US Democrats hold key poll talks

The US Democratic Party is meeting to decide the fate of two states left out of the dramatic race to find its candidate for president.

Both Florida and Michigan were stripped of representation for holding their candidate contests in January, in violation of party rules. Hillary Clinton hopes the party will reverse its decision in the two states, where she has enjoyed strong support.

She is lagging behind Barack Obama in the closing days of the race. The 30 members of the Democratic Party's rules and bylaws committee are meeting in the ballroom of a Washington hotel.

Outside, about 200 protesters holding placards gathered, chanting: "Count our vote." The Democratic Party chairman, Howard Dean, opened the meeting, saying the compromises under discussion would probably not satisfy everyone.

Hillary take a decision before it is too late!