Are the Faithful Losing Faith?  —  Two weeks till midterms, the NEWSWEEK poll shows Republicans in danger of losing a big chunk of their base.  And a growing consensus for a bread-and-butter Democratic agenda.  —  Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images  —  Party Time?  Democrats are feeling optimistic about Election Day.

U.S. to Hand Iraq a New Timetable on Security Role  —  The Bush administration is drafting a timetable for the Iraqi government to address sectarian divisions and assume a larger role in securing the country, senior American officials said.  —  Details of the blueprint …

Lawmaker Outraged by Sniper Footage on CNN  —  SAN DIEGO — CNN has become "the publicist for an enemy propaganda film" by broadcasting a video showing an insurgent sniper in Iraq apparently killing an American soldier, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said here Friday.

Cleland  —  It's not the biggest deal in the world, per se, but continuing liberal obsession with Max Cleland strikes me as a bit odd.  Josh Marshall hails a witty Cleland line at a campaign event for John Tester and remarks: "If the Dems take Congress, that image will bookend the era …

Liberal darling  —  Megan McArdle tells us that the Economist has moved all of its material from behind the paywall (if you're not a subscriber, you need to watch an ad to get in).  It seems to me that this is good news for the Economist; I can't imagine it'll lose many subscribers, and it may gain some.

Tight race for Hyde seat, latest poll shows  —  Incumbent Bean leads in 8th Congressional District  —  The candidates for the west suburban congressional seat being vacated by retiring Republican Rep. Henry Hyde are locked in a tight contest while first-term Rep. Melissa Bean holds …

We are biased, admit the stars of BBC News  —  It was the day that a host of BBC executives and star presenters admitted what critics have been telling them for years: the BBC is dominated by trendy, Left-leaning liberals who are biased against Christianity and in favour of multiculturalism.

Diplomat cites U.S. 'stupidity' in Iraq  —  BAGHDAD, Iraq - A senior U.S. diplomat said the United States had shown "arrogance" and "stupidity" in Iraq but was now ready to talk with any group except Al-Qaida in Iraq to facilitate national reconciliation.  —  In an interview with Al-Jazeera …

With Guarded Cheer, Democrats Dare to Believe This Is Their Time  —  There is something unusual bubbling in Democratic political waters these days: optimism.  —  With each new delivery of bad news for Republicans — another Republican congressman under investigation, another Republican district conceded …

Atheist gifts pontifical school in will  —  ROME - An Italian journalist and self-described atheist who died last month has left most of her books and notes to a pontifical university in Rome because of her admiration for Pope Benedict XVI, a school official said Saturday.

Weldon Slams Navy, Sailors, in Desperate Personal Attack  —  In second debate with Admiral Joe Sestak, Weldon's comments about "sailor servants" reveal lack of both respect and knowledge about military service  —  Springfield, PA - In his second debate against former Navy Vice Admiral Joe Sestak …

The Worst Fears Of The Netroots Continue To Be Realized  —  It looks increasingly clear that Joe Lieberman is going to keep his Senate seat (read on): … Alas for the netroots, it looks increasingly clear that he will not.  It should come as no surprise that Democrats are now telling Lieberman …

Survivor!  —  The GOP Victory  —  JUBILANT DEMOCRATS SHOULD RECONSIDER their order for confetti and noisemakers.  The Democrats, as widely reported, are expecting GOP-weary voters to flock to the polls in two weeks and hand them control of the House for the first time in 12 years — and perhaps the Senate, as well.

Many Iraqis Look to Gunmen as Protectors  —  Behind the maze of men with guns in Iraq is a very simple truth: their barrels offer protection, something Iraqis say the government has never given them.  —  On Friday, the web wound tightly around the southern city of Amara …

Home Office plans floating jails  —  Home Secretary John Reid has been accused of panic measures over plans to use prison ships to ease overcrowding in jails in England and Wales.  —  The government has advertised for contractors to provide up to 800 places on ships.

CLARICE FELDMAN HAS MORE on the goings-on at the House Intelligence Committee.  —  And a reader notes this bit from Michael Barone about Jane Harman: … Call me crazy, but is someone who was impeached and removed for bribery a good choice for leadership on the Intelligence Committee?