Polls give final debate to Obama

The final debate of the presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain took place last night in New York state, and early polls indicate that the combative affair was seen to be a victory for the Democratic challenger, Obama.

McCain came out swinging in the debate, aware that it would be his last major chance to change the direction of the race with just 19 days remaining, and brought up the Illinois senator's relationship with 1960s terrorist Bill Ayers.

The Republican senator also looked to paint his opponent as a tax-and-spend lberal who was looking "to spread the wealth" from rich and middle-class voters. He also brought up Obama's links to Acorn, a left-wing community group that is accused of voter registration fraud.

Obama countered the Ayers accusations by pointing out that his crimes had taken place when the Democrat candidate was just eight years old, and that Ayers had played no part in any of Obama's campaigns. The Democrat continued to link McCain to the policies of George Bush, drawing a repudiation of the current president from the Arizona senator.

Immediate polls showed that Obama came across as better qualified on the economy and healthcare, while McCain was seen as more negative and like a typical politician. CNN gave the debate 58-31 to Obama, while CBS scored it 53-22.