While his 26-year-old opponent, who has lost just one of his 33 paid bouts, maintains he will not be rattled by what is sure to be a fierce reception, Cook reckons otherwise.

BBC: SPORT | Boxing | Cook plays it cool

While Eduardo Duhalde, his Peronist opponent, has made rash public-spending promises, and suggested that Argentina should default on its foreign debt, it has been Mr de la Rua who has responsibly promised to maintain the main thrust of current economic policies, including convertibility.

ECONOMIST: Argentina��s next steps

One wild card: While Mr. Brown has no major opponent in his party now, that could change if U.S. Sen.

WSJ: Funding Looms Large in California Gubernatorial Race

Mr. Healy has painted his opponent as a political opportunist who wants to privatize the education system, while Mr. Fulop has said Mr. Healy's government is corrupt and hasn't done enough to help downtown development spread.

WSJ: Jersey City Election Highlights Obama's Local Effect

If Obama wins, it will be thanks to the stronger emotional connection he has with his supporters, while Romney leads by playing strongly against his opponent.

FORBES: How Your Body Language Chooses a President

While his almost certain opponent, Mitt Romney, still isn't yet the officially adopted candidate, this operation has just celebrated its first birthday.

BBC: A targeted message from Obama 2012