Week in the News

And there came at last the eve of an election like few others in modern memory — a midterm election being cast as a last-ditch national battle for the country's soul for democracy, for accountability, for survival.

In the news this week: red wine and California fire and a new global-warming alarm. But the heart of it is all about the midterms — President Bush standing by his Rumsfeld on Iraq and John Kerry's October surprise and apology.

A debate over who thinks we're more stupid — a tin-eared Democratic senator, or a Republican government that has mired the country in war and division and debt.

Hear about the week in the news, and the fiery homestretch to the midterm elections.

Guests:

William McKenzie, editorial columnist, Dallas Morning News

Andrea Stone, congressional correspondent for USA Today.