As expected, Kerry has won the caucuses in both Michigan and Washington State.

Notable, however, are the turnout numbers, which show a growing agitation and disaffection with the President among the Democrats’ vote base. In Michigan, despite some voting problems in Detroit, it was reported that turnout was four times as great as in the last election cycle.

And that comes in spite of the fact that Kerry was campaigning in Virginia and Tennessee ahead of next week’s contests there, while in a bid to target their resources the other challengers virtually ceded the state to the front-runner.

In a further blow to Howard Dean's campaign, a key union endorsement has been withdrawn.

As a Newsweek poll shows Kerry with a clear lead over Bush were the election to be held today, the President spent Saturday in the Oval Office taping Meet The Press.

In the one-hour show, to be broadcast tomorrow morning, Mr Bush says he “welcomes the debate” over whether or not he made the “right call” in removing Saddam Hussein from power.