Skepticism of Palin Growing, Poll Finds  —  With the vice presidential candidates set to square off today in their only scheduled debate, public assessments of Sarah Palin's readiness have plummeted, and she may now be a drag on the Republican ticket among key voter groups, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Obama Makes McCain Very Uncomfortable  —  Let the record reflect that Barack Obama made the approach to John McCain tonight.  —  As the two shared the Senate floor tonight for the first time since they won their party nominations, Obama stood chatting with Democrats on his side of the aisle …

Kill the bailout: Operation Hold The Line  —  The massive, unprecedented trillion-dollar-plus (remember, they just pulled the figure from thin air) Bailout Crap Sandwich With Sugar On Top returns to the House.  A vote is expected on Friday.  I keep hearing and reading that public opposition …

McCain criticizes Ifill  —  Hours ahead of the vice presidential debate, Sen John McCain (R-Ariz.) criticized the selection of PBS' Gwen Ifill as moderator because she is writing a book called “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.”  —  “Frankly, I wish they had picked …

McCain on the bailout bill he supported last night: “This bill is putting us on the brink of economic disaster”  —  John McCain was on “Morning Joe” a few minutes ago to talk mostly about the bailout bill.  His answers were, as usual, discombobulated as he ranted about Washington (as if he hasn't served in D.C. for 26 years.)

So Why's Huck An Early '12 Frontrunner?  —  It's very early to assume that Obama wins, but if he doesn't, expect the GOP to engage in a circular firing squad.  Who's the frontrunner?  —  The betting money is on Mitt Romney for his governing experience, talented pool of political operatives …

Not-So-Secret Handshake  —  It was Senator Barack Obama who crossed the aisle.  —  On Wednesday evening, as the senators gathered to vote on the $700 billion bailout package, Mr. Obama walked over to the Republican side of the chamber to extend a greeting to Senator John McCain.

More Data Shows Obama Battleground Strength  —  From latest TIME/CNN state polls:  —  FLORIDA: Obama 51, McCain 47  —  MINNESOTA: Obama 54, McCain 43  —  MISSOURI: Obama 49, McCain 48  —  NEVADA: Obama 51, McCain 47  —  VIRGINIA: Obama 53, McCain 44 … Get The Page delivered to your inbox.

33 days - Chuck Todd sees race ‘at a tipping point’  —  Newsday cover: “Senate to House: BAIL'S IN YOUR COURT - Sweetened rescue bill clears hurdle, but are there enough votes in the House?” ...  The Obama Channel (really) ... Debate Day II ... Phish reuniting

Bailout Bull's-Eye for Kids' Arrow-Makers' Tax Break  —  Oct. 1 (Bloomberg) — Rose City Archery Inc., an Oregon company that makes arrows used by children, hit a bull's-eye with Senate legislation that would rescue Wall Street banks.  —  Senators attached a provision repealing a 39-cent excise tax …

New “Choreography” on North Korea  —  Do you ever get the sense that if North Korea actually used a nuclear weapon in an offensive attack that Chris Hill and the State Department would still be trying to make a deal?  —  In response to the latest provocation from the North Koreans …

DEMOCRACY ALLIANCE MEMO DETAILS DEM PLAN TO “EDUCATE THE IDIOTS” AND TARGET MINORITIES  —  In a confidential internal memorandum obtained by Face The State (PDF), the Colorado Democracy Alliance outlines a roster of “operatives” who worked for Democratic victory in the 2006 general election.

October remains the month for political surprises  —  Featured Topics:  —  AP - In this Oct. 26, 1972 file photo, then presidential adviser Dr. Henry Kissinger tells a White House news ...  BOSTON - Heading into the final weekend of the 2004 presidential campaign, John Kerry was feeling …

Commander in Afghanistan Wants More Troops  —  The new top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said yesterday that more American troops are urgently required to combat a worsening insurgency, but he stated emphatically that no Iraq-style “surge” of forces will end the conflict there.

First, Let's Stabilize Home Prices  —  We are in a vicious cycle: falling housing values cause losses on securities, which reduce bank capital, thereby tightening lending and causing house prices to fall further.  The cycle has spread beyond housing, but housing is the place to fix it.

9 Grand Loan At Less than Prime from WaMu = Credit Crisis?  —  So Monday morning my PC laptop crapped out right as I'm about to delve into the Oxdown Gazette for some mmm-good read'n and maybe some write'n.  Being as naturally superstitious as John McCain trying to roll a 4 …

Florida GOP meets in secret as Obama passes McCain in polls  —  TALLAHASSEE — Florida Republican leaders hastily convened a top secret meeting this week to grapple with Sen. John McCain's sagging performance in this must-win state.  —  Their fears were confirmed Wednesday when four …