I could live with defeat, says embattled McCain

John McCain today tried to shrug off the disappointment that his "friend" Colin Powell has backed his rival for the White House.

After yet another hammer blow to his campaign, Mr McCain attempted to remain positive as he said he could live with defeat.

Speaking moments after General Powell, the former Republican Secretary of State, had endorsed Barack Obama, Mr McCain said: "I don't dwell on it. I've had a wonderful life. I have to go back to Arizona and live with a wonderful family, and daughters and sons that I'm so proud of.

"I'm the luckiest guy you have ever interviewed and will ever interview. I'm the most fortunate man on earth, and I thank God for it every single day." If he lost, he said, "don't feel sorry for John McCain and John McCain will be concentrating on not feeling sorry for himself".

Senior aides fear General Powell's ringing endorsement for Mr Obama could be the turning point in the final two weeks of the election. His backing could boost the foreign policy and national security credentials of the Illinois senator and appeal to moderate and independent voters.

The retired four-star general said he considered Mr Obama an "inspirational leader" and criticised Mr McCain for choosing someone as inexperienced as Sarah Palin for his running mate. Mr McCain did not directly comment on Gen Powell's decision other than to say it came "as no surprise".

Earlier, he said he was happy to be trailing Mr Obama in the polls. "I love being the underdog. You know, every time that I've gotten ahead, somehow I've messed it up," the Republican candidate said. "We're going to be in a tight race and we're going to be up late on election night. I'm confident of that. I've been in too many campaigns not to sense that things are headed our way.".

The one bright spot in Mr McCain's gloomy weekend which also saw Mr Obama announce he had raised a record £75 million last month came in a new poll which saw Mr McCain narrow the gap on his rival.

The Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll had Mr Obama slipping three points in his lead over Mr McCain following the third and final TV debate.

Mr Obama still leads by 48 to 45 and pollster John Zogby said the numbers were good news for Mr McCain. He had appeared to have solidified his support within the Republican base where nine out of 10 voters now back him and was also gaining ground among the independents who may play a decisive role on election day, 4 November.