COVER
For White Working Class, Obama Rises on Empty Wallets (The Well / Cover Story)
It once seemed potent enough to cost Obama the election. But as the economy falters, race is receding. A battleground report
For Blacks, a Quiet Question: What if Obama Loses? (Viewpoint)
Many blacks didn't think Obama would get this far. So how will we react if he come up short?
Is Barack Obama American Enough? (The Well / Campaign '08)
Race will matter on Election Day. But it's not about black and white
Race and the Brain (The Well / Campaign '08)
We're hardwired to react suspiciously to other races. But we also have the tools to overcome it
NATION
Behind the Global Markets' Meltdown (The Well / The Economy)
It spread from the U.S. Here's how it could burn us again
Whiz Kid, Hot Seat (The Well / The Economy)
How the job of buying up all those bad securities fell to a 35-year-old Goldman Sachs alum
Finding One Economic Bright Spot on Main Street (The Well / The Economy)
The recession is hitting American cities hard, but some are equipped to survive. How Pittsburgh remade itself after the last crash--and what others can learn from it
In Storm-Ravaged Galveston, Echoes of New Orleans (Postcard: Galveston)
A reporter sees parallels to Katrina in a visit to inundated Texas city, three weeks after it was hit by Ike
ESSAY
Palin vs. "Palin": When SNL Parody Becomes Campaign Reality (Commentary / Tuned In)
Tina Fey has seized the Veep hopeful's public image. Can her target find a way to get the last laugh?
The Obama Surge: Will It Last? (The Well / In the Arena)
In a time of distress, he's projected comfort and confidence. But eventually he'll need to take risks too
A Family Divided by Obama and McCain
Can an Obama supporter stay close to a father who doesn't share her political views?
BRIEFING
The Moment
10|6|08: New York
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Verbatim
The Page
The Weather Underground
Barack Obama's former association with former radical Bill Ayers inspires close examination of the group to which he once belonged
The Skimmer
Pop Chart
Frances Feldman
J.L. Chestnut Jr.
Milestones
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Body of Lies: Leonardo of Arabia (Movies)
In the spy thriller Body of Lies, Ridley Scott and two big stars tackle the war on terrorism
Fall TV: Remade in the USA (Television)
With a half-dozen new imports this fall, American TV is a diversified global marketplace. Too bad some of them are Yugos
Monkey and Beatles (Music)
Years after vying for rock's top slot, Damon Albarn and Oasis still have nothing in common
Fireproof: When Filmmakers Believe in Miracles (Movies)
The success of this low-budget movie lies in its appeal to devoutly Christian viewers
5 Things You Should Know About (Downtime)
A Fab Four book, a diva boxed set, two British films and a wife who begins again
SPECIAL SECTION
What Kind of Voter Are You? (The Well / Campaign '08)
It's easy to get lost in a whirl of information. Most people find a shortcut
Can't Make Up Your Mind? (The Well / Campaign '08)
Campaigns invest heavily to target swing voters. Pinning them down isn't easy
How You Voted (The Well / Campaign '08)
Here's a look at how the American public has voted in past presidential elections
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Sizing Up Your Body (Life / Fit Nation)
When friends and family are battling weight, it's easy to forget what a healthy body looks like
SOCIETY
Times Are Tough, but I Still Live at the Mall. Literally (Life / First Person With:)
Matthew Lawrence, mall resident, 40, rents a one-bedroom apartment in Glendale, Calif., directly above the Cheesecake Factory and Forever 21
TECHNOLOGY
Is Laser-Powered HDTV the Highest Def Yet? (Life / User's Guide)
Help the economy: buy a sweet $7,000 HDTV. (Then charge admission)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Comcast's Challenge (Global Business / Media)
With telco competitors trying to grab subscribers, the cable company steps up to the fight
China's Medical Boom (Global Business / Health Care)
Western-style private hospitals are competing with state facilities--and with one another
Harley-Davidson's Wildest Child (Global Business / Top Teams)
Buell makes sport bikes that cyclists love to ride and employees love to build
Business Books
It's been a difficult year for Goldman Sachs, but the story of Wall Street's top investment bank is rich with financial drama. Not as rich as Branson? This tome won't help you
TO OUR READERS
How We Decide
In numbers and words, TIME explores how race is--or isn't--shaping the election and how voters are making up their minds