Pignanelli: Blunders on both sides. This was do or die for McCain to revitalize momentum for his campaign, and he never came close. There was a tremendous chance, which was abandoned, for either to sound presidential on a question regarding what sacrifices Americans must make. Neither articulated an energetic vision of hope in the tradition of Reagan or Clinton. Both candidates need to leave their stump speeches at home and offer a more personal dialogue.

Who exceeded expectations?

Pignanelli: All Obama needed was to maintain his momentum. He played it safe, seeming to possess a prescient knowledge that McCain would never surpass him. McCain was supposed to excel in this town hall format (as he did in the primaries). He was competent and at times compelling. But he never threw the "Hail Mary" pass.

Webb: The conventional wisdom was that McCain needed an overpowering win to change the dynamics of the campaign. He performed well, but not so strikingly as to make a big difference in the race. Obama needed to simply score a tie by seeming presidential and not making any major mistakes. He did so.

Overall, who carried the night?

Webb: McCain had the better debate, but he needed a game-changer and didn't get it last night. He has another chance on Oct. 15.

Pignanelli: Both gave strong closings. In particular, Obama gave the passionate, moving speech for which he is now famous. By the end of the evening, no one is surprised that Obama is leading in the polls.

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Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and a Deseret News managing editor. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.