To the Point

As Barack Obama's advantage continues to grow, aides to John McCain and Sarah Palin are sniping at each other about the conduct of their campaign. Is it merely the stress of a struggling effort with only a week to go—or does it represent a broader struggle between moderate party reformers and conservative purists? Also, the US issues Iraq an ultimatum on the Status of Forces Agreement, and the Dalai Lama gives up on China.

John McCain is accusing Barack Obama of "socialism." Obama says McCain has "run out of ideas." What does "socialism" really mean? Will Cold War rhetoric work in the campaign of 2008? Also, stock markets fall globally while OPEC cuts production, and a cheaper, faster way of detecting almost all genetic diseases.

All over the country, once-solid Republican seats in the Senate and Congress are shifting toward the Democrats. We look at the prospects for one-party rule if Barack Obama wins the White House. Also, Greenspan admits being "partially" wrong on deregulation, and Sarah Palin's wardrobe.

Both McCain and Obama say that energy independence and global warming demand a shift from fossil fuels to alternative sources of energy. But the credit crisis is drying up investment and the price of oil is declining. Also, a G-20 summit on the global financial system, and India shoots for the moon.

Presidential politics and the economy have shifted attention away from Iraq and Afghanistan, where circumstances are increasingly complicated for American troops and diplomats. We look at the challenges facing President Bush and his successor. Also, the latest effort to get credit flowing again, and early voting means long lines in Florida and other states.

The leaders of Europe have persuaded President Bush to review the rules of international capitalism.  Does that mean global regulation of the global economy? Does the US still have the authority to preserve its models of free markets, free enterprise and free trade?  Also, early voting starts in the key battleground state of Florida, and a preview of the World Series, featuring one team that's never been there before.

The next president is very likely going to appoint at least one new Supreme Court justice. The current court  is split four to four between conservative and liberals with one swing vote providing a razor-thin margin on many rulings. Guest host Judy Muller explores what sort of justices the next president would appoint and how will that affect our lives? Also, OPEC schedules emergency meeting as oil prices tumble, and Nebraska's Save Haven Law. Are parents abusing the law in order to get rid of their troubled teenagers?

The last debate of this year's presidential campaign was the liveliest,

The latest polls show Obama increasing his lead over McCain

John McCain today proposed $52 billion in tax cuts and savings guarantees to restore the economy. We look at where both candidates stand and examine so-called "Bradley Effect." Also, the Bush Administration today took a stake in American banks, and with all the dramatic developments on the economy, is it time for a sigh of relief?