COVER
The Sorry State of American Health (Cover Story)
It's hard enough to make it to your own annual physical. In this issue, TIME takes the entire nation to the doctor
Why Reform's Moment Is Now (The Well / Cover Story)
Although it's no slam dunk, the President-elect's health-care plan has a fair shot at success
5 Truths About Health Care in America (The Well / Cover Story)
The Year in Medicine: From A to Z (Science)
TIME's annual alphabetical roundup of a sampling of those stories gives you an overview of the year behind and a hint of what might be in the one ahead
NATION
Why Obama Wants Hillary for His 'Team of Rivals' (The Well / Nation)
By considering Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, Barack Obama is trying to put together a team of rivals. But that comes with big risks
After the Election, Rebooting the Right (The Well / Commentary)
The public has turned on the Republican Party. Here's how the GOP can become relevant again
Can Ray Odierno Make Iraq Safe for the US to Leave? (The Well / Profile)
Ray Odierno, the top commander in Iraq, turned the surge into a success. As U.S. troops start to withdraw, his job now is to make it last
ESSAY
TV's Fall Ratings Hit: Meet the Obamas (Commentary / Tuned In)
The media's fall ratings hit is a retro family show with a distinctively 21st century cast
How Many Blogs Does the World Need?
The campaign turned us all into news junkies. But how many blogs does the world really need?
WORLD
Fayetteville: America's Most Pro-Military Town (Postcard: Fayetteville)
This North Carolina city is branding itself as a sanctuary for U.S. military families. Why supporting the troops is also a shrewd investment
Rising From the Rubble of the Sichuan Quake (World)
Six months after China's devastating quake, a building frenzy is under way. But will survivors be allowed to face the past?
BRIEFING
The Moment
11|18|08: Gulf of Aden
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
The Skimmer
Verbatim
A Brief History Of: The Secret Service
Pop Chart
Mitch Mitchell
Pete Newell
Milestones
LETTERS
Inbox
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Twilight Review: Swooningly True to the Book (Movies)
The film of vampire romance Twilight is swooningly true to the book
Twilight: The Fangirls Cometh, with Cash
Think young men are the only moviegoers who can drive the box office? Several million Twi-hard fangirls beg to differ
Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy, at Last (Music)
Axl Rose's $14 million 17-year obsession of an album is finally here. If only he'd let it go sooner
Billy Elliot: A London Musical Hit on Broadway (Theater)
After 3 1/2 years on the West End, the best British musical since Miss Saigon makes its way to America
Sol LeWitt's Dazzling Line Drawings (Exhibitions)
The conceptual artist's line drawings will be on view at Mass MoCA for 25 years. Hurry anyway — you don't want to miss them.
Short List (Short List)
TIME'S PICK FOR THE WEEK
BUSINESS
Black Friday Is Looking Blue (The Well / Business)
Retailers are resigned to one of the worst holiday seasons in recent memory. They'll sweeten deals to lure reluctant consumers, but seasonal jobs--and service--may suffer
Don't Call It Bankruptcy (The Well / The Curious Capitalist)
The automakers are resisting Chapter 11. So what should we do with them instead?
TECHNOLOGY
Battle of the Fake Bands (Nerd World)
Two new music video games are wildly popular and almost identical. Which one wins?
SCIENCE
Got Wind? Turbines for the Green Home (Going Green)
These days, the coolest eco-savvy accessory is a wind turbine for your home
SPECIAL SECTION
Who Will Be Person of the Year 2008?
TIME asked prominent individuals, including former TIME 100 honorees, whom they would choose for 2008. The nominations are in
Person of the Year? Cast Your Vote!
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
São Paulo Sells Itself (Global Business / Megacities)
In banning most outdoor advertising, the city reveals its charms and its governability