CNN

the whole thing was slanted in McCain's favor, that was easy to see, must have had an agreement, other wise McCain would not have even showed up. Pastor Rick let McCain give stump speaches but told Obama he did not want him doing that. McCain's war hero status is getting stale, that is really all he has going for him.

Let's stop picking on Candy Crowley. I did not agree with all her analysis, but it was fair. Obama answered the questions in a very thoughtful manner. I think what many of us are getting at here is that blue collar folks like the fiesty answers. "Nuanced" sounds too rarified and highminded. McCain speaks their language. Obama must win this election's; so offer more personal stories, Barack.

McCain lost me at those mono-syllabic answers especially before questions were asked. Come on. What was he thinking? Anyway this was his audience.

Barack '08

To be a Democrat and attend an evangelicals forum is great. Obama impressively held his own. I need answers to this very question. Does anyone think that because Bush and his Republican army" the far right" invaded Iraq under false pretense, the Russians are overplaying their hands since the crazy Georgian president provoked them by ordering military forces to move into South Ossetia.? Since the world found no WMD's there, why are we still in Iraq? Perhaps the Russians will claim that Georgia has WMD's and simply occupy them for a very long time to come.

There's a big difference between picking the correct answer to a multiple choice question verses having a method by which you analysis a problem to come up with an answer.

I chose process and logic over spouted answers any day!

My family and I are registered democrats but we are voting for McCain. My 21 year old daughter was going to vote for Obama until tonight; she was able to listen to both candidates and feels that McCain is wiser and more trustworthy.

Within 3 minutes, McCain blasted "Caleyfornia" (why i aughta...) for allowing civil unions, then goes on to talk out of the other side of his mouth and say that he thinks the decision aught to be made by individual states.

uhm.

come again?

Sorry but in my opinion it was obvious his answers were memorized and yet I caught a few times where he still tripped up.Every answer he had involved violence by referring to war.And in a church no less.I found him repulsive and I can't listen to "My friends" come out of his pathetic mouth another time.No way would I ever vote for someone who knows nothing but military.He's another 4 years of George Bush,PERIOD.He is no Christian I want to follow.Anyone who votes McCain is killing young soldiers for nothing.There is no honor in dying to appease that old fool.Get real.

Obama did not dodge the question. If you are not for abortion then your answer is going to be at conception but if you are prochoice there is no possible way to answered that question (which is why he did not answer it). If you knew you child was going to be born with an outrages birth defect do you should be able to chose if you want to bring a child into the world that way. If you are raped and get pregnant you should be able to chose what you want to do.

I Will Confess As A Democrat , I Am Very Impressed With Sen. John McCain Tonight . I'm Begaining To Really Like Him . I Can See him Being a Good President . McCain Is A Pretty Wise Man . Who Doesn't Hesitate to say What he Stands For . Good Debate Tonight !!!!

You May have Just Earned My Vote !!!!

It took Obama longer to give his answers because of all of the duh, mmm, uhh, in each answer. He had to try and remember where he was so he could give the "politically correct answer". He kept looking down for his telepromter - surprise there wasn't one.

He still mistated..........

The abortion rate has gone down....not up.

He "reached across the isle" to work with John McCain on an ethics bill --but then double crossed McCain and voted against the bill when the Democratic leaders pressured him. How is ever going to stand up to Foreign Leaders if he can't stand up to Pelosi and Reid?

New drinking game - take a shot everytime Obama says hmmm.

Mac War bought this so called debate and the money went to Pastor Rick. Come on you guys get smart and read between the lines.
This was well planned. Another Repuke ploy at trying to win an electon. What a sleez. America deserves better get smart people and think outside the box.
Cindy
what are thinking?!!!

McCain does not represent any kind of change but more of the same old ideas and politics. Women's rights to choose is not a matter of liking abortion because nobody likes abortion. However, the decision of how to handle her own body, medical care, conditions and pregnancy is the woman's and the woman's choice only, not the government's and certainly not the business of any fanatic stranger holding a sign.

Your wrong Crowley. Obama explained why he takes the position he does, which is pro-life and he said that. McCain just said what the crowd wanted to hear without explaining why he holds that position, not to mention it is a position he has flip flopped on.

Funniest part of the night came when McCain he wants everyone to be rich and no one should have to pay higher taxes. Obama's right on the tax issue for sure: it's unavoidable that SOMEONE is going to pay higher taxes.

If Candy Crowly praises Obama then she is great, she observes the truth and it clear who are wathching CNN: liberals. I hope D.C will not have another leader like its mayor who "experienced" drug.

McCain is Declaring victory in Iraq? That's Interesting....

When asked last night "Who are the three wisest people you know and who would you rely on in your administration?'

McCain answered, "# 1 General David Petraeus. Who took us from to defeat to victory in Iraq."

Can I ask when General Petraeus declared victory?

Can I ask why McCain is he declaring victory in Iraq before Bush? Or did Bush already declare victory with that little Cod Piece Carrier Landing Stunt? (it's so confusing when you've been lied to so many times)

When is SOMEONE going to call out him out on these obvious discrepancies?

When did we arrive at victory in Iraq? And why are our troops still dying there almost every day?!

Can someone ask McCain if our troops can come home now?

What is going on?

Did we win and I missed it?

-Cupper

OBAMA KOOL-AID. Some of you must have had an IV of this stuff while you were watching. This beverage (IV in your case) makes you think IT IS BAD IF YOU…
1) answer questions directly and quickly
2) answer questions clearly with no room for Interpretation
3) served in the military
4)have experience and are old
5) tell true stories (THE KEY WORD IS TRUE)

OBAMA LOST THE ELECTION TONIGHT…I'm really sorry. I'm sure it is the IV...you all just can't be that one sided

What a stark difference. Obama presidency will be like Bush, the one full of stuttering. The confidence with which McCain has answered these tough questions proves that he is the PRESIDENT MATERIAL. Obama is nothing but empty words and STUTTERING when not in front of a prompter.

McCain will take us to war AGAIN, and AgAIN, until we can't WAR anymore. This man Is scary. Take heed. Our sons and daughters will be in eternal combat if this guy is elected. Can we afford to lose anymore of our children, spouses, sons, and daughters?...The answer is NO. Listen closely to what he says, War, Defeat, won't rest until defeated.

Tonight, CNN has lost all credibility with my wife and I while viewing this Presidential Forum. It appears that Rev. Rick Warren used his millions to purchase air time, from what use to be a legitimate cable news channel in order to promote his personal candidate for president – John McCain. The questions appeared tailor-made for McCain. He even anticipated the Supreme Court Justice question before it was asked. And why would you have a Pastor chair such a forum unless he paid for it out of his pocket. Even the commercials are new and unique to CNN and probably serve the commercial interests of Saddleback members; such as CYSCO, AmWay, etc. It is a sad day . . . I did not realize that CNN was for sale.

