Both sides made capital from the latest US unemployment figures released yesterday.
President Barack Obama hailed “real progress”, and challenger Mitt Romney branded them “a sad reminder that the economy is at a virtual standstill”.
More than 171,000 jobs were created across the country last month, the statistics showed. It was the 32nd month of jobs growth in a row.
However, the overall unemployment rate rose slightly, from 7.8 per cent in September to 7.9 per cent in October.
“The jobless rate is higher than it was when Mr Obama took office, and there are still 23 million Americans struggling for work,” Mr Romney said.
“On Tuesday, America will make a choice between stagnation and prosperity.
“For four years, president Obama has told us that things are getting better and that we’re making progress.
“For too many American families, those words ring hollow.”
At a campaign stop in Ohio, Mr Obama said: “We have made real progress. We are here today because we know we’ve got more work to do.”