Mainers could not have been surprised by the combative tone of the third and final presidential debate Tuesday. It was conducted in a town meeting format and, as anyone here who attends his or her annual exercise in local government knows, it is a format conducive to the knock down, drag out.

It was a format that suited both candidates well. Without inhibiting lecterns and tables, both men were free to prowl, pose and gesture as they made their points and counterpoints. If body language says anything, voters got an earful.

Vice President Al Gore made perhaps the best use of the freedom of movement. He certainly was far more vigorous than in the second debate, the ability to roam allowed him be forceful without appearing condescending, as he did in the first.

Gov. George W. Bush, though taken aback at times by his opponent’s more assertive manner, generally appeared at ease, especially when describing the broader themes of his campaign. To the extent that any mortal president can bring nonpartisan civility to Congress, the governor’s personable demeanor may help.

As for the content of the debate, the issues discussed and the positions taken, there was little new. Mr. Gore continues to demonstrate a substantially greater command of the nuts and bolts of government, Gov. Bush to be more comfortable with general outlines, details to follow.

The governor clearly is staking his presidential future on the extent to which he can convince voters a President Gore would be not just a big spender, but a big spender with nothing to show for it. Whether the issue was tax cuts, health care or education, he consistently tried to soften the policy distinctions the vice president tried to highlight, preferring instead to portray his ability to actually get things done as the difference.

Mr. Gore, apparently convinced that the persistent Republican charge that he is instigating class warfare is not resonating with the public, attacked Gov. Bush repeatedly for promoting policies he said favor the wealthy, whether individuals or businesses. The assault was so relentless that in a particularly heated exchange on tax cuts, the governor was forced to make the obvious though politically unfortunate point that the wealthy gain the most from across-the-board cuts because they pay the most in taxes.

The governor also took every opportunity to emphasize his “trust” theme – he trusts the American people, Al Gore trusts the government. The approach is based in necessity; no sane politician today would dare say “trust me,” but expressing trust in the public carries the expectation of a quid pro quo. It’s a clever tactic, but it ignores a fundamental of democracy: People don’t vote to elect a government that trusts them, they vote to elect a government they can trust. With this race too close to call, the next three weeks, an eternity in presidential campaigns, will determine which candidate has earned that trust.