The economy and the unpopular incumbent -- McSame versus the tax-and-spend liberal -- McCain: out of touch/too old -- Obama: not ready to lead -- Period one: McCain gains energy (June 7-August 22) -- Period two: impact of the vice presidential selections and conventions (August 23-September 9) -- The impact of Sarah Palin and Joseph Biden -- Period three: the campaigns confront the economic collapse (September 10-October 14) -- Period four: The McCain surge (October 15-28) -- Period five: Be very, very afraid/be reassured (October 29-November 4) -- Absentee and early voting in the 2008 campaign -- Spending differences and the role of microtargeting -- The effect of messages.