McCain was great! Obama was so-so. My vote goes to McCain.
This very private man let us see clearly how sharp he really is. I have
always liked him but now I know I will vote for him.

If you believe in God, please dont try to speak for God. Only god knows.

I remember one of the many debates in the primaries where the question was "What is your greatest weakness?" Obama went first and thought and gave an honest, sincere answer. Then Clinton and Edwards gave the typical canned answers on any interviewing web site–"I care too much, etc."

This is what happened tonight. Obama actually tried to answer the questions he was asked and answered them with respect and honesty. McCain gave the typical canned answers that were clearly memorized (hence the quick responses) alternated with story time. The one story he didn't tell is the reason his first marriage failed.

If it is not about war or the military, he doesn't know what to do, so goes back to the old reliable. When this country has a problem, I pray to God that we have an intelligent, thoughtful, and complex person in charge and not a quick funny man that will say "War Declared!" before all sides have been explored.

When do gays get American rights?

McCain"s answer to the three wisest people question was simply pandering and campaign stump speech. He never once mentioned his mother or his wife (tells you what he thinks of women).

Additionally, anybody at his age that thinks someone condierably younger than he is wise simply because it fits his election platform (the surge), and also says someone who simply managed E-bay are the wisest people he knows, they are not the right person to be President.

To the Obamanites out there, As the "One" states and you have stated over the weeks "Get Over It:, Mc Cain smoked the "One" in the forum. They had the forum because "the One" refused to do townhall meetings or debates. So it was the "One's" way or the highway and the"One" sucked hot air. His answers were vague, actually he never gave an answer. May I suggest that the "One" go back and read all the books he has written so he can do better in his lying.............America will wake up to the"One" and he will not be President of the United States of America. Further CNN and all the other MSM's have done nothing more that shove Obama down the throats all all Americans since he decided to run. It's about time that one of the MSM's start being anews agency again rather thatn a puppet show for the DNC and Obama. My voteis an educated vote.

McCain 08

Man and woman should marry,this is not for ours childrens
growing,this know different a man 36 years og age going to
jail for having sex with a 15 year old.kids become gay because parent
are gay or they see this in TV and in public.The church shouldn't
want this like the church don't want gambling resort and adult
entertainment near church or a school.More individuals their were
republican,not very many minority at all,so of course you get the
crowd behind McCain.

CNN's instant analysis is pathetic. We can hear and understand plain English. Please permit us to do so. We can live without your biased comments to tear down Barak and glorify McDoofus. Rick Warren should be ashamed of himself. He did not conduct this forum fairly but Barak still won. Our family did not judge the candidates based on how fast they answered. We were concerned about thoughtful, truthful answers to the questions and NOT A STUMP SPEECH which McCain gave with no objections from Rick Warren.

McCain didn't answer the question, he "bamboozled" Warren, the heavily biased audience, and obviously Crawley too. "Life begins at conception?" O.K., but McCain is also for stem cell use!!!!!!! What? Are we supposed to be fools? You can't get stem cells without embryos!!! The same embryos that McCain says are living and breathing humans. Either you destroy the life of the embryos, or you support the use of their stem cells to help cure diseases in other people. You can't have it both ways fruit basket!!!
Not blinded by the bull!!!!
Obama 08

These questions were lobbed-in softballs!!!!!!!! Let's see how McCain does on the fast-pitched, hardball questions that he DOESN'T have in advance. Then we'll know the truth of the matter.

McCain can't talk about anything other than GOP talking points. It was the same 'politics-as-usual' that GWB uses.... another reason why he has earned the name 'McBush'!!

And Candy... can you be any more OBVIOUS about which candidate you favor and are going to vote for? Whatever happened to objective reporting? Somebody should have gotten you a baby's bib to soak up all that drooling you did over McCain tonight. You're on the wrong network... Fox News called and said you've earned your 'fair and balanced' stripes!!!

McCain was shooting straight tonight! He's has had a real good week, and it's showing in the polls, and showing in this debate tonight.

He's our guy!

Our Best Days Are AHEAD Of Us.

I really get a kick out of this "article." As I watched this forum I definitely saw the opposite of what is being reported here. McCain came off ridged, not direct. Uncomfortable and forced. He showed no personality, except the lack of. The Pastor asked Obama not to use his stump speech, yet let McCain spout off his bumper sticker quotes.
I love how the McCainbots are eating this up. "He did so well!" He is in his territory, with his "base". It only seemed like he did well because the applause sign went on when his answers lacked depth. "I can't wait for the debates!" He isn't getting the softy questions during debates that he got at the forum. Sorry.
I also fell head over heels for the commentators at the end. When asked if McCain scored points with his answers, they rolled over like their ear had been scratched ever so. If you need a candidate to look you in the face and lie or do an about face about on his beliefs just so you feel comfortable voting for that person...you have a problem.

I am glad the people can see thru the media bias and see Mccain is a joke

I attended the forum tonight, and while I'll say that Rick did an excellent job trying to remain neutral to the two candidates, his audience was less than unbiased. Obama treated this forum as it was intended to me, more like a conversation and less like a debate. He was conversational in his answers and I felt they were thoughtful and sincere. McCain however openly played the audience, and living in the area I can safely say he's a "golden boy" for Orange County republicans. McCain used this forum to ally himself with region's ultra conservative Christian right, which he has previously been on shakey footings with. McCain's answers were too much in line with what this audience wanted to hear rather than to be truly sincere. The perfect example being his response to the question about the Supreme Court Justices that he would not have nominated. That was a purely partisan answer, and one that this audience in partiular wanted to hear him say.

This was a complete set up to make McCain look good for the base.

He wants to lower taxes and spend less (start with cutting spending on the war)

He thinks same sex mariage should be a state issue, unless they don't agree with him, then there should be a constitutional amendment.

Life begins at conception, therefore my tax deductions should also, and my wife can drive in the carpool lane.

Did anyone else notice that he (McCain) spent a lot of time talking about a war that happened nearly 40 years ago? The fact that he can't get past the war scars me!

Geez, CNN, since Candy Crowley is so Pro-McCain, why don't you insist she wear red every night.......do not agree that McCain came off so well.....it was, obviously, a biased audience, so why not give some "balanced" critiques? Time for Ms. Crowley to move over and let someone younger take on the reporting. I will be surprised if you don't "edit" this out, balanced as you claim to be.

