Huntington, NY - With the presidential contest a virtual dead heat with three weeks left to go, much is riding on the second debate for both candidates.

From now on, even little things can have big consequences - making Tuesday night's debate at Hofstra University exceptionally crucial.

President Barack Obama's passivity and Republican Mitt Romney's aggressive self-assurance in their Denver debate debut prompted both camps to award the advantage to Romney.

Obama is now looking for a rebound. He's under pressure to spell out exactly what he'd do in a second term.

Romney must guard against overconfidence and present himself as a taskmaster able to reach across party lines.

He'll likely be pressed to explain more clearly how his across-the-board tax cuts wouldn't raise taxes on middle-class voters or lower them on the wealthy.