Bloc known as the "others" - voters from all walks of life, races, political leanings and economic backgrounds - could help Obama turn a statistically red state into a blue one.

Emotions among Americans are running high, fueled by the financial crisis and harsh rhetoric on the presidential campaign trail. In fact, John McCain has been forced to calm unruly crowds, which have called his opponent, Barack Obama, a terrorist and other insults. The incivility serves to highlight the dangers of negative campaigning.