Ed Henry
White House Correspondent

McCain aides say there are basically two narratives — one on the campaign trail where they are “taking the gloves off” as they rally the base and try to raise doubts about Obama –- and not surprisingly, they say there’s a second narrative in the last two debates as they try to target undecided voters.

Tony Carnes
Christianity Today

John McCain has finally begun to talk his walk with Jesus. Until recently, the details about the Republican presidential nominee’s Christian convictions were missing in action. Starting this summer, McCain and some of his closest Vietnam War-era buddies began pulling back the narrative curtain.

Tristram Korten
Salon.com

John McCain was making a bid for South Florida’s Jewish voters, a crucial demographic in a purple state. But then he chose Sarah Palin as a running mate…If a small, unscientific sampling of the shoppers in the Hamptons Plaza mall is any indication, John McCain’s choice of running mates may have pushed the residents of this heavily Democratic enclave back in Barack Obama’s direction.

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

We’re wondering if today’s development from Capitol Hill on the bailout of insurance giant AIG will come up in tonight’s debate.

Before I share with you what lawmakers revealed today, I have some advice:
1) Ummm, move anything of value away from the computer. You may be tempted to release your anger in a way that could lead to the demise of your favorite vase?
2) Inhale. Exhale.

OK. I know. I can’t hold you back anymore.
Here are the details…

Erica Hill
AC360° Correspondent
 
The most interesting people in this world are rarely the famous ones. Celebrities and politicians may grab more airtime and more headlines – and more of our money – but in my experience, the family next door normally holds the most unexpected, inspirational and interesting tales. Need a little convincing?

David M. Walker
President and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation
 
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act contains plenty to make lawmakers on the left and right shudder. On the right, it’s the apparent abandonment of free-market principles. On the left, it’s the absence of punishment for high-flying Wall Street CEO’s.

Donna Brazile
CNN Political Contributor

We have changed. This is a more tolerant, more open, more progressive society. And yet, we’re having this conversation because [Obama] is biracial…he got out of school, went to Harvard, and all of a sudden he’s “uppity” and there’s something wrong with him?

Margaret Atwood
Author, The Handmaid’s Tale
 
Unless we value fairness, reciprocity, and honest dealing, and the concept of balances — for debt and credit depend on them — and unless we are able to trust our systems, we would not be able to have debt and credit — no one would lend, because there would be no expectation of ever getting paid back.

• McCain on attack tonight?
• Florida voters: “I find her offensive”
• Don’t put me in the back of the bus, We’re not going
• McCain’s desperate claim: Obama is dangerous. Vote for me if you want to live!

Raw Politics Video:
McCain, Obama prep for debate
in the final stretch  
Dow plunges

• For man shot in back, Justice too late in New Orleans
• What that box on your tax return is really for
• Internet drug sales crackdown

• O.J. Trial: Simpson got no last look
• O.J. Trial: Behind-the-scenes at court
• O.J. deliberations resume

• America’s $53 trillion debt problem
• Our romance with debt — we’ll pay for it later
• Then a funny thing happened…

• Erica’s News Note: True American stories
• Erica’s News Note: Market mania, and a rescue
• Erica’s news Note: On the menu

• 360 Webcast: Finances, Zagnuts, and bad birthday questions?
• Beauty shots take some work
• 360 Webcast: Baby names, blackberries, websites and recounts

• Evening Buzz: Debate Night & AIG’s Re$ort Retreat
• Morning Buzz: Showdown in Nashville