US election at-a-glance: 29 Mar-4 Apr

As the Democratic primary battle rumbles on, senior Democrats Howard Dean and Harry Reid propose calling on super-delegates publicly to declare whether they are supporting Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton by 1 July. Mr Obama raises over $40m in March and continues to outspend Mrs Clinton on campaigning. She compares herself to film boxer Rocky, saying she will not quit. Republican John McCain tours places key to his background of public service.

"Delegates are political junkies. This is their moment in the spotlight. Don't take them for granted... By now your campaign should have a massive set of binders with information on every delegate-their birthday, pet peeves, hobbies and interests. If not, get them started."
Former Bush adviser Karl Rove gives the Democrats his pointers for winning their August convention

When it comes to finishing a fight, Rocky and I have a lot in common - I never quit, I never give up Hillary Clinton At-a-glance: 22-28 March

"I have a lot of respect for Senator Clinton and I think she deserves to be able to run as long as she wants."
Barack Obama on whether Hillary Clinton should quit the race for the sake of party unity

"While I was truly torn for weeks about this decision, and seriously contemplated endorsing Senator Clinton, I never told anyone, including President Clinton, that I would do so. Those who say I did are misinformed or worse."
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson rejects the idea he betrayed Mrs Clinton for Mr Obama in a Washington Post opinion piece

"Let me tell you something, when it comes to finishing a fight, Rocky and I have a lot in common. I never quit. I never give up. And neither do the American people."
Mrs Clinton invokes film character Rocky Balboa at a rally in Philadelphia

"I think somebody ought to ask what in the world he's talking about, especially since he has no experience or background at all in national security affairs."
John McCain takes a swipe at Mr Obama's Iraq policy in an interview with MSNBC

Some 81% of Americans believe the US is headed in the wrong direction, according to a CBS-New York Times survey. The figure has risen from 69% a year ago and 35% in early 2002.

The poll may prompt concerns for the Republicans, if people's dissatisfaction with the track the country is on under President George W Bush rubs off on presumptive Republican candidate John McCain.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have sought to argue that Mr McCain will follow the same economic policies as Mr Bush.

The same poll gave Mr Obama a 46% to 43% lead over Mrs Clinton among Democratic voters.

Nearly seven in 10 now believe Mr Obama will be the party's nominee to run for president, up from 55% in mid-March.

Some 56% believe he would beat Mr McCain in a general election contest, compared to 32% who think Mrs Clinton would beat the Republican.

John McCain sought to "reintroduce" himself to America with his tour of places key to his upbringing and reflecting his years of public service.

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