However, after a strong debate performance last week, Romney has taken the lead nationally among likely voters, according to Pew Research Center’s presidential election polling.

Prior to last week’s debate, Obama held an eight-point lead nationally over his opponent, 51-43 percent among likely voters. Yet after the debate, Romney now holds a four-point lead among likely voters, 49-45 percent.

In addition, the Pew poll found 72 percent of independent voters reported Romney as the winner of last week’s debate, compared to Obama’s 14 percent.

Romney’s strongest argument against Obama was his knowledge of the economy and the private sector. He used this to present himself as a fiscally responsible candidate who could limit government spending and decrease governmental budget deficits.

And his message communicated well to Americans, as the same Pew poll found a majority of voters believe Romney would do a better job than Obama on reducing the federal budget deficit by a 51-36 margin. This poll also found voters believe Romney would do a better job at decreasing unemployment, beating Obama by a 49-41 margin.

This virtually was Romney’s last chance to stay in the race with his opponent, and he performed exactly how he needed to.

Romney presented himself as a candidate with new ideas for America’s stagnant economy. He presented himself as an alternative to what many consider are Obama’s failed economic policies, promising lower taxes, less regulation and new jobs for 12 million Americans. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported a 7.8 percent unemployment rate for September, and although the rate has fallen below 8 percent, it still is not nearly low enough to bolster America’s economy.

Obama seemed defensive throughout the entire debate, never really firing back at his opponent or providing substantial arguments to encourage support among voters. He admits that his debate performance was poor but added he did not expect Romney to tell, what he considers, lies to Americans about his policies and positions on issues.

Regardless of whether or not what Romney said was factually accurate, his argument communicated well to likely voters, garnering support among undecided voters and igniting his base during the heart of election season.

History shows challengers usually win the first debate, including Vice President Walter Mondale’s campaign against then-President Ronald Reagan in 1984, and Sen. John Kerry’s win over President George W. Bush in 2004. Although these challengers later lost their bids for presidency, Romney’s victory last week tightened the race between Obama and him, validating his position as a serious candidate who could defeat an incumbent president.

Ultimately, no matter which candidate an American supports, it is vitally important they voice their opinion this November by voting. Romney’s strong debate performance last week proved this race still is far from over, and that either candidate still has the chance to claim victory this Nov. 6.