For all of you winers, remember, Obama agreed to this forum. He could have chickened out as usual. But, he tried to stand up like a man for once. Problem is he came up short. So please stop all your bickering and crying because it is so predictable.

After much thought, I think I know what bother's me about McCain. He seems to have his thoughts and ideas so fully formed that no question will cause him to ponder or think in a more detailed and deliberate manner. He seems to take the position that it's my way or the highway and won't take anything into account except what he knows/understand and believes.

I don,t get it. Candy is raving about what a wonderful job McCain did in the debate. To me it was obvious that his answers were rehearsed, when he wasn,t telling long WAR stories. He was stumping. Talk about bias, well we know the media is his base. They only look ridiculous praising the job he did tonight. Obama gave thoughtful answers and I felt he was speaking from the heart.

Wondered why McCain is considering a VP supports women to choose.
Lets remember this is a man who jokes about women enjoying being raped.
Do not trust this man!

I think Obama did an awesome job and when I heard the commentators I couldn't believe what they were saying, that McCain did an awesome job. Which all he was talking about is war and him being an POW does that automatic quailfies him to be President? All McCain wants to do is war. WE DON'T WANT ANOTHER BUSH. WE NEED HELP HERE IN AMERICA.

Obama simply cannot answer questions. He can mumble, stutter and posture like a buffoon. His strength is in pep talks, rallies and photo ops. Frankly, this twit should be nowhere near the President's office. Rather, he would be great at late night infomercials.

you guys are saying all the things I've been yelling at my TV all night! It's nice to know that with all the sucking up everyone has done to McCain tonight, there are many people who can see though all of his answers.
Now let's just hope that Obama can pounce on McCain's biggest volunerability: Actions speak louder than words.
1)Saying you support the troops vs. having one of the worst voting record for the military.
2) Conception is the start of human rights vs. Being okay with picking a pro choice VP
** what kind of morals does a person have if they don't want to terminate "life" in the womb, but is okay with a VP, he picks, supporting "murder" in the womb.

Apparently Candy and I head a different debate tonight. The first hour with Obama was unrehearsed and sincere with a man who gave thoughtful answers to some very deep questions. The second hour was the John Mc Cain show, unrestricted by the moderator and answers that seem to come almost before the questions. Obama gave deep thoughtful answers and McCain told old war stories. For the last seven years we have had a president with shallow thinking abilities and, although McCain is a good man, he must never take the presidency and give us four more years of the same we have had from Bush. During the entire debate I just kept thinking that McCain is the past and Obama the future.

Obama supporters stop making excuses. McCain is clearly the heavyweight here. People talking about McCain answered too fast or maby he knew the answers, acussing the pastor of the church of lying,
the pastor said no one knew the questions, but you will call him a lair as an excuse for Obama. Country first – who is the best for this country

And Crowley is total baratone....!!! I guess if life begins at conception, as McCain is asuch the biologist..than it must end at birth with the pokicies of the GOP!!!

Nice Job McAttack! How long did it take for the Karl Rove Cronies to teach you those rehersed answers, your campaigne obviously received in advance. Since when does the McAttack speak without stumbling. hmmmm! Just an observation.

Senator Obama gave muddled, run-around answers. Senator McCain gave precise, to the point answers that you either agree with or you don't.
Both candidates got the same amount of support from the audience. Both were asked the same questions.
What is the problem here? How was this forum not a great way to determine how each man will lead?

Anyone who cannot see that McCain clearly won and Obama is clearly
a lightweight in comparison – is a good candidate for a cult.

Obama has a real problem with this as he does not even think that life begins when a baby is born. When he was in the Illinois state senate a bill was being discussed that called for babies born alive in botched abortions would get medical treatment. A nurse testifed that she was at an abortion that a baby was born and lived for 45 minutes but could not get any medical care due to the law in Illinois. The ONLY Illinois state senator who argued in opposition to the bill that would allow medical care for babies in these cases and the only senator who voted in opposition to this bill was Barack Obama. He could have voted present as he did over a hundred other times but instead he OPPOSED the bill. This is a pretty radical position on abortion and is why he skirted the questions.

He didn't state why he divorced his first wife and Dana Bash that was okay in McCain's case but not Obama's. I have never seen such a biased reporting system.

Candy Crowley COULD YOU BE A LITTLE MORE BIAS?!?!!

3 STORIES AND 3 PRO MCSHAME STORIES!!!!!

CNN WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Obama was grey on issues... THAT IS CALLED RIDING THE FENCE!!!!!
Sen. Obamas biggest problem is his lack of Patriotism, and being Trustworthy...
With everything in the Senators favor, the polls are tied. People don't trust him... The book Obama Nation will help define Sen. Obama, since he has been sheltered by his staff... what are they afraid of? The TRUTH...

Sorry Obamakins... Mc Cain '08

McCain says he is anti-abortion yet in the same breath he is the first to go to war and take lives.What hypocricy?

Note to Lisa:
You are not an Obama supporter. Don't tell lies.

Obama answered the questions from the heart -very sincere and in many cases profound. He quoted scripture several times. He talked about how his faith informs his daily life. He was humble and empathetic.

McCain did not answer many of the questions, and just gave prepared sounbite answers, with the POW stories thrown in. Nothing about this faith. He was pandering to the audience rather than answering the questions.

Candy and the other pundits need to go back and reed the transcript. They showed themselves to be very shallow!!!!

yeah the get all the protection before they are born and get thrown in the gutter forever after that.

If you believe that a human is started at conception, then every child is not 1 day old when they are born, they are the number of months/weeks old when the come out of the womb!. You can't argue for a childs beginning at conception then not believe they are older than 1 day at birth. ..

. And we should not be discussing religion and politics during a presidential campaign. Its a violation of the separation of church and state amendment and the fact that 2 presidential candidates are openly and illegally promoting 1 religion is disgusting. This debate was shameful and a slap in the face of EVERY American. I do not believe in God nor Jesus (who never lived, i dare anyone to prove Jesus existence.. there is zero physical proof!!) And why do we have to have this shoved in our face 24/7? Bush violated the law by having a religious based office in the White House..

What a surprise Obama dodging the tough questions........hahahahahahhahahahhahaha.

He must of freaked out when he found out he couldn't vote NOT PRESENT.

Geez Crowley! Is McBush your uncle? All he did was pander to the crowd and tell more war stories. When asked about his most gut wrenching political decision. McWar launcehed into another of several hero POW stories. He really started to sound like John Kerry where every question is answered with, back when I was a war hero in the war where I fought and was a hero. Enough already, really stop it please.

