As the US presidential election comes down to its last fortnight of campaigning, John McCain has a mountain to climb. The result is not yet ordained – many voters are undecided, and nearly half still tell pollsters that they regard Barack Obama as underqualified. But during the past few weeks, the McCain campaign has misfired badly. The damage, partly self-inflicted, is serious and quite likely irreparable.

Wednesday’s third and final televised debate was Mr McCain’s best remaining chance to check Mr Obama’s lead. The Republican did quite well. He was composed and unagitated. The two candidates engaged in a thorough discussion of their domestic policies. Real, legitimate differences were highlighted and clarified on taxes, trade, education, abortion and healthcare.