"A new CNN poll shows 71% of Americans do not believe Sarah Palin is qualified to be president. Even among Republicans, 47% do not think the governor should be president. Talking Points believes this is a fascinating story - there's no question Mrs. Palin is a star and her upcoming book will be a #1 best-seller. To promote the book, she is going on Oprah, and it is here where the governor has a huge opportunity. If Sarah Palin comes across as a problem-solver and a sincere conservative who looks out for the folks, she can begin to turn the credibility issue around. The woman does have political skills, but she didn't come across well with Katie Couric and Charles Gibson. Now she has a second chance and I'm hoping she'll come on The Factor to speak directly to you. But even if she doesn't appear here, the governor must put forth her philosophy in vivid terms and come up with solutions to complicated problems. Sarah Palin has captured America's attention; it will be interesting to see if she can turn around the credibility factor."

The Factor challenged Glenn Beck, a perennial thorn in the side of the Obama administration, to name a person he would like to lead the country. "I haven't seen him yet," Beck replied. "I keep looking for a George Washington to appear. He was the 'indispensable man' without whom the country couldn't survive and I'm hoping we can find someone like that. This system has to change from the inside, which is why we started the 'Refounders Project.' I have nine members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are willing to blow the whistle on their own party." As for Sarah Palin, Beck described her upcoming book tour as crucial to her political viability. "She has to show gravitas now because she's had time to learn from experience about Washington and the media. If she comes out and doesn't understand things, then she clearly is not qualified."

During a House hearing on football head injuries, Congressman Steve King criticized NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for denying Rush Limbaugh an opportunity to purchase part of the St. Louis Rams. The Factor put forth this analysis of the issue: "As we've stated, we believe Mr. Limbaugh was punished for legitimate free speech. He thinks quarterback Donovan McNabb is overrated by folks who want to see a black quarterback succeed. I disagree with that, but so what? Provocative opinions are allowed. This is about the NFL being frightened because some black players simply don't like Limbaugh. So Commissioner Goodell is correct when he says Mr. Limbaugh's presence would be divisive; however, the league still made the wrong decision. No one should be punished for speech that is not hateful, libelous or irresponsible."

President Obama says he is still upset with folks who criticized his expensive New York City "date night" with Michelle back in May. The Factor invited Culture Warriors Margaret Hoover and Gretchen Carlson to opine on the president's complaint. "In any marriage you need to have date nights," Carlson said, "you need to work on the marriage. But in this particular situation maybe he should have chosen a less extravagant kind of a date night. There should be less extravagance during a time of war and economic crisis." Hoover advised President Obama to grow some thicker skin. "He's complaining because something he does as President of the United States becomes a political issue! Really? Yes, what you do is going to become a political issue, so you just can't be burdened by it." The Factor concluded that "I want the president to have some relaxation, I want his mind to be clear."

The Factor was joined by wordsmith Marina Orlova, whose website Hot for Words explores the derivation of various terms. The comely etymologist focused on words of the season, beginning with Halloween: "It is short for 'all hallow even,' which is the eve of All Saint's Day." Trick or Treat: "When Halloween was brought to America in the 1930's, kids would dress up in costumes and threaten home owners to give them treats. It was kind of like a shakedown." Nightmare: "Mare comes from the old English and it means the devil suffocates you in your sleep. So when you have a nightmare, you wake up and you're out of breath."

After watching the Culture Warriors discuss President Obama's complaints about his private life, Fox News contributor Laura Ingraham was eager to join the fray. "It's great that the Obamas have what seems like a terrific marriage," Ingraham began. "However, there are a lot of people out there - and I'm one of them - who think they know how to use this for a PR advantage. He's golfing every weekend, she's out and about in Washington, so I don't think they have a lot of standing to say 'we don't get out enough.'" Ingraham suggested that the First Lady is more powerful than people realize. "Michelle is being propelled through this sophisticated PR push and they're using her celebrity and glamour to push substantive ideas. She has a very serious role in picking Supreme Court nominees and a hands-on role in health care." The Factor reiterated that the First Family deserves plenty of leisure time: "I am sympathetic to anyone in the Oval Office - these guys work an enormous amount and they have to have some vehicle to recreate. If Mrs. Obama wants to go see a Broadway show, I don't think that's anybody's business."

The Factor began Reality Check with this assessment of Thursday's economic and political news: "The economy grew at 3�% in the third quarter, which cheered the White House. The administration says the stimulus package is the reason why. On the down side, a new Wall Street Journal poll says that 52% of Americans now believe the country is headed in the wrong direction." Appearing on Joy Behar's talk show, author Gore Vidal spoke of his abiding desire to murder former President Bush. The Factor's Check: "Can you imagine someone saying they'd like to kill President Obama? But it's okay for Gore Vidal to say that about Mr. Bush, and Joy Behar jokes about it!"

Thursday's Patriot: The folks at Polka Dot Penguin pottery studio, who created a special Factor pumpkin for Halloween. And the Pinheads: The thugs who are allegedly threatening CNN's Lou Dobbs and even fired a shot at his house.

Denise Patrick, Deer Park, NY: "Is there something in the water on Capitol Hill? In light of Alan Grayson's remarks, it's time we all stand up and demand Congress start acting like adults."

Bryce Gillett, Lincoln, NE: "After watching the Factor's report on Grayson, I went to his website and requested he meet with anyone on Fox News."

Jared Stanley, Merritt Island, FL: "O'Reilly, I appreciate the restraint you showed Grayson. You have too much class to say this but I will: Grayson is a coward."

Bryce Smith, Peoria, IL: "O'Reilly, if Dennis Miller had his own show, his ratings would be higher than yours!"

Michael Cowell, Nova Scotia, Canada: "Thanks to Fox News for its heroic efforts in covering the White House. Never has one president promised so much."