U.S. presidential race tightens as candidates focus on key states

GEARED UP FOR THE FINALE

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain listens as he is introduced at a campaign rally at  Everglades Lumber in Miami, Florida October 29, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Both campaigns are geared up for the finale.

Obama's campaign aired a 30-minute infomercial entitled "American Stories, American Solutions" Wednesday evening simultaneously on CBS, NBC, Fox, MSNBC, Univision, Black Entertainment Television, and TV One.

The ad was receiving very positive coverage Thursday.

The Politico called it a "smoothly produced infomercial" that "weaved together American iconography -- images of amber waves of grain, pickup trucks and American flags -- with portraits of iconic voters, testimonials from politicians and one business figure, footage of Obama speeches and direct appeals from the candidate."

The Los Angeles Times said the spot "offered even the swiftest channel-flipper the chance to see Obama looking presidential."

Meanwhile, McCain sharpened his attack on Obama, pointing out that Obama has broken a promise on campaign financing.

Addressing a Florida crowd Wednesday, McCain said, "When you're watching this gauzy, feel-good commercial, just remember that it was paid for with broken promises."