Hillary shows signs of desperation while Nadar wades in...

Hillary Clinton first said what an honour it was to be on a platform with Barack Obama - but later attacked him full-on, accusing him of using disgraceful smears out of the Republican campaign handbook.

Desperate to do well in next week's crunch states of Texas and Ohio, Hillary cried 'Shame on You Barack Obama', in what appeared to be a moment of desperation at failing to win any of the past 11 state nominations.

There were even reports over the weekend that she may be preparing to quit as the Obama steamroller appears unstoppable. But Hillary is a Clinton and she ain't no quitter.

However, whether she's right or not on the issue (health care insurance), I suspect her no-hold barred attack will backfire and only serve to boost Barack Obama's chances of winning the Democratic nomination.

But in this race, nothing is certain. And we'll have to wait and see. Even if Hillary loses both Texas and Ohio, some pundits say she'll attempt to carry on in the last-ditch hope of picking up enough of the so called 'super' delegates who go to the Convention with no firm mandate.

Meanwhile, even worse news for the Democrats: once highly respected consumer champion Ralph Nader announced he will run for the White House again.

Eight years ago Nadar split the anti-Republican vote and effectively gave the world President George W. Bush.

Some people never learn...

Giuliani and Edwards to drop out...

CNN reporting:

1. John Edwards about to announce withdrawal from Democrat race. Will he back Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama...?

2. Rudy Giuliani about to drop out of Republican race and back John McCain.

Nevada bets on Hillary...UPDATED

Hillary Clinton is claiming a big win in a record turnout in Nevada. Following her surprise comeback to take New Hampshire, the gambling state has put her back on track as the front-runner to take the Democrat nomination and become the first female President.

But as we've already seen in the caucus in Iowa and the primary in New Hampshire, anything could happen in this race.

Barack Obama is still in the fight: a CNN national poll published yesterday showed him making big gains among black voters who previously backed Hillary Clinton.

Barack is expected to do well in South Carolina, next stop on the Democrat campaign trail where voting takes place in a week's time. But it may not be settled Super Tuesday next month when Democrats in 20 states pick their favoured candidate for October's election.

Meanwhile, the Republican race is taking place both Nevada and South Carolina tonight. CNN are calling Nevada for the man with the most money Mitt Romney, who hopes to become the first Mormon in the Oval Office. But the smart money seems to be on Vietnam veteran John McCain. In SC, McCain appears to be ahead and is apparently calling for an extension to voting hours following reports of machinery malfunctions...

When will Americans learn that a blunt pencil is infinitely more reliable than their duff electronic gadgetry...?

UPDATE: With 97% of the Democrat caucuses in Nevada now reported, CNN says Hillary is on 51%and Barack Obama on 45%.

Hillary: winning in New Hampshire to become the 'comeback candidate...'

2.45am: It's so tight. CNN report that with 46% of the results in, Hillary Clinton has 40 per cent of the vote, with Barack Obama on 36.

Still a long way to go til this one's settled...

Sticking with CNN as they are updating by the minute.

2.55am: Getting tighter...52% of the precincts in: Clinton 39%, Obama 37%.

3.25am: Now 62% of precincts have reported: Clinton 39%, Obama 36%.

3.30am: 64% in: Clinton holding 39%, Obama still on 36%.

3.48am: 73% in: No change in margins.

With almost three-quarters of the vote declared, it's unlikely to change the result significantly now...so I'm off to bed.

What an amazing result for Hillary after the roller-coaster of the past few days saw her written off by many pundits and certainly fighting for her political life.

The race with Barack Obama for the White House goes on...But after New Hampshire, Hillary has proved she's the comeback candidate.

Wonder if it was that trick of John Major's with the soap-box that did the trick?

Late surge by Hillary: its too close to call...

Polls now closed in New Hampshire and counting underway. The ABC network - and others - say a late surge by Hillary Clinton makes the Democrat nomination too close to call.

Associated Press have just reported it's neck-and-neck. Edwards is definitely third.

Obama may still win, but it looks likely the Clinton camp have fought back after a damaging few days and will be able to go on revived, saying they've performed much better than expected in NH after losing so badly in Iowa.

Good news too perhaps for Hillary's campaign manager, whose job was said to be on the line tonight. Looks like he lives to fight another state, or two.

Now the pressure will be on Barack Obama as he is now seen as a serious contender. Will be interesting to see how he performs under intense scrutiny from his opponents and the media, like he has not experienced until now.

As predicted, John McCain has won the Republican fight in New Hampshire.

Michigan should have been next stop on the campaign trail but most candidates have withdrawn after a local scandal and the result there next Tuesday will have little or no significance. Next to watch are the states of Nevada and South Carolina in 11 days - a week Saturday.