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Jason Beaubien reports from Boston on the Johnston and Murphy company's exhibit of shoes worn by Presidents Lincoln through Bush. It reveals some interesting traits about the nation's top feet and the men attached to them. The exhibit is on display at the University of Massachusetts, where the Republican and Democratic candidates meet tonight for a debate.

Satirist Harry Shearer imagines the line between Soft and Hard TV will fall, and future Presidential debates will be in line with more popular entertainment. He proposes a combination of professional wrestling and politics.

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on today's arguments before the Supreme Court on whether police should be allowed to stop cars at random and expose them to drug-sniffing dogs. The case from Indianapolis involved a roadblock-style action, similar to sobriety checkpoints. In this case, the motorist had no drugs, but was outraged, saying his privacy had been invaded by the dog search. Police say the dog search is no more invasive than the alcohol roadblock, which the court has upheld. Today, the justices asked both sides where a line could be drawn between checking for impaired drivers and those who are transporting illegal goods.

NPR's Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg reports the Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments today on the use of drug checkpoints. At issue is whether it is legal for police to randomly stop drivers and use dogs to check for illegal drugs. Opponents of the tactic say it amounts to illegal search and violates the 4th Amendment.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the novel When We Were Orphans(Knopf) by Kazu Ishiguro.

As an appetizer for tonight's first Presidential debate, Bob talks with Alan Schroeder, (SHROH-der), author of the new book, Presidential Debates: 40 Years of High Risk TV. They revisit some of the memorable moments from debates gone by: Kennedy's ease and grace under the camera lights; Gerald Ford's unintended liberation of Poland; Ronald Reagan's "there you go again;" and Ross Perot's unpredictable jokes. (7:35) (Stations: book's publisher is Columbia University P

From Athens, Georgia Steve Lickteig reports on the city's struggle to preserve an unusual monument — the railroad trestle pictured on the cover of native rock band REM's break-out album Murmur.

Writer Armistead Maupin, creator of the award winning newspaper serial turned TV series Tales of the City. Maupin's new book The Night Listener (Harper Collins, 2000) is his first novel in eight years. It examines the relationship that grows between a cult writer and one of his younger radio fans; critics have noted the autobiographical subtext to the story. Maupin won the 1998 Peabody Award for his work in television and has written several novels and two collections of essays. He lives in San Francisco.

A blue ribbon panel of researchers issued a report today on the state of America's youngest children -- from infants to five-year-olds. The National Academy of Sciences report lists a number of far-reaching policy changes that it says should be implemented, including better childcare, better training and pay for providers, and more family leave. NPR's Claudio Sanchez examines the report, and how it contributes to the debate over education and public policy in this election year.

NPR's Eric Weiner reports that drag queens will be a feature of the Olympic closing ceremonies in Sydney. The thought that somehow drag queens are associated with all things Australian has a lot of people up in arms but others say female impersonation has a long history in Australia and deserves to be represented in tomorrow's events.

Satirist Dale Connelly of Minnesota Public Radio imagines the testimony of Hollywood executives this week, when they explained to members of Congress why they sometimes test and market R-rated films to youngsters.

Host Scott Simon speaks with Daniel Pinkwater, Weekend Edition Saturday's ambassador to the world of children's literature, about a new book for Rosh Hashana called Gershon's Monster.