In the most compelling side-by-side comparison thus far, John McCain and Barack Obama laid out their economic and domestic plans in their final debate yesterday at Hofstra University.

Their policy differences were heightened by pointed, aggressive exchanges across a table they shared with moderator Bob Schieffer. Compared to the earlier debates, the contrast — if not the actual policy positions — was clearer.

For voters deeply worried about the economy, it would have been a boon to have another chance to press for more details. But with less than three weeks remaining before Election Day, voters are on their own to decide which candidate will best navigate the rough seas ahead.

McCain's greatest task for this final meeting was to come out strong on the economy — an issue of critical importance to voters and to his campaign.

Neither candidate went much beyond the same talking points; McCain did not score the home run his campaign had hoped for.

He used the widely reported encounter between Obama and "Joe the Plumber," over tax hikes for those above $250,000 in annual income, to challenge Obama's tax policies as too burdensome on small business. McCain's aggressive attack put Obama on the defensive, but it was not enough to neutralize what has been Obama's strength thus far.

In the latter segment — particularly on healthcare — McCain seemed less focused, while Obama's platform seemed to benefit from more details. He outlined how McCain's proposed tax credit may not cover actual costs and could leave older, sicker patients uninsured down the road. Obama's plan seems more sharply aimed at reducing the numbers of the uninsured, ultimately cutting costs.

The candidates finally confronted each other on the issue of negative attacks, including Obama's association with Bill Ayers. Let's hope they've made their points on this issue and move on to what's worrying most voters: the economy and healthcare.

With no future debates on deck, voters now have the responsibility to weigh the facts and choose the candidate with the best plan for charting a new course — the stakes have never been higher.