I think Senator Obama did great tonight . Even though the odds were not in his favor tonight with this crowd. Q for Andy you have listened to these 2 men for months,then after listening to each one talk for forty minutes, not even about some very serious questions about our country, you switch from supporting Obama to mcCain?? Very strange way to make such an important choice. Are you a flip flopper?

"My first marriage was my moral failing"... and? What about it was your failing? Talk about dodging questions!!!! I am yet to hear the explanation or the follow through on this one. How quickly they moved on from here yet Obama is expected to expand and clarify his points. Very disappointing Candy, and I had the greatest respect for you as a fair reporter. I still respect you, but not as I did before. Get back to what you did best, report fairly.

For those of you who are crying foul over the idea that this happened at a church for reasons of seperation of church and state, grow up. "Speration of Church and State" is a flagrant misinterpretaion of the Constitution. First of all, if you were inclined to take 5 minutes to read it you would find that this speration is not in the Consitution. The Constitution merely states that the FEDERAL government can not interfere with religion. Which is why until the 1820s most states had a state religion. The phrase "seperation of church and state" came from Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists. The Baptists had wrote a letter, congradulating him on winning the Pres. and asking a few questions, and Jefferson responded by saying the federal government would not get involved in religion. It is important to note Jefferson, while Gov. of Virginia, approved of religious state-level holidays. The idea of "seperation of church and state" is the most misquoted and misunderstood concept of American politics (we can thank Everson vs. Board of Edu. for that), as the concept takes Jefferson's writings without the context of his life. Church and state is really a state's right issue. So for everyone complaining about conservatives trying to turn America into a theocracy (a ridiculous claim), read the Constitution and then research judicial activism.

Guys who are trying to say the question was unfair.......that is so not true. Either a person is pro-life or pro-choice. McCain answered pro-life. Obama gave no answer. This is a huge issue in the campaign, and we all know that Obama is as pro-choice as it gets.

Obama didnt dodge the question he answer it.
Whats up Candy you seem to be very bias against Obama tonight.

all you dumb obama supporters, bet you wish you stayed with hildog lol. McCain has my vote, and my trust after tonights debates, obama cant even look at the audience and tell them and honest answer. what kind of leader cant answer a straight question.

Andy, you're pathetic "This is a stunning victory for John McCain. Wow. And I was an Obama supporter until tonight!" You were never a Obama supporter.

McCain sees the world in "black and white, while Obama has the important capacity to see "the grey". What I witnessed from the McCain "speech" tonight was a continuation of Bush's views. He didn't even have the decency to look his interviewer in the eye and answer to him directly. Instead he gave most of his attention to the audience. As I understood, this was a one-on-one format, but McCain tended to answer a question before it was completely asked. He came to the forum with "an agenda" and he was determined to get all of his pre-planned points across! Wake up, fellow-Americans. We need a change, and Obama is the man to facilitate that change.

McCain has no hesitation in answering when life begins, Obama will not even answer the question. This spells trouble for Obama , everyone already dislikes his views on blotched abortions and letting the child lie there to die without any aid or empathy, like the child that was thrown in the dirty rag bin that the nurse dug out and stayed with. McCain was tied with Obama before the debate, I think he will soar past him this next week. Many seen President written all over Mccain and made their minds up tonight.

Where are all the bots now-I love it-BO can't function without a stump speech-very sad!!!-has to constantly dodge the hard questions-can't wait for the debates!!!

Senator McCain should have been asked about his first marriage vows – you know, love, honor, etc. in sickness and in health and not leave when a younger, healthier woman comes along.

Haha, look how scared the Hussein Nobama supporters are now that their rockstar got outshined by a senior citizen! Everyone knew once it came down to real rhetoric and not stump speaches McCain would blow away Hussein Nobama. McCain's real, clear-cut initative-driven policy versus Hussein Nobama's indecisive, ambiguous placation. McCain '08

Yes but REALLY how many good speeches has Mccain given compared to Obama? I think Mr Warren set this interview on purpose hoping to catch Obama off guard. but to be honest, Mccain said nothing new as far as im concerned. In fact ill go futher and say he was really trying to be somebody he really isnt.

What kind of audience response can you possibly expect in suburbia Orange county , Ca? The environment catered to Mccain as most of his offered debates against Obama wouldve all along. They are all setups!

THE WHOLE THING WITH MCCAIN WAS REHEARSED, AND SMART AMERICANS KNOW THAT. HE IS NOT THAT EFFICIENT, HES SO SLOW HE MESSED IT UP. HE WAS ANSWERING BEFORE THE MAN COULD GET IT OUT OF HIS MOUTH. IF WE HAVE MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT, WE ARE ALL DOOMED. THIS COUNTRY CANT BE THAT RACIST. ITS TO THE POINT OF NO RETURN! AND I DO MEAN TO CALL HIM THIS MAN BECAUSE THATS ALL HE IS. WHAT MAN OF GOD? HES DOWN WITH IT TOO .HE IS NO MATCH FOR OBAMA AND HE KNOWS IT. THATS WHY HE LIES AND CHEATS. WHAT A PITY.

'Why is the conservative party trying to make McCain something he has not admitted to. McCain talks about his faith – faith in what? He says God-which God. His example of Christianity clearly showed that the guard was a Christian-it did not show that McCain is a christian. Anyone that is truly a follower of Christ-gets baptized. How does a 71 year old Christian not get around to getting baptized?Just because someone votes against abortion does not mean they are a christian-it could have just been the "Good thing" to do. I noticed that his answers about his Faith are all canned and do not speak to the personal relationship christians have with Jesus..

Candy you should say that McCain is straight forward but Obama can't give a straight answer!

Hillary was right all along- Obama will lose!

Former Democrat for McCain 08!

What I find interesting is that McCain did not say exactly what his moral failure was. Why was his first marriage a failure…tell the people John…lets see what those evan. folks would say if they knew why it really failed…They would castigate Bill C and the other John but you are guilty of similar!!!!!

Is it just me or is anyone else starting to get the feeling that some of the CNN reporters are showing their true political feelings in their reporting? I was under the impression they are not supposed to do so. So much for the "Greatest political team on television" impartiality.

As I have said in my other comments, I think Obama was honest and forthright in his answers. He showed great consideration of each question before giving his thoughtful answers.

I cannot say the same for McCain. His flip answers showed no consideration and thoughtfulness on anything. His pontificating on his POW situation was sickening. We've all heard about that before and it is time he hung it up. Besides, he doesn't tell everything about this time in his life. What about the confession he signed???
t

It ain't that McCain isnt a good person. Its just that at this point in the history of our country, he is the wrong man of the job of being president. Times are changing, and McCain isnt. As much as some people might want it to be the 1950's, or 1980's, those days are gone. It is time for the new leaders of our country to stand up and begin to shape our future by looking foward, and not looking back.

