NATION

How Obama and McCain Would Lead (The Well / Campaign '08)

No matter who wins, the 44th U.S. President will inherit a nation in a world of hurt. A look at how each man would face an epic challenge

Last Stand (The Well / Campaign '08)

Ted Stevens is a convicted felon. What his uncertain future means for Alaska and the GOP

The Candidates on the Issues (The Well / Campaign '08)

Much has been written about the differences between McCain and Obama, but the race remains a contest of issues. Here are side-by-side comparisons of both candidates on seven key issue, in their own words.

Hidin' Biden: Reining In a Voluble No. 2 (The Well / Campaign '08)

Though Obama's campaign struggles to keep his voluble running mate in check, Biden has been valuable in connecting with swing-state voters

Moments to Remember (The Well / Campaign '08)

Yes, it was an unforgettable political campaign. But what people recall most depends on whom you ask. A gallery of voices on the legacies of Campaign 2008

Campaign '08: The Media's 24-Minute News Cycle (The Well / Campaign '08)

Feeling agitated this election? You're not the only one. With ever more forums for snark, stats and scandal, campaign 2008 was covered exhaustively and exhaustingly. Here's who did it best

The Gay Mafia That's Redefining Liberal Politics (The Well / Campaign '08)

They are called the Cabinet. Meet the seven wealthy, gay political donors who are quietly pouring money into races all over the country — and redefining liberal politics in the process

Is Housing Nearing the Floor? (The Well / Campaign '08)

Thanks to deeply discounted prices, sales are improving. But there are still plenty of homeowners waiting to be saved

Time to Pay the Price (The Well / Campaign '08)

Forget the tax cuts promised on the campaign trail. The tax burden is headed up, not down

A Tale of Two Wars: Iraq (The Well / Campaign '08)

Reduced violence has paved the way for a U.S. pullback. But the battles for power--and for the country's future--are still being fought

A Tale of Two Wars: Afghanistan (The Well / Campaign '08)

Corruption, drugs and a weak central government have the country in a 'downward spiral.' Is talking to the Taliban the answer?

ESSAY

Priorities for the New President (Commentary / In the Arena)

His challenge from the start will be getting two big issues — one foreign, one domestic — right

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Light Fantastic (Photography)

William Eggleston didn't just make color respectable. He made banality seem, well, colorful

Charmed Life (Books)

A biography of George Plimpton reveals the professional amateur in the eyes of his beholders

SOCIETY

Born to Hand Jive (Life / User's Guide)

Apple's sleek new laptop has a touch-pad mouse that is powered by the simplest of gestures

Purple Reign (Life / Fashion)

Why this color is everywhere this (political) season

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

50 Best Inventions 2008

From a genetic testing service to an invisibility cloak to an ingenious public bike system to the world's first moving skyscraper — here are TIME's picks for the top innovations of 2008

Purse Strings (Pursuits / Giving Back)

Taytu's handbags are more than just desirable accessories; they create jobs for craftsmen in Ethiopia

An Exotic Education (Pursuits / Travel)

Smithsonian Journeys organizes the most over-the-top trips imaginable. And they sell out

Natural Instincts (Pursuits / Winemaking)

A passion for organically grown grapes has put two Loire Valley vintners on France's essential wine list

BRIEFING

Going Soft on Crocodile Crime

In the old days, collective punishment was the norm when crocs killed. Now, endoscopies and X-rays are used to find the culprit

TO OUR READERS

The Final Lap

As our political team previews a historic presidential election, we honor a Time stalwart who made history of his own

LETTERS