US Election Diary: Obama corners the Paddy Power vote

This may seem like a risky gamble, but Paddy Power called the race three days ahead of time yesterday, saying it was paying out £400,000 to punters who had put their cash on Obama. Swing-state polling suggested this could yet prove a bit hasty, but for the biggest betting shop in Europe it is small money for the publicity. "Romney gave it a good shot and is doing well in the popular vote, but we suspect he's had his moment in the sun and is likely to be remembered more for his legendary gaffes than presidential potential," it said.

Ferrell happy to 'eat trash'

Who says it's been a dirty election? Spotted in a Manhattan bar this weekend, a patron sporting a "Sluts for Obama" button. Meanwhile, Will Ferrell, who rose to fame mimicking George W Bush, listed "eating trash" as one of the things he is willing to do if Americans vote for Obama. "If you agree to go out in this election I will personally give you a tattoo," he says in an Obama campaign video... before admitting he can't draw.

Our man on Romney bus

Spotted in Team Romney's Winnebago: Sir Peter Westmacott, Britain's ambassador to the US. He enjoyed cosy chats with Mitt, wife Ann and inner circle. Hopefully he'll have repaired the damage from Romney's disastrous visit to London, where he criticised the Olympics, was slapped down by Boris Johnson and found himself dubbed "Mitt the Twit" by the tabloids.