McCain resorted to the Hillary Clinton playbook on stage tonight. He addressed the audience, not Rick Warren, when asked a question. And he used personal anecdotes rather than broad general policy statements to achieve rapport and identity with the audience. He was therefore more effective rhetorically than Obama in appealing to the audience. In this debate I hope that Obama learns McCain's rhetorical lessons. On the abortion issue, for instance, Obama needs to frame the only true answer to the question on when does a baby's life begins: It 's life begins before conception, with the life of the mother, and that is why an abortion throughout history and in widely different cultures never has been considered the same as homicide. McCain 's just another George Bush. For instance, his responses to most problems that this country faces, including alternative energy solutions, turn out only to be motivated by military considerations. Every problem that McCain addresses has a national security dimension(He even resembles the Dr. Evil character in Austin Powers films starring Michael Myers as Dr. Evil). At least his hero Teddy Roosevelt, a brilliant writer like Obama, had ideas about conservation and nature having nothing to do with military matters. McCain represents a militarism no true Christian would support because militarism means the end of democracy and the Western values that McCain says he wishes to protect. Who goes up must come down.

I thought Obama and McCain did well. They both played to their respective audiences.

I think Obama did great. I am an Obama supporter but I had my worries. Tonight put those worries away. He did not pander to the audience or Pastor Rick. I am a new Christian .... recently baptized in the Pentecostal Faith and I like that Obama answered the questions even when the answers were unpopular. I also like the response to the rich question... it is true NO ONE likes to pay taxes but our country is in a mess and we have to make scarifies. It will be hard but it has to be done. America needs to (an old saying) tighten their belt. As for McCain after the second POW story I fell asleep so I really can't comment to much on how he did

I think in tonights conversation with both candidates that Obama came
across as a smart thinking kind of president, one that listens and then acts – vrs. McCain who seemed very arrogant (like Bush) and stubborn on the issues. In todays world that seems to be getting scarier by the minute Obama is someone I would feel safe with – I can trust him not to over react like I think McCain might do. Obama answered the questions with a lot of heart and humility, how refreshing is that to see! I do think McCain did better than I've ever heard him – but so fast with opinions and so conservative – Obama came across as someone who would give issues great thought and balance.

Obama is pro-abortion to the extreme. No wonder he evaded that question. I thought Obama would do better in this format but he just can't give a straight answer!

And, McCain did much better than I expected. He was awesome – straight forward but humble and personal! McCain is one authentic candidate!

McCain 08!

If McCain is president he will try to overturn Roe vs Wade. Hope all you right wingers are up for adopting these babies you are trying to so hard to save.

Normally I can listen to Obama and he make adequate sense, not tonight. His rambling, stuttering and clamoring for words must have left his campaign staff rushing out to begin damage control. McCain, whom sometimes lacks eloquence hit it out of the park tonight! His anecdotes were timely and revealed a side of the man I'd never heard before. I realized for the first time Hillary would probably have been the better Democratic nominee. Experience does matter, Obama had better make up with the first Lady and make her his running mate to fill in for his noticable lack of experience.

These people just like direct answers, they don't care if it's wrong or right. And in McCain's case, most of his answers are WRONG. But he's 'sticking to his guns' about it, like another political failure we know.

This forum was a very enlightening event for me. I do not feel that the audiance was biased towards either canidate. I had planned to vote for Obama, until I saw the two in this forum. Obama was dodging questions, as was McCain, but I feel that McCain answered more in an open and honest manner than Obama. Come on Obama, I'm for you, stop with the stuttering, it makes you sound so fragile!

McCain would love to overturn Roe Vs. Wade. This would give him millions of more babies born into poverty that he could attract to the military to build his army. Then send them to die in far away lands (Lands that happen to have large oil reserves) to protect America.

Wake up America. Don't be fooled again. Ever wonder why we hesitate to help poor nations with little or no natural resources?

Is everything fine in Darfur today?

THIS IS THAT SAME EVENGALICAL FAITH THAT PRAY FOR RAIN ON THE DAY OBAMA GIVES HIS SPEECH AT THE CONVENTION.

Obama has substance on values, where as McCain had stump crap speech. McCain is ready to wage war. He sees evil only in Osama Bin Laden. he need to recognise the evil in America- fathers abusing daughters. Corsi's Obama Nation book is evil. Is he going to defeat it ?McCain talked about his adopted daughter from Bangladesh- a muslim. Why did he say he adopted a muslim gilr?
Why is it his daughter can be a christian but not Obama.. Obama's speech is inspiring, McCain's is a stump speech.
McCain is an elist. His definition of rich is some one who makes 5 million is not rich?
I am sorry I didn't like McCain's speech. Very arrogant, and responded to a few questions without thinking through.
No diplomatic answers, no forging partnerships with other nations.
Telling carefully crafted personal stories for sympathy.
Values? Obafma's answers- Wife, mother, grandmother- McCain-trusts general patreus?
McCain- you should write a book on war experiences .
Obama will make a good president for the 21st century..

McCain '08

Obama answered this question if you were paying attention. He answered it like many of us feel. With abortion, it's not straight across the boards. McCain answered to please his base. Obama struggles with this as I do and as many people do. The promiscuous person that is having abortions is one circumstance-the pregnant rape victim is another circumstance. As a mother, *I* struggle with it. Obama tried to convey this. I am still looking for some kind of headline on all the things McCain didn't answer but just stumped and told a story. CNN, you have it wrong! I don't want to hear a 'story' from a candidate! I have plenty of my own, thank you. I want to hear intelligence, thoughtfulness and solutions!

I was disappointed with this forum. Obama was QUESTIONED. McCain was allowed to speak and tell war stories at will. Real JOKE!!! Obama was set-up. Since McCain couldn't get him to travel around the county with him and do town-hall meetings, he got his "good friend" to set up a "forum" in ORANGE COUNTY, CA. Oh my!!!!!!!!!

I loved Obama's answer to Marriage. "I'm secure in my marriage enough to give that civil right to same sex marriages." It was intelligent, thoughtful and on the mark. We will not move forward with McCain. He's stuck in the past.

Obama did not dodge the question at all. It makes no sense to say that considering the situation.
This was apparently a McCain campaign event staged in an effort to create some enthusiasm for McCain with the Republican religious base.
The only reason McCain was there was to say things like "From conception" - almost before the questions were asked!

If I have learned one thing from these message boards it is the following...no one learns anything. Most people here already have made up their minds and no matter what either candidate says or does those on the opposite side of the fence will find fault with whatever they disagree with.
If McCain gets something right he was prepped, if Obama gets something right the media was too easy on him, if McCain doesn't want America to be attacked he is a War Monger waiting to shove everyone in the meat grinder, If Obama thinks diplomacy is the way he too soft. I can't wait for this mess to be over.

