Gap closing but Obama’s lead still substantial

US DEMOCRAT Barack Obama’s big lead over rival Hillary Clinton has slipped but is still substantial two days before the US presidential primary election in South Carolina, where candidates were competing vigorously to win support from black voters.

Former president Bill Clinton, whose wife is battling with challenger John Edwards to stay out of third place in South Carolina, lashed out at Mr Obama and the media for elevating race in the campaign.

Mr Obama’s lead fell three points overnight to give him a 39% to 24% edge over Ms Clinton in South Carolina, according to a poll released yesterday.