With Obama ahead, McCain will need a magic trick in tonight's debate, pundit says

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It is the final face-off, and the pressure is on.

The marching orders from John McCain supporters are to bring it on.

Some believe one way to win the White House is to bring up Barack Obama's friendship with former '60s radical William Ayers.

"You know I think he has probably ensured that it will come up," McCain said on KMOX radio this week.

On the air

KTKA 49 ABC will air the debate live. Tune in at 8 p.m. Wednesday for ABC's Vote 2008: Presidential Debate, the final debate of the campaign. And then, stick around for 49 News at 10 for local reaction.

McCain's statement was provoked by Obama telling ABC News' Charles Gibson last week that he was "surprised" McCain didn't bring up the Ayers issue during the last debate.

"He wasn't willing to say it to my face," Obama said.

What McCain faces is a new poll showing Obama with a 14-point lead over the Arizona senator, a tough battle even for the self-styled maverick.

"John McCain has pulled a rabbit our of a hat before over the course of his career, but his is going to be a rather large rabbit out of a very small hat," ABC News Political Consultant Matthew Dowd said.

2008 Presidential candidates

We want you to be informed about the possible choices for president. That's why we've researched where the candidates stand on issues like the Iraq war and gay marriage. Check out the candidate's platforms here.

Obama has a task of his own.

"Do what he's done in the past debates, be reassuring, counter-punch when necessary but basically lay out your plans," ABC News "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos said.

Both candidates laid out new economic plans this week.

Wall Street remains down today, once again keeping the economy front and center tonight in what will be the largest audience for both candidates until the election.


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