I wish that they would believe that life started when an egg is fertilized, that would mean that any one that did anything that caused even a "natural abortion" would be quilty of manslaughter. If a life has "rights" that is all rights including protection against manslaughter so anyone that ever had a miscarriage would need to serve their time in jail. If there isn't manslaughter there isn't a life. Of course if there is manslaughter we would have to lock up every woman in the country for at least 3 years of their life but we have to protect these precious lives right?

See they don't beleive it is a life, it is only used to get people off real topics like why is it ok to torture, would Jesus do that?

I think McCain is shallow and as people review this debate they will realize that McCain is as clueless as Bush when it comes to the deep troubles of the economy. Sorry McCain your stump answers male a good show fopr shallow people. Obama used a lot of uh and ums but it is understandable when speaking impromptu on questions.

All McCain did was stump. Candy must have been drinking something. I'm disappointed in Candy and sick of McCain and all of his stories.

Obama was direct and spoke from his heart and experience.

How are we going to find jobs in the USA that will make us rich? He's planning on giving even more of them away with CAFTA.

I'm tired of hearing his boring pandering stories. I don't trust this man two feet.

he never answer any quistion he just told story

King teleprompter Obama was terrible No wonder he keeps dodging the Town Hall debates

Hey Andy... you do not fool anyone. Everyone knows who you intended to support all along. This is a joke. A media hay day. This was the most bias forum I have seen. Just something else for the media to try to boost McCain. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that evangelicals support only Republicans pretty much and this just make Obama look bad. Wake up America

Both Senators got applause and unless you had a meter to measure it would be difficult to know who got more. Yes McCain's pro live stance would get a response from this church but Sen. Obama's discussion of solutions, how to cut back on the the numbers of abortions was well recieved. I want a leader that does more than condem something, I want a leader that creates solutions to change the circumstances.

MCAIN JUST LIED AND SUCKED UP-HE KNEW THE ANSWERS BEFORE-
THE WHOLE THING WAS SET UP FOR MCWAR!

Was not Obama only talking about his grandma and his mommy etc.. Obama is hollow, no substance.

my answer to the question would have been the moment the mother says i want this baby. that's why we have roe vs wade. sometimes you have to not judge a person but look at the circumstances. that was a very hard question and i guess it also depends on your religion and your beliefs.

candy – obama answered truthfully – he doesnt know. he didnt dodge the question
i have yet to hear candy ever say anuthing positive about obama.

Remember Crowley said McCain seemed Staccato?? That word means "DISCONNECTED or ALL OVER THE PLACE." That criticism for McCain. I got the same feeling too.

My friends,
I'm very disappointed the McCain dodged some questions with stories and answered a few questions before they were fully asked. And for a faith forum, he gave more 'stump' than letting us know what he actually believed in. Does he believe in God?

McCain was very fake, telling people what they wanted to hear.

Obama answered the abortion question. McCain didn't answer the orphan question. Sen. Obama gave thoughtful answers to the questions asked. Sen. McCain went off on other topics and missed some of the questions.
Pastor Rick was more animated with Sen. Obama. Sen Obama spoke with and to Pastor Rick...Sen. McCain addressed and face the audience.

McCain is supposed to be business as usual, but he is actually answering questions. Obama who is supposed to represent change, is answering questions like politicians always have, and most likely always will...

McCain gave the talking points of the right–'life begins at conception' –'no legislation from the bench'- he did not try to explain any of these concepts!

I think John McCain had an ear piece that allowed him to hear Obama's interview

I think when all the campaigning is over, real americans interested in real change for this country will see that Obama is the right man for the job. McCain's time has come and gone, the days of the career politician is coming to and end

Obama did not dodge this question! He answered it fairly and honestly as he saw it. For Crowley to suggest he dodged the question reflects Crowley's bias to the candidates. The pundits like Crowley need to keep their opinions out of the discussion and report only on the facts. To do otherwise is definitely to be biased

Opinons are not welcome and responsible in this situation. The facts only should be reported and the voters left to decide for themselves who answered what.

Ms. Crowley, you are out of line here and have over stepped your journalistic responsiblity!

HAHAHA!!!! So funny to see the Obamabots whine like the PUMAS. McCain won, Obama lost-end of story. Now on to the conventions!
Jenn, SpringfieldMA

Can someone not voting MCCain write an article. Obama did much better than MCcain, he left room to work with both sides and he wasn't bull headed like bush and mccain are.

Obama dodged the question because he said that while he wants to make abortions rarer, he thinks that woman should have the right to have one?

So everything has to be black and white, otherwise you're "dodging"?

Very good John, you are correct, honest, and reliable enough to run our country......give Obama a boot in the rear-end....

Candy, how do you define rich? Can you tell us who dodged that question? And whiel at it, why not mention the many questions McCain dodged? I hate unbalanced news reporting.

Andy,

No one flips their support because of a "forum". You are either dumb as a rocks or a Republican troll. Go back to the crypt that houses the RNC...

That is the kind of the president I want, someone who takes a stand on what he believes in and can tell you like it is! Go McCain!

Why is it that everything he answered had to be about war?

I'm not McCain's friend. What a phony.

Barack 08

I had the very strong impression that Obama spoke from the hart with answers as honest and logical as possible, while McCain's answers seemed learned and pre-programmed, as if they were not from his personal opinion but just what this specific audience wanted to hear.

Obama was horrid tonight. To many teleprompters when preaching at rallies. I be Axlerod was cringing.

The question wasn't padded! That's like saying is a Big Mac Healthy....NO... Oh the question was padded!!! Give me a break.

To Andy,

LOL good try. Very convincing

And I was half expecting McCain to break into an Arnold Swarchenegger impression: "Defeat evil, den get to da choppa!"

Really, how is it that such a "pro-life" audience will base it's desicion on abortions and turn the other cheek to warmongering?

I'm a Vet, and for McCain to use his time being a POW as a Political issue is appauling, he makes me sick. I have a family member that was a POW. He wouldn't dare use it to get "political points!"

Shame on you McCain!!

what are you kidding me? mccain was reading his stump speech all night, to a pro-republican audience.

the only way mccain could have messed things up is if he fell off the stage.

It was a question that only God has the right to answer.

I did not like this at all. The Paster stated from the start, "don't use your Stomp Speech," and McCain did it any way. Why did he just say, I* messed up, I cheated on my 1st wife!!!" The way I see it, McCain just stated what the audiance wanted to hear, just to get applause from the growd. This was another Media Blunder!!! I'm still hanging with Obama!

