Unemployment numbers for October will be released today, and analysts predict they will pop the bubble of Americans jubilant after the presidential election. Meanwhile, the auto industry is self-destructing and retail sales are at an all-time low. The Takeaway looks at the economic climate headed into the holiday season.

With the election of Senator Barack Obama to the White House and Democratic gains in the House and Senate, the Republican Party has been left fragmented and politically adrift. Kevin Williamson of the National Review says the conservative moment and the Republican party are both in need of some serious re-focusing.

This week, California voters passed Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that amends the state's constitution to explicitly remove the court-approved right of same-sex couples to marry. Florida and Arizona passed similar measures. Where does the movement to legalize same-sex marriage go from here? Aaron Hicklin, editor of Out Magazine, outlines possible next steps.

President-elect Barack Obama will inherit, as he put it, "two wars, a planet in peril and the worst financial crisis in a century." What he failed to mention was the house band he'll inherit. The United States Marine Band, also known as "The President's Own," is the oldest professional musical organization in the country. It's primary function is to serve the musical needs of the president.

Alaska's Senate race remains undecided three days after Election Day, and Senator Ted Stevens is still fighting to hold on to his seat after being convicted on seven counts of corruption in a federal court.

With conditions worsening in Afghanistan, many experts worry that if the transition from President George W. Bush to incoming president Barack Obama doesn't go smoothly, the situation there could spiral out of control.

President-elect Barack Obama's message of "change" transformed the election. It was so infectious that even his opponents adopted the mantra. Now, how does the next president keep "change" alive?

Human Rights Watch Senior Military Analyst Marc Garlasco

Research by Human Rights Watch has revealed that Georgia used more cluster bombs in its conflict with Russia in August than experts had previously thought. The weapons, used by both sides, left behind unexploded bomblets which can still detonate, posing a serious danger to civilians.