10/7 Roundup: Exciting Monday, Mudslinging, Tonight's Debate

- Remember that bailout bill from-- when was it... last week?  Turns out the markets aren't so bullish on the idea. 

- Free Exchange, by the Economist, comments on our exciting Monday.

- Jacob Weisberg writes for Slate about the fundamental challenge to capitalism posed by the current crisis.

- Jonathan Chait at TNR, likewise, foresees the end of conservative economics.

- DemfromCT at Kos reports on the latest poll numbers: McCain seems to have hit a ceiling, and Obama continues his surge. CNN polling comes to similar conclusions, with Obama doing well in key swing states.

- Confronted with their candidate's slide, the McCain campaign has gotten nasty. He's taking the "low road," says Walter Shapiro for Salon.

- Palin, likewise, launched some nasty attacks in Florida yesterday. 

- The mudslinging has been going in both directions.

- Arianna Huffington writes about McCain's desperation.  (Speaking of whom, there's a great profile of Huffington in this week's New Yorker)

- Early voting hasn't been wildly popular so far.

- The second Presidential debate is tonight! The Caucus tells you what to watch for.

- The format will be town hall-style, and you can read about the agreed-upon rules here.

- John Dickerson at Slate warns the candidates how town hall debates can go horribly wrong-- watch out for ponytail guy!