Analysis: Palin's words carry racial tinge … WASHINGTON (AP) - By claiming that Democrat Barack Obama is “palling around with terrorists” and doesn't see the U.S. like other Americans, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin targeted key goals for a faltering campaign.

Minnesota Poll: Obama leaps ahead of McCain  —  The Democrat's lead in the state is tied to the economy, the debate and new party strength.  —  Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has opened up a commanding lead in Minnesota over Republican John McCain, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll.

Obama's ‘Good Will’ Hunting  —  From the magazine issue dated Oct 13, 2008  —  The Obama campaign has shattered all fund-raising records, raking in $458 million so far, with about half the bounty coming from donors who contribute $200 or less.  Aides say that's an illustration of a truly democratic campaign.

Frank talk of Obama and race in Virginia  —  As Obama supporters push to win the dead-even battleground state, they are talking directly about race, betting that the best way to put neighbors at ease is to open up.  —  WHITEWOOD, VA. — The isolated towns of Virginia's Appalachian coal region …

War on Taliban cannot be won, says army chief  —  Britain's most senior military commander in Afghanistan has warned that the war against the Taliban cannot be won.  Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith said the British public should not expect a “decisive military victory” but should be prepared for a possible deal with the Taliban.

Poll: Palin more likeable, but Obama/Biden gets the votes  —  WASHINGTON — Undecided voters who watched Thursday's vice presidential debate really like Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin but they're not certain she's ready to lead the country, according to the findings of a new Ipsos/McClatchy online poll.

59% Would Vote to Replace Entire Congress  —  Congress was front and center in the national news last week and the American people were far from impressed.  If they could vote to keep or replace the entire Congress, 59% of voters would like to throw them all out and start over again.

Ifill: Palin ‘blew me off’ during the debate.  —  During the vice presidential debate on Thursday, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced that she “may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear.”  In fact, “On at least 10 occasions, Palin gave answers that were nonspecific …

Russia blames Georgia for S.Ossetia blast  —  MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia blamed Georgia on Saturday for an explosion that killed Russian soldiers in Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia.  —  A senior Russian peacekeeping officer was among seven soldiers killed on Friday when a car blew …

McCain's brother says N. Va. ‘Communist country’  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential candidate John McCain's brother made an apparent joke at a campaign rally this weekend that might not play well in parts of newly competitive Virginia.  —  Joe McCain, speaking at an event …