COVER

ESSAY

The Piety Trap

Sure, we want to know what a President believes in ... but that doesn't always mean he should tell us

NATION

How Barack Obama Became Mr. Unpopular (The Well / Nation)

Nine weeks before the midterm elections, Barack Obama finds himself on the wrong side of the polls. Where did all that adoration go — and is a Republican sweep next?

WORLD

Tony Blair on Clinton, Bush and the American Character (Book Adaptation)

In an essay exclusively adapted for TIME from his new memoir, A Journey, Britain's former Prime Minister Tony Blair reflects on the U.S. Presidents he has known and worked with — and on their country

'The Only Just Way Is Two States for Two Peoples' (Book Adaptation)

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, author of the new memoir A Journey: My Political Life, speaks to TIME about being prepared for office, the Iraq war and hopes for Middle East peace

TO OUR READERS

Campaign Kickoff

A historic election season has already begun, and our coverage of it will be unrivaled in its scope, depth and insight

LETTERS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Boy's Life (Books)

In the novel Skippy Dies, death is just the beginning

HEALTH & MEDICINE

SOCIETY

What's So Funny? (Life / Health)

Laughter-yoga fans hail the health benefits of giggling for no reason

PEOPLE

10 Questions for Terry McMillan (10 Questions)

The author's Waiting to Exhale sequel, Getting to Happy, is out Sept. 7. Terry McMillan will now take your questions

BRIEFING

The Skimmer

Book Review: Third World America by Arianna Huffington