heated in recent days.
Last week, during the first of two debates ahead of the 4 March primaries, Mrs Clinton accused Mr Obama of political plagiarism.Last week, during the first of two debates ahead of the 4 March primaries, Mrs Clinton accused Mr Obama of political plagiarism.
She was referring to her rival's apparent copying of rhetoric used by one of his supporters, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.She was referring to her rival's apparent copying of rhetoric used by one of his supporters, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
Mr Obama dismissed the charge as part of the "silly season".Mr Obama dismissed the charge as part of the "silly season".
Cheap shots?Cheap shots?
On Monday, the two Democratic candidates traded accusations about a photo circulating on the internet showing Mr Obama wearing traditional Somali robes during a visit to Kenya in 2006.On Monday, the two Democratic candidates traded accusations about a photo circulating on the internet showing Mr Obama wearing traditional Somali robes during a visit to Kenya in 2006.
What Obama's robes meanJustin Webb's AmericaWhat Obama's robes meanJustin Webb's America
The Drudge Report website said it was circulated by Mrs Clinton's staff but her team denied it had sanctioned its release or that it ridiculed Mr Obama.The Drudge Report website said it was circulated by Mrs Clinton's staff but her team denied it had sanctioned its release or that it ridiculed Mr Obama.
Addressing the issue briefly in an interview with a Texas radio station, Mr Obama said: "I think the American people are saddened when they see these kind of politics."Addressing the issue briefly in an interview with a Texas radio station, Mr Obama said: "I think the American people are saddened when they see these kind of politics."
Ahead of Tuesday's crucial debate, Mrs Clinton described Mr Obama as untested and stressed her own experience.Ahead of Tuesday's crucial debate, Mrs Clinton described Mr Obama as untested and stressed her own experience.
In a speech on Monday she said her rival would need a "foreign policy instruction manual" to keep the country safe if elected.In a speech on Monday she said her rival would need a "foreign policy instruction manual" to keep the country safe if elected.
Several polls suggest Mr Obama is gaining ground in both Texas and Ohio.Several polls suggest Mr Obama is gaining ground in both Texas and Ohio.
According to a CNN poll, the Illinois senator is leading in Texas for the first time, with 50% compared to 46% for Mrs Clinton.According to a CNN poll, the Illinois senator is leading in Texas for the first time, with 50% compared to 46% for Mrs Clinton.
Mr McCain is popular with moderates and independentsMr McCain is popular with moderates and independents
On the Republican side, front-runner John McCain has also been campaigning in Ohio.On the Republican side, front-runner John McCain has also been campaigning in Ohio.
During a rally in Cincinnati, conservative radio talk-show host Bill Cunningham warmed up a crowd by referring to Mr Obama as "Barack Hussein Obama" three times, emphasising his Muslim-sounding middle name.During a rally in Cincinnati, conservative radio talk-show host Bill Cunningham warmed up a crowd by referring to Mr Obama as "Barack Hussein Obama" three times, emphasising his Muslim-sounding middle name.
Some opponents appear to believe that implying Mr Obama is a Muslim - which he is not - will weaken his appeal to voters.Some opponents appear to believe that implying Mr Obama is a Muslim - which he is not - will weaken his appeal to voters.
McCain was not in the building when Mr Cunningham spoke, but came on stage later.McCain was not in the building when Mr Cunningham spoke, but came on stage later.
The Republican candidate quickly distanced himself from the attack on Mr Obama, and told reporters: "I apologise for it."The Republican candidate quickly distanced himself from the attack on Mr Obama, and told reporters: "I apologise for it."