US election: Potential first ladies hit the trail

Democrat Barack Obama, with wife Michelle, waves to the audience as Republican John McCain, flanked by wife Cindy, gives the thumbs-up at the end of their third presidential debate in Hempstead, New York Photograph: Paul J. Ridchards/AFP

Cindy McCain introduces her husband during a rally at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Coincidentally perhaps, her suit matches the town's name Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

Michelle Obama shakes hands with supporters during a rally at Macalester College in St Paul, Minnesota Photograph: Craig Lassig /AP

Cindy McCain shows some love to fans before the start of the Bank of America 500 Nascar race in Concord, North Carolina Photograph: Chris Keane/Reuters

Michelle Obama waves to the crowd after being introduced during a rally at Bicentennial Park in Miami, Florida Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP

Cindy McCain at a campaign rally with her husband in Virginia Beach, Virginia Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Michelle Obama introduces her husband to speak at an event in Las Vegas, Nevada Photograph: Rick Wilking/Reuters

Could the next generation also be swept into the election frenzy? Chelsea Clinton hit the trail for Hillary and Meghan McCain, daughter of John and Cindy, blogs at www.mccainblogette.com. She smiles at a rally in Strongsville, Ohio Photograph: Gerald Herbert/AP

Well, the Obama girls may be too young to participate this year. Youngest daughter Sasha, seven, stands at the lectern during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty