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.

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.

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.

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.

UPDATED NOV. 18, 2008: With veteran Senator Ted Stevens losing his seat to Democratic challenger Mark Begich, the Democrats’ chance for a 60-seat, filibuster-proof Senate supermajority has not died. One Senate race remains uncalled but leans red (Minnesota) and one (Georgia) is headed for a Dec. 2 runoff election.

Senator Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., has retained his position as chair of the Homeland Security Committee, but he continues to rile Democrats for his endorsement of Republican presidential candidate John McCain and his sharp criticism of Democratic candidate Barack Obama in a speech at the RNC this past September. Lieberman has continuing caucusing with the Democrats ever since officially becoming an “Independent Democrat,” but is under no compulsion to continue doing so.

Current U.S. Senate party affiliation numbers

» 11/7: The polls were wrong in Alaska, and Sen. Ted Stevens remains in political limbo
» 11/6: Democrats are on a political high with most elections (mostly) decided
» 11/6: Vote counting continues in Georgia and elsewhere
» 11/5: Alaska Senate race still undecided
» 11/5: North Carolina’s Senate race radically changed
» 11/5: AP calls Minnesota Senate race
» 11/5: The other contests

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s reputation suffered greatly from his cooperation with U.S. foreign policy during the terrifically unpopular war in Iraq. Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s first act in office was to make a statement distancing himself from the policies of President George W. Bush. Now, as Senator Barack Obama ascends to the presidency, the UK has made a quick turn to align itself with America once more.

Guest: Paddy O’Connell

President Bush’s approval rating has dipped below 30 percent and the Republicans got pummeled during this election cycle. It’s clear that enthusiasm in the GOP base has eroded. To help get the elephant back on its feet, The Takeaway turns to advertising guru Jeff Goodby. He’s the advertising mastermind behind the popular (and long-running) ‘Got milk?’ campaign.

President-elect Barack Obama will have a host of important decisions before him in the coming weeks. Among them - what sort of dog should he and his family choose as the new First Pet?

“Overwhelmingly, most feel that the new president-elect and his family should adopt a pound mutt.” — Meg Frost, author of the blog Cute Overload. She’s been polling her readers on the question of what dog best represents America.

The 2008 campaign season has come to an end and one thing that means is lots and lots of out-of-work politicos scrambling to find new gigs. Some of the winners will be headed to Washington, but for many, it’s time to dive back into what’s become an extremely competitive job market.

Guest: Marci Alboher