• War likely to be front and center at tonight's debate. All eyes on Kerry; Bush needs to use charm to broaden appeal. [WP, USAT, USAT, BG]
• Administration limits reports of turmoil in Iraq; Pentagon hoping to raise morale with events at bases showcasing "good news" from Iraq. [WP]
• Candidates stake similar positions on foreign policy but debate should examine differences. Director of policy at Council on Foreign Relations: "They might not be in the same ZIP Code, but they're in the same area code." [NYT, LAT, LAT]
•Cheney, Edwards in rhetorical fight over Iraq, national security. Edwards: "They knew that there were enormous predictors of what would be happening [in Iraq], and they still didn't have a plan even though they knew what might be coming." [WP, NYT]
•Kerry acknowledges effectiveness of flip-flop accusations, but says it "doesn't reflect the truth." Kerry makes missteps in interview with Sawyer. [NYT, WT]
•Bush holds 5-point lead in LAT poll; voters receptive to tonight's debate. [LAT]
•Bush tours hurricane damage in Florida. [NYT]
• Strict rules governing debates; networks may violate some policies about shots. [NYT, BG, WT]
• Debate primers point out inconsistencies, misconceptions. [WP, WSJ]
• Voters significantly unaware of candidates' policy positions, according to new Annenberg study. [WP]
• Candidates' biggest challenge tonight is English language. Kerry must cut out the "policyspeak and endless qualifiers." [USAT]
• Neither candidate fully open with war records. [WP]
•Kerry hits Bush on oil prices. [USAT]
•Bush discusses drinking with Dr Phil. [USAT]
• Missouri: One less swing? [NYT]
• New Mexican voters not sold on Kerry. [LAT]
• Next office-holder likely to tip Supreme Court. [USAT]
•Lehrer also experienced in debates; tonight is his 10th. [LAT]
• CBS News to survey independents in real-time. [BG]
