"America needs a new direction," McCain, the Arizona Republican, told the audience at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. "We cannot be satisfied with what we've been doing for the last eight years."

"We need fundamental change in this country," Obama, the Illinois Democrat said, "and that's what I'd like to bring."

McCain said he would guard tax dollars, adding "We have to stop the spending, which has mortgaged your children's future."

"All of these things and all the promises and commitments that Senator Obama and I ... made to you tonight will be based on whether you can trust us or not to be careful stewards of your tax dollar, to make sure America is safe and secure and prosperous, to make sure we reform the institutions of government," McCain said in closing.

The future "is going to be requiring all of us -- Democrats, Republicans, independents -- to come together and to renew a spirit of sacrifice and service and responsibility," Obama said. "I promise you that if you give me the extraordinary honor of serving as your president, I will work every single day, tirelessly, on your behalf and on the behalf of the future of our children."

Before signing off, moderator Bob Scheiffer of CBS News said, "I will leave you tonight with what my mother always said -- go vote now. It will make you feel big and strong. "