Moment of truth looms for U.S. presidential race

Source: Xinhua | 10-16-2008 13:29

by Yang Qingchuan

HEMPSTEAD, the United States, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- After several months of ups and downs, the most-watched U.S. presidential race in recent history is heading for its finish line.

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (L) (D-IL) answers a question in his third presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee Sen. John  McCain (C) (R-AZ) at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, October 15, 2008.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Once again, the final debate between U.S. presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama Wednesday night at Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y., proved to be another formality rather than a game-changer.

But the impact on each candidate is different. For Obama, now the clear front-runner, making no big mistake is a step closer to the final win. For McCain, now in his familiar underdog role again, his lack-of-magic performance meant he missed another key chance to catch up.