John Kerry jumping into the fray right away -- he and running mate Sen.

CNN: A strong showing, but long road ahead

Financials were among the biggest winners in U.S. equity markets, with Morgan Stanley jumping more than 7% on news that John Mack was stepping down as chairman.

FORBES: Stocks Cap Off Fourth Consecutive Daily Gain On Euro Liquidity Bailout

Commentator John McCann says that folks on both sides of the issue are jumping the gun and making hasty decisions.

NPR: Year in Review: Homosexuality in the Headlines