“Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual” Obama told supporters last night – pledging to break the partisan gridlock which has paralysed Washington. But can he really change things?
It was the Obama speech his supporters had been waiting for: the confidence and the optimism and the promise of better things to come. But how did he win – and what happens next?
There have been cheers, as Obama and Romney whooped up supporters one last time, and there have been tears. Now, at last, it is time for the voters to decide. It could be a long night.
They were queuing at some polling stations at 4.30am, with voters waiting hours to cast their ballots. Polling watchdogs are reporting some irregularities in key states: a sign of trouble to come?
It’s up to you, Obama told supporters last night: Felicity Spector joined some of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers on both sides who are pounding the streets – fighting for every vote.
It was a campaign rally hastily turned into a disaster relief event. But Mitt Romney’s team has been accused of buying the relief donations themselves – telling supporters to “just grab something”.
You can vote early, or on time. By post, by proxy, in person. An electronic ballot, a butterfly punch, an X to mark the spot. If that sounds complicated – wait till you hear how it really works.
The superstorm is receding: now the political storm clouds are back, as the fight for the White House resumes in earnest. For Obama and Romney – there’s no let up till election day.
New Yorkers are doing it for themselves. As the flood waters recede from the city’s streets, local communities are cleaning up the damage. One of Brooklyn’s best-known chefs is leading the way.
President Obama is touring the disaster zone – Mitt Romney is back to campaigning. Less than a week before the election, will the super storm, and the response, affect the vote?
It is not just the economy. From the role of government to abortion, we bring you the key issues that divide Barack Obama from Mitt Romney – as America prepares to go to the polls.
President Obama tours some of the areas worst hit by Superstorm Sandy to see the damage, meet victims, and thank emergency workers who helped tackle the disaster. Felicity Spector reports.
Transport systems wrecked. Homes badly damaged. Businesses shut and power supplies cut for days on end. The economic cost of the superstorm could reach $20bn – or more.
The worst of the storm may be over, but the recovery has only just begun. As President Obama declares a major disaster, millions on the US eastern seaboard face transport chaos and days of blackouts.
Coping with a crisis: leading a nation through tragedy. As Obama and Romney tear up their election schedules in the face of Superstorm Sandy – how could it affect their chances at the polls?