ABC News' George Stephanopoulos grades Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama on their final 2008 presidential debate performances at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
McCain was extremely comfortable in the town hall-style format, walking the stage, calling voters by name and at one point shaking hands with service member Terry Shirey, a questioner in the hall.
"Thanks for serving," McCain told Shirey.
The Arizona senator likes town hall debates, and that showed. McCain had previously challenged Obama to more town hall debates but the negotiations broke down.
Obama's style was more subdued and explanatory. He gained style points when the cameras showed him smiling repeatedly as McCain verbally attacked him. Obama appeared unflappable, and yet at one point firmly insisted he wanted to correct the record when McCain mischaracterized his tax plan.
Obama's steady, calm demeanor may be paying off. In the last three weeks, America has struggled against the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression, and polls show voters now view the Illinois senator as the safe choice on the economy.
Accuracy: Obama (A-) McCain (B+)
McCain mischaracterized Obama's tax plan when he claimed that Obama had voted to raise taxes 94 times, which is not true. McCain also falsely claimed that 50 percent of small businesses will get a tax increase under Obama's plan -- that is simply not true.
The bottom line is that Obama is now 2 for 2. He showed during the course of the two debates the number-one question that Americans have of him: Does he have the experience it takes to serve as president? During the course of three hours he is answering that question minute by minute.
For more George Stephanopoulos analysis of the 2008 electoral map click HERE.
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