HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney face off tonight in a “town hall” style debate that has the potential to finally break the race’s stubborn tie as their battle roars into its final, decisive 3 weeks.

The 90-minute debate at Hofstra University, which begins at 8 p.m., comes with the two men neck and neck after Romney bested Obama in their first debate, gained in the polls and climbed back into contention. The result could hinge on the way the two men perform, but also on a format that will allow members of the audience to pose questions, with follow-ups from moderator Candy Crowley of CNN.

Obama, sharply criticized for a listless performance in the first presidential debate on Oct. 3, is expected to more aggressively question Romney’s shifts in tone and position over the years – and in some cases recent days – on tax cuts, immigration, abortion and other subjects.