SEN. JOHN McCAIN, the spirited, commanding character New Hampshire fell in love with eight years ago, reappeared Wednesday night. And it was no accident that he showed up in New Hampshire.

McCain spent two days campaigning here before the debate at the University of New Hampshire. Reporters we've talked with say he is his old self again. Freed from the constraints of a national campaign and rejuvenated by direct interaction with New Hampshire voters, he has found renewed vigor and energy.

That was apparent Wednesday night as McCain emerged from the debate the clear and convincing winner. National pundits have written off McCain. But he is showing that the reports of his political death are premature. And he is breathing new life into his campaign in the only place such a feat is possible: in New Hampshire.