Can I ask who Candy Crowley is?

She seems slavish in her heaping of praise upon McCain vs. a critically independent view.

How do you defeat evil...only GOD can do that because he is the one who creates it.

When Obama said that question was above his pay grade, he meant it was a question that could only be answered by God.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought McCain did much better than Obama and certainly appears to be the leader I want in the White House.....Obama can come back in about 15 years after he's grown up and through with text messaging his supporters.

My husband and I tonight made up our minds who to vote for. And for once, in my opinion, Candy and the gang aren't pushing Obama down our throats!

Obama was asked about voting for something that went against his party. He had 1 example of reaching accross the aisle: He used the Campaign Finance Reform as the example. Actually, McCain was the one who reached accross the Aisle and took tremendous republican heat for that one – Its a democratic party issue.

How does the panel of experts let Obama get away with that one?

john mc cain was the best you can tell who has the best exsperience. he answers per on the mark and very percise. although mr oboma spoke very well to. but he had o think longer before he answered. where mr mc cain answered right away. when you live longer you exsperience more things and gain more knowledge. may the best man win. thank you gloria

I think the tally is even. Yes Obama definitely didn't give the straightest answer on abortion. But where it breaks even was the question "Define Rich". I'm still waiting on for that answer. For the record. I'm not real big at all on taxes. But let's face it. I think 250K is more than what I would have considered rich.

It is too bad McCain was not asked about his voting record for helping the baby after it is born, but he would have been expecting the question because Warren has said it several times during the past several weeks.

It is time to end the non-stop every election issue about abortion. Have a vote by all Americans and put it to bed.

Reagan and Bush 2 promised constitutional amendments, but neither put any effort into the issue once they were elected.

McCain dodged the rich question. So what's the point of this headline?

I think the best answer is that there is no definitive answer. Conception doesn't cut it in my book....a pregnancy test won't show positive until after the embryo IMPLANTS, which doesn't happen until 3-7 days after conception. It is pretty common for a fertilized egg (a zygote) not to implant properly...a woman isn't even pregnant until that point.

I'm frustrated that no one questions why PRO-LIFERS aren't against the death penalty and WAR.

COMPARE HITLER TO CHURCHILL. ONE IS A MAN FOR THE TIMES FULL OF PROMISES FOR CHANGE. THE OTHER IS A CRUSTY OLD POLITICIAN WITH A WAR ON HIS HANDS. NOW COMPARE OBAMA TO MCSAME. OBAMAS IDEA OF EVIL IN THE WORLD IS WHEN THE SPEECH WRITER IS A NO SHOW AND THE ICE CREAM TRUCK IS A NO SHOW. MCSAME SEES EVIL FOR WHAT IT IS.......EVER PRESENT AND NOT ALWAYS EVIDENT. TO QUOTE A FAIRLY RIGHTEOUS MAN "WISDOM IS KNOWN OF HER CHILDREN". ITLL DO LOTS GOOD TO FIND THIS QUOTE FOR YOURSELVES.

I happen to believe that Obam's stance on this issue is exactly as it should be – at least from a woman's perspective. I want to believe that no one would blindly walk into such a hugh decision as to take a life so nonchalantly. Therefore, this woman must deal with the emotions and repurcussions that this decision will wreak on her life. If we do away with Roe vs. Wade, then we have again taken away and stomped on the rights of all women. Shouldn't it really be God who is judging that woman's decision ultimately?? Why do we always have to be the judge and jury for the reasons behind a very private family decision that is made behind closed doors.

I am pro-choice but like alot of woman who are pro choice, I could never terminate a pregnancy that was given to me by God. But I won't stand in judgement of another woman and the very tought decision that she has to make.

just because mccain was clear does not mean he is right.the fact is as obama has said.WE DONT KNOW!and anyone who says they know are deluding themselves with their own arrogance.

The difference is that McCain was basically giving stump speech answers directed towards keeping the audience and his conservative base happy.

Obama was having a measured conversation with his host, in admittedly a friendly, yet hostile audience.

Who do you want for your next President? A cartoon like Bush in new clothes or a deep, nuanced thinker?

Did I see the same forum? I did see Obama answer the question. It was not dodged

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." – Sinclair Lewis

Dodged?! PLEASE! McCain DODGED virtually EVERY question asked him and attempted to direct it into a rehearsed answer about something else.....

Wrong again!

Obama didn't dodge the question. He answered it by looking at it from all sides, including women in mortal danger. That's obviously something you or McCain can't comprehend, Candy.

Anyone who endures IVF treatments understands that not every embryo becomes a baby. That reality is heart-breaking when you are desperately trying to have a child.

Our society understands that there is a different between an embryo/ fetus and a baby: 1) we don't hold funerals for miscarriages, 2) employees aren't given bereavement leave for miscarriages, 3) we don't allow parents to claim a fetus as a child for tax purposes, 4) we don't allow pregnant women to drive in the carpool lane.

If life begins at conception, logically I could undergo IVF, generate embryos, freeze them, and then claim them as tax deductions in perpetuity. If an embryo is the same as a child, why would anyone object?

And most embryos "survive" better in the freezer than they do in the womb. Most embryos that are implanted in the womb don't result in pregnancy. So does that make the doctor trying to help the infertile couple a "murderer" because the implantation resulted in the "death" of the embryo? Is the infertile couple who is desperately trying to have a "real" baby an accessory to murder?

Be careful what you ask for ...

I watched the interview by paster Warren this evening. The commentators gave that "round" to McCain. Frankly I wonder what interview they were watching. My view is McCain pandered the audience while Obama was more genuine in his approach. Frankly, McCain scares me.

what other questions did Obama dodge, how about did you use cocaine.
If someone asked me, I could say no in a heartbeat.

Obama look very poor today. From 1-10 McCain 7 - Obama 3. If no HRC no Obama.

I understood Obama's response that it is a pay grade higher then his. God makes life.

McCain is very "it's my way or the highway". We have already had that kind of a President in Bush..........we don't need another cowboy in the White House.

I think John McCain showed his years as a politician, he took control of the conversation, directed it to his agenda and gave his usual stump speech. Plus a history lession according to John McCain.

When Obama said that question was above his pay grade, he meant it was a question that could only be answered by God.

Listen up, all you flip floppy Democrat Hillary chicks. This guy has just told you that he is pro-life and is against a woman's right to choose. Stay at home if you want or vote for this guy, he wants to be able to control what you do with your body.

Ticker title could also be:
Obama tackles civil union question McCain answers out of both sides of his mouth.

Excuse me Crowley....

