Last week, the two leading presidential candidates sparred for the last time. Both candidates tried to grab the electorate and run with it. A week later, they may be wondering if any of the debates was worth their time.

For the last several months, polls have been shifting between candidates. Both Texas Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore have experienced leads in the polls, but neither has held the lead for a significant portion of the campaign.

“Normally, the polls don’t change at this time in the election season,” said Dr. Ken Warren, Saint Louis University political science professor and pollster. He explained that this can be blamed on the notion that many voters don’t like either one of the candidates.

“Despite the fact that people say they’re for Bush or Gore, they really are soft,” Warren added.

Following the debates, both campaigns attempted to “spin” their candidate as the obvious victor who would soon jump in polls.

“George W. Bush’s momentum stops tonight,” said Donna Brazile, Gore campaign manager, the night of the debate.

Bush Campaign Communications Director Karen Hughes admitted it would be a tough final three weeks but felt her candidate came out on top.

“I think the people saw why he should be president-he has a clear vision,” Hughes said.

Despite both campaign’s optimism, Political Science Professor Ellen Carnaghan, didn’t think much was accomplished. “I don’t think they had much effect. It’s hard for the average voter to tell much difference,” she said.

Although they are difficulty to determine, Carnaghan still believes there are differences, particularly in rarely considered the ways such as the Supreme Court appointments and what bills will be signed or vetoed.

One particular aspect that continually has been discussed in the media and polls is the “likability factor.”

Polls continue to show that the electorate agrees with Gore on the issues, but find Bush more likable-the result: a dead-heat election.

“The issues are so complex that when it comes down to it, we vote for who we like more,” explained Mary Domahidy, of the Public Policy department.

Domahidy also drew a connection between Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan’s untimely death and the role of public service. “His death emphasized how important it is for good people to be elected to public service,” she said.

As the final countdown begins to election day, candidates will scurry for the infamous “undecided voter.”

Warren thinks that most people have decided long ago who they’ll eventually support with a vote. “What more does it take to make up their minds?” Warren asked.

Three debates, more than a year of campaigning and numerous television ads may have all been worthless. In less than two weeks, we shall see.