The presidential candidates wrapped up their third and final debate Wednesday night, but local voters said the event did little to sway them.

"I think it was a standoff," said Attleboro resident Marc Liberatore, who is the head basketball coach at Norton High School.

But Liberatore, who also teaches history and economics at the school, said the debate did show a side of John McCain that he hadn't seen in a while.

"He was much more aggressive, feisty," Liberatore said. "He showed more of the fighter-type than we had seen in the first two debates."

Delia Russell, a public health researcher from Attleboro, said she also noticed the aggressive side of McCain, but doesn't think it was enough to overtake Barack Obama, who is leading in many polls. "I don't think he was strong enough," she said. "I don't think there was enough details, enough examples."

Russell said she didn't think Wednesday's debate would hurt Obama, who she said looks to hold onto his edge in the polls.

"He was calm, determined and gave concise answers," she said. "I don't think he lost anything."

Both Liberatore and Russell said they thought the discussion about negative campaigning in the early part of the debate wasn't what Americans wanted to hear.

"They want to hear how (the candidates) are going to solve the problems," Liberatore said.

Richard Kieltyka, a financial planner who lives in North Attleboro, said the debate focused too much on old issues.

"I think we continue to hear the same differences of opinion and the same arguments we heard the last two debates," Kieltyka said. "Some of the key differences are how they propose to fix the system from a healthcare standpoint and providing a college education.

"There wasn't as much discussion as I would have liked to see on the fact we need to rein in spending, but that was touched upon," Kieltyka said. "I think that is absolute key in light of the economic situation today and the huge amounts of money being spent to get this economy on track."

Kieltyka said he hasn't made up his mind yet who he will vote for.

"I think from my standpoint, and the American voters," there remains the question of whether McCain is "truly a maverick or a Washington insider where we can look for more of the same." Kieltyka said he also thinks the public is still concerned about Obama's lack of experience.

MATT KAKLEY can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com. STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.