Sarah Palin brings 'Palin mania'

Even the Brits are catching it.

"It had been assumed by many commentators that Mrs Palin could not win over those supporters of Mrs Clinton with whom she differs on abortion. But women waving "Democrats for McCain" posters were highly visible.

Barbara Fee, 50, another Democrat for McCain who works for a car supplier, said: "I just don't like Obama. I believe that his ideas are socialist. I love Sarah Palin. I like what she's done and how she's done it. She's got spunk."

Janet Smith, 41, a special education teacher from Flint Township is a registered Democrat who supported Mrs Clinton in the Democratic primary. But she said she was now backing Mr McCain.

She said: "I just don't have a good gut feeling that Obama has what it takes to lead this country. I'm an American first before I'm a party member. McCain is an American first; he's bringing back patriotism."