With some surveys showing Barack Obama opening up a double-digit lead nationally in the race for the White House, John McCain needed a dramatic showing in last night's debate to change the momentum of the campaign. McCain plainly made his strongest showing yet in the final debate at Hofstra University in New York, scoring points on a scope of issues, from Obama's proposed tax hikes to his ties with violent radical William Ayers and the controversial Acorn group, which has been widely accused of voter registration fraud.

Yet less than three weeks before Election Day, the big question remains whether McCain's impressive performance last night will turn back the Obama tide. In fact, Obama delivered a flat performance but avoided any gaffes, which was all he really needed to achieve, given his out-front position.

Americans clearly saw a more vigorous, combative McCain in the third debate. He challenged Obama squarely from the start, using the example of "Joe the plumber" to illustrate Obama's destructive tax proposals and highlighting Obama's opposition to free trade with Canada and Colombia. McCain also landed a strong blow when he declared emphatically that he was not George Bush, despite Obama's incessant attempts to portray him as such.

Obama was at his best in addressing the health care dilemma, himself using "Joe the plumber" to explain his proposals. He also won points on a woman's right to choose and education reform. McCain scored with his unhesitating advocacy of vouchers and school choice.

For an encounter that was supposed to center on domestic issues, the candidates gave scant attention to how they would address the country's deteriorating financial foundations. All the same, the format and moderator Bob Schieffer encouraged an enlightening give-and-take between the candidates. Now, after the most protracted presidential campaign in history, the final outcome is in the hands of voters.

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