Counting down to the US election

As Americans went out in costume on Halloween [GALLO/GETTY]

A bakery owner in California, however, says his Obama loaves of bread are outselling the McCain loaves 8 to 1. Does it reflect the popular mood? [AFP]

Republican John McCain is pulling out all the stops, hoping to gain some momentum [GALLO/GETTY]

By attacking his rival's economic policies [GALLO/GETTY]

But Barack Obama continues to lead in most surveys of registered voters [GALLO/GETTY]

And has equated McCain's policies to those of the Republican Bush administration [Reuters]

Both candidates have canvassed for support in the state of Pennsylvania [AFP]

Which is considered one of the remaining battleground states, although polls give Obama a lead there [AFP]

With only a few days left until the election [AFP]

The Middle East is also keenly watching the US polls, since the outcome will influence the region in many ways [AFP]

To a race that is sure to have global ramifications [AFP]

The Democratic candidate has won endorsements from countries around the world [AFP]

And captivated many in Africa [AFP]

While McCain has been facing an uphill battle [Reuters]

And is pushing hard for support in battleground states like Ohio and Florida [GALLO/GETTY]

Part of his strategy, and that of running-mate Sarah Palin, is appealing to the average American [AFP]

The White House race has inspired works of art [Reuters]

And displays of American patriotism [Reuters]

And despite the poll's fast approach, anything can still happen [Reuters]

The two last "palled around" at New York's Waldorf Astoria in a traditional campaign stop [AFP]

While on Wall Street, independent candidate Ralph Nader held a rally to denounce the government's $700bn bailout plan [GALLO/GETTY]

McCain and Obama had heated exchanges at times in the third and final presidential debate at Hofstra University [GALLO/GETTY]

Outside, mounted police clashed with Iraq war veterans and other anti-war protesters, arresting some and wounding others [AFP]

McCain, seen as weak on the economy, proposes a $300bn plan to aid homeowners suffering under the global credit crunch [Reuters]

In the second presidential debate, Obama and McCain went head to head over issues of health care, the economy and Iraq [GALLO/GETTY]

Obama's well-organised, well-financed campaign has been called an unstoppable juggernaut [GALLO/GETTY]

But McCain supporters say polling is not an accurate reflection of national sentiment [GALLO/GETTY]

Both campaigns have made personal attacks on the rival candidates' histories and characters [GALLO/GETTY]

For the candidates though, it continues to be about finding that next great photo opportunity [GALLO/GETTY]