QUOTABLE

"Not since Richard Nixon, I think, has any presidential nominee —- we're talking nominee now —- ever gone to Alaska and Hawaii. That's disgraceful."

Independent presidential candidate RALPH NADER, who visited Hawaii on Thursday

RUMOR CONTROL

The report an image-conscious Barack Obama refused a boy's request for a fist bump? Not true, says the campaign. It said the boy actually asked Obama to sign his hand, which Obama thought might not meet with Mom's approval.

NEW VEEP POSSIBILITY

Buzz is growing about former Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.), a favorite of organized labor, as a potential Barack Obama running mate. But his more recent lobbying career could be a liability.

LATEST NUMBERS

Barack Obama....50%

John McCain ....45%

Und./other ......5%

—- CNN/Opinion Research national poll of registered voters

ANOTHER TAKE

Barack Obama....46%

John McCain ....38%

Und./other......16%

—- McLaughlin & Associates poll of likely voters nationwide

 NOV. 4, 2008
123 DAYS LEFT