Queerview television guide for October 30

Thursday's TV is heavy on the elections as Logo's 365Gay News examines gay issues on a Visible Vote special, the Suarez clan celebrates election day on Ugly Betty and the Student Council election storyline continues on As the World Turns. Why, it's almost enough to overshadow the long-awaited return of 30 Rock.

Since Luke and Noah should be back in action today we'll be delivering the much-needed snark in a liveblog so be sure to check in today starting at 2PM Eastern.

Check out the full listings after the break!

As the World Turns (CBS) Check local listings
With the Student Council election getting uglier, Kevin tries to push Luke to give up his campaign. I suspect Kevin is about to get a lecture on how stubbornness is genetic followed by an discussion on Iva, Lily and Damien's pliable ways.

365Gay News: The Visible Vote '08 (Logo) 7:00 PM EDT
With only five days until election day, 365Gay News takes a look at the 2008 election and the the issues that face LGBT voters.

The Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC) 8:00 PM EDT
Here's an interesting follow-up to the visible vote: tonight MSNBC's rising star and the only openly gay anchor on a cable news network has her biggest interview, Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama. I'm squee'ing at the very thought. The only thing that could get me more excited is if she followed up the interview with a roundtable discussion with Chuck D and Liz Winstead.

Rachel Maddow

Survivor (CBS) 8:00 PM EDT
Yikes, after weeks of dominating the competion we know that Charlie's tribe will definitely be voting someone out since both tribes will be heading to tribal council this week. Normally, I cheer for the rest of the tribe to wise up and take down the dominant alliance before their power is too strong to stop, but I'm actually cheering for the "large onion" alliance. Here's hoping Kota isn't smart enough to try to break up Marcus and Charlie's strong bond before they become unstoppable.

Ugly Betty (ABC) 8:00 PM EDT
While Betty faces off against Kimmie (Lindsey Lohan), the rest of the Suarez clan is focused on election day, Ignacio's first chance to vote since becoming a citizen and an opportunity for Hilda to promote her shop. Considering how I can get about American civics, I might need some tissues on hand for this one. Also, tonight finally sees David Blue return as Cliff.

Cliff's back!

30 Rock (NBC) 9:30 PM EDT
Jack Donaghy returns to the Sheinhardt Wig Company tonight, ready to do battle with closeted exec Devin Banks (Will Arnett) over control of the company ... and while 30 Rock still lacks for a regular gay character, the secretive circumstances around Jack's departure from his job in the Bush administration will probably come up at some point this season. Tonight's season premiere also features a guest role for gay fave Megan Mullally a role that also serves as a meetup of women who Sarah Palin resembles.

The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central) 10:30 PM EDT
Uhm, yikes, I so didn't expect Brian and Steve's definition of "full release" to be quite so ... uhm, well ... ew. Tonight's episode might go similarly as Sarah becomes an adult bed-wetter. Dare I hope the story of Brian and Steve fighting over Brian's long beard is a suitable distraction?

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS)
It's a double feature of gay fave guests tonight with director Kevin Smith and Kaitlin Olson (from the gayish fx series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Riches).

Late Night with Conan O'Brien (NBC)
Fresh off of her Obama interview, Rachel Maddow is scheduled to visit the Late Night set tonight. Squee again!

And don't forget to check out our Gay TV Grid for an up-to-the-minute guide to all that is gay on TV!