Bush and Kerry face final live debate

PRESIDENT George Bush and his election challenger John Kerry were last night preparing for their third and final live televised debate.

The showdown in Arizona will be the last opportunity for both men to come face-to-face to convince America that they are the stronger candidate.

The first debate, in Florida, was regarded as a flop for Mr Bush, as Democratic Senator Mr Kerry’s poll ratings jumped in its wake.

But the second head-to-head, in Missouri, was generally regarded as being more closely matched.

The Florida debate sparked some controversy when photographs were posted on the internet of a box-shaped object apparently hidden under Mr Bush’s jacket.

Some claimed the outline of the object was proof that Mr Bush had a radio receiver and was receiving instructions through a hidden earpiece.

But others have suggested it was body armour. The president has been known to wear a hidden bullet proof vest during some public appearances in the past.

With just three weeks to go before the November 2 election, the race is still nose to nose.

The latest Gallup poll for USA Today and CNN gave Mr Kerry the support of 49% of likely voters and Mr Bush 48%.

Among registered voters, Mr Kerry and Mr Bush each had 48%.

In the 17 so-called swing states, which both campaigns see as most competitive, Mr Kerry was at 48%, and Mr Bush at 45%.

The Gallup poll found that Vietnam war veteran Mr Kerry is preferred on almost every domestic issue over Mr Bush.

The Massachusetts Senator has an edge of 29 points on the environment, 19 points on health care, and 13 points on the federal budget deficit.

A tracking poll by the Zogby International group showed Kerry, the four-term senator from Massachusetts, with a three-point edge at 47-44%.

A Washington Post/ABC News tracking poll three weeks before the November 2 ballot put Bush on top 51 to 46%, and a survey by the Rasmussen organisation gave the Republican a four-point margin at 49.5 to 45.5%.

The conflicting results highlighted a race still too close to call and which shows every indication of careening to the same cliffhanger finish as four years ago when the outcome hinged on a bitter recount in the state of Florida.

The final debate, to be held early tomorrow, will focus on domestic issues and will take place at Arizona State University in Tempe.

But ahead of the debate, there was controversy about a new documentary which is set to be broadcast criticising Mr Kerry.

The programme, Stolen Honour: Wounds That Never Heal, shows former Vietnam veterans accusing Mr Kerry of betrayal.

Mr Kerry returned from Vietnam to become a prominent anti-war activist.

At least 18 Democratic senators have called on the Federal Communications Commission to investigate whether Sinclair Broadcast Group’s plans to air the film is an improper use of public airwaves.

The documentary is scheduled to air next week.

The Democratic National Committee said it would file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that the documentary is an illegal contribution of air time to President Bush’s campaign.

Bush campaigned in Colorado yesterday, while Kerry was ensconced in a hotel with advisers preparing for the final debate.