Vol. 172 No. 16
COVER
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
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
Postcard from Galveston (Postcard: Galveston)
Hurricane Ike has come and gone, but the rotting debris remains, virtually untouched. The enormous task of picking up where the storm left off
ESSAY
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
NOTEBOOK
10|6|08: New York
The World (Briefing)
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Verbatim
The Page (Briefing)
A Brief History Of: The Weathermen (Briefing)
The Skimmer (Briefing)
Pop Chart
Frances Feldman (Briefing)
J.L. Chestnut Jr. (Briefing)
Milestones
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
In the spy thriller Body of Lies, Ridley Scott and two big stars tackle the war on terrorism
Fall TV: Remade in the U.S.A. (Television)
In the new season's slew of imported series, a lot gets lost in translation
Monkey and Beatles (Music)
Years after vying for rock's top slot, Damon Albarn and Oasis still have nothing in common
(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
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
When friends and family are battling weight, it's easy to forget what a healthy body looks like
SOCIETY
Matthew Lawrence, mall resident, 40, rents a one-bedroom apartment in Glendale, Calif., directly above the Cheesecake Factory and Forever 21
TECHNOLOGY
Help the economy: buy a sweet $7,000 HDTV. (Then charge admission)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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
PEOPLE
To raise cancer awareness, the cyclist is returning to the road. Lance Armstrong will now take your questions
TO OUR READERS
In numbers and words, TIME explores how race is--or isn't--shaping the election and how voters are making up their minds