Ballots draw near.

• Author: Rothschild, Matthew
• Position: Editor's Note - Editorial

This is our last issue before the election. Because of the long lead time in our production schedule, I can't be confident that we'll get you your November issue much before Election Day, if at all. So we've decided to load up everything in this one.

As I've mentioned before, The Progressive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As such, we don't endorse. Even in this potentially historic election, we are refraining. This stance allows us to be critical of all candidates, and prevents us from devolving into cheerleaders. As Edward Said once put it, "Never solidarity before criticism."

But that doesn't mean that our columnists can't have their say. This month, both Jim Hightower and Howard Zinn, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, make the case for Obama.

In keeping with The Progressive' s traditional openness toward third party candidates, we also have an article on the Greens, and their standard-bearer, Cynthia McKinney. This article is by Kevin Alexander Gray, who knows a thing or two about insurgent politics, since he worked as Jesse Jackson's 1988 campaign manager in South Carolina.

I'm also pleased to offer you the on-the-spot reporting of our political editor, Ruth Conniff, who went to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. And our culture editor, Elizabeth DiNovella, covered the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Their insights extend beyond the superficial coverage these events received in the mainstream media.

Our managing editor, Amitabh Pal, made his way to Minnesota, as well, but not to cover the Republicans. Instead, he went to interview Representative Keith Ellison, the first Muslim American to be elected to Congress. This revealing interview will let you get to know Ellison a little better. I know it did me.

In the four weeks or so between the time you get this issue and the moment you cast your ballot, there will...