Barack Obama has opened up a four-point lead in the race for the White House, buoyed by support from women and independent voters, according to a Reuters poll.

The Democrat leads Republican rival John McCain by 48% to 44% in the poll of likely voters - up from a previous two per cent advantage.

Among independents, the Illinois senator saw his advantage grow from nine points to 13 and among women from seven points to nine.

He now leads or is even with Mr McCain in all age groups except those aged over 70.

Pollster John Zogby said: "Obama seems to be doing well among the groups he really needs... McCain needs to do much better with them."

And Mr McCain was only running even with Mr Obama among families with a member in the military, despite his background as a Navy fighter pilot and Vietnam prisoner of war.

Full article here