In the US, the Democratic front-runner John Kerry looks poised to complete a coast-to-coast sweep and be confirmed as the party's presidential candidate. The Republicans are sure he is going to win. On Thursday they launch a massive media offensive to try to taint Kerry's image. Although Kerry has set a blistering pace, he still faces competition from John Edwards, who is hoping to spring a few upsets that could keep him alive for at least another week. But time is fast running out. Edwards has only won in South Carolina while Kerry has triumphed in 18 out of 20 contests. That gives him a 3-to-1 advantage. The Super Tuesday states are the campaign's largest one-day haul with 1,151 delegates to July's nominating convention - that is more than half the number needed to win. Despite Kerry's lead, political commentator Nancy Snow says there is little to choose between them. "I think the registered Democrats are very committed to getting Bush out of office, whether it's in California or throughout the country. I've been to a lot of meetings where they've brought in speakers and the primary, the dominant theme is any democrat will do. Indeed, both candidates have rallied on similar themes in their attacks on Bush, notably his social reforms and economic programmes, such as tax cuts for wealthy Americans. A sweep will not give Kerry enough delegates to clinch the nomination, but it may leave Edwards with little incentive to push on. **PHOTO CAPTION*** US Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry tries his hand at driving a forklift at Roadway Express Shipping in Atlanta, Georgia(AFP/Stephen Jaffe)