The traditionally Republican Heartland has become a battleground between John McCain and Barack Obama. Are so-called "values voters" more worried about the economy? Are the suburbs and exurbs absorbing small-town and rural America, with lasting political consequences? Also, the US economy contracts, and Obama's 30 minute commercial. What did it say about his vision of America and his possible role in the White House?
Banner image: detail of Joe Bageant's Deer Hunting with Jesus