National

This year, on a national level, both candidates are focused on the economy. But on a more local level, some states are running highly controversial ballot initiatives. Farai Chideya takes a broad look at how these controversial "values issues" affect the vote.

Democrat Barack Obama is using a 30-minute ad on three of the four broadcast networks to make his case for the presidency. The Fox network agreed to delay coverage of the World Series by a few minutes to accommodate the ad. John McCain has said he would never delay the World Series.

Democrat Barack Obama is using a 30-minute ad on three of the four broadcast networks to make his case for the presidency. The Fox network agreed to delay coverage of the World Series by a few minutes to accommodate the ad. John McCain has said he would never delay the World Series.

In a presidential race that seems to include every possible political strategy, one element has barely been visible. There have been no high-impact independent groups like the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outfit that nearly derailed John Kerry's campaign four years ago.

In a presidential race that seems to include every possible political strategy, one element has barely been visible. There have been no high-impact independent groups like the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outfit that nearly derailed John Kerry's campaign four years ago.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates have been in three battleground states. Republican John McCain and Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden were in Florida. McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, was in Ohio while Democrat Barack Obama was in North Carolina.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates have been in three battleground states. Republican John McCain and Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden were in Florida. McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, was in Ohio while Democrat Barack Obama was in North Carolina.

Barack Obama's 30-minute ad on television is essentially an infomerical for the Democratic presidential hopeful. Ron Popeil, infomerical star and inventor of products such as the Veg-O-Matic, offers his insight on how Obama can make the most of his 30 minutes.

In this week's edition of the Political Junkie: McCain aides have expressed irritation with Sarah Palin's off-script remarks and Barack Obama has purchased a half-hour of prime-time TV. Also: Will Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens campaign as a convicted felon?

In this week's edition of the Political Junkie: McCain aides have expressed irritation with Sarah Palin's off-script remarks and Barack Obama has purchased a half-hour of prime-time TV. Also: Will Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens campaign as a convicted felon?