Our interpretation of the candidates answers are as subjective as the questions and answers given.

I didn't see Obama's ANSWER as a "dodge" at all. A dodge means you know you'll be grilled for your stance so you detract from the question. Obama's answer to the question took the context of the loaded question to it's greater meaning: "Should abortion be legal in the United States??". In that light Obama's answer was FAR more insightful and intelligent that McCain's "staccato" reply.

McCain was to the point and on track, Obama was around the point and did want to asnwer the question up front and stright on.

McCain-A; Obama-C;
As usual, Obama gave the slippery slope all around the mountain scenic route to answering specific questions. McCain, on the other hand, was very direct, precise and substantive in his remarks. McCain will (prayerfully) gain much more support and win this election. Although I had not earnestly considered supporting McCain, there is no comparison between the two candidates and their willingness to simply answer questions. Obama absolutely hung himself, in my opinion, when asked about the Supreme Court justices that he would not have appointed. Obama had the audacity to denigrate Justice Clarence Thomas because he didn't find him to be worthy of such an elevation (appointment to the court). He had the nerve to suggest that Justice Scalia was smarter, but... This response was incredulous in light of his own scanty resume (comparative) while he wants Americans to vote for him. Yet, when posed with the same question, McCain "respectfully" named the justices he would not have appointed, noting his objection to "legislating from the bench", amongst the divide he has with their rulings on the issues. Obama's answer reflected sincere arrogance (who didn't deserve elevation, smartness), while McCain simply dealt with the substance of the matter.

Obama did not dodge the issue of when a baby gets human rights. He articulated, very well, the complexity of the issue both theologically and scientifically. McCain, however, continued to give canned answers that give intelligent people a reason to run in the opposite direction.

McCain has mastered the art of the soundbite, and judging from the reactions of the audience, despite the last seven years under Bush, some Americans still like that. McCain basically said everything he's always said; no surprises at all, and kinda boring really. Obama was more thoughtful and nuanced in his answers, and did say some things that were unexpected. But we don't like that as a nation, so my guess is people would say that McCain won the conversation.

McCain left his babies moma for another woman so what moral voice does he have on this issue, and it is clear that he and his children by Cindy could care less.

Obama waffled on almost every question.

McCain was brilliant tonight. I hope America was watching.

I feel like both candidates did a fine job tonight. It was 2 hours of information that I wanted. I must admit that I was a bit bothered by the fact that Senator McCain seemed to relate almost everything back to National Security. While many people are moved by stories as they can better relate, I am not so moved to hear stories as McCain ventured into. I felt he got himself off track and wasted time doing this.

You could have another post: Obama takes question McCain dodged.
Obama clearly articulated how faith plays out in his day-to-day life. McCain simply told a 40 year old story and gave us no insight into his walk with God.

Barack Obama is much more thoughtful, intelligent and nuanced. McCain is very much like George Bush, nothing is ever very well thought out – never any depth to his thoughts or decisions.
I am so ready for an intelligent leader after eight years of dah!!!!

Obama 08 and 12

don't worry act two obama will ad lib McCain's response and give his usual as i have said from the beginning speech don't you guys at CNN ever get tired of this

Absolutely, McCain speaks directly and precisely... Obama tends to skirt issues, or dance around them, always leaving him room to maneuver sideways, backwards or forward.

Bottom line, McCain is ready to be president, Obama is still trying to grope his way around.

Yet when McCain was questioned several years ago what he would do if his own daughter showed up with an unwanted pregnancy he said it would be a personal family decision. HMMMM.

Doesn't Obama dodge every question?

"Huge applause when John McCain answers the question Barack Obama wouldn't: when does a baby get human rights? McCain is clear: from the moment of conception." Huge applause for a position that's somewhere between moronic and utterly cruel. I have to disagree with CNN: this is not a great forum. It encourages applause lines without any depth. Imagine the simple follow-up every European journalist worth his salt would ask: "So you are saying that every woman who takes the pill or uses an IUD is a murderer?" Or: "Did you ever sleep with a woman you knew was taking the pill? If so, are you an accomplice to murder?" But you ain't gonna see that on the news here. Or will we?

Wow, do you people have a hard-on for McCain, or what?
Of the last ten items on your "ticker", 8 are of –and whose titles begin with– John W. McBush; and the last seven in a row are about that insane warmonger. You're about as "fair and balanced' as Fox News. Congratulations
I guess.

The U.S. so-called "Librul" media is a joke. I no longer get my news from any U.S. paper or television, I get higher quality, less biased, and propaganda-free news from Canadian and UK sources; who, by the way, ACT like real journalists, not vapid, D-list entertainers.

WHERE IS MCCAINS LAPEL PIN?

Candy comments are disappointing. She shows her bias when she said Obama is lyrical, McCain is staccato. Is she incapable of analyzing the substance of what is being said? It is an excellent idea that we are hearing their complete answers...it points out the inadequacies of the analysts.

McCain gave the pat questions an evangelical would want.

McCain did not answer the much repeated question, what is your tax policy.

This biased statement from Candy Crowley? I am profoundly disappointed – I always thought Candy was a good journalist, but I am surprised at this anti-Obama statement! IMO, the quality of CNN's journalism has so deteriorated that I will no longer watch it or go to cnn.com. It used to be my "go to" source for everything - no more. If Ted Turner were dead, he'd be turning over in his grave – as it is, he has publicly stated his disappointment in the quality of the programming and journalism – and I can't blame him. Shame on you, CNN – you have sunk to the level of Fox News and Bill O'Reilly!

McCain sounds a lot like Bush. He has very strong ideas and he leaves very little room for debate. This approach has alienated us from most of the world and worst of all gotten us into a unwise war.

I had a few typos in my last piece. I meant to say that in the eyes of God, evil and sin are the same. And if that's the case (and I believe it is, then this whole world is evil and sinful–not just Islamic terrorists. Sin is a day to day battle for all of us whether we want to admit it or not.

I'd love to see the questions posted followed by each candidate's answers side by side so everyone can compare the answers easily. McCain told such rambling stories, I missed his answers to the income tax and Darfur questions.

I found it so funny that Candy should describe McCain answer to be Staccatto. here is why
Staccatto it is a term used to describe a pattern of disordered language use that is presumed to reflect disordered thinking. It is usually considered a symptom of psychotic mental illness, although it occasionally appears in other conditions.

Could that condition be AGE LOL

Has CNN come out an officially indorsed McCain yet? Or was this it tonight? Are McCain and Obama to meet next week in Compton, CA? -a far more interesting and relevant forum there actually.

Or maybe, this was a hour long McCain Stump Speach? Yeah, we get it McCain, you were in Vietnam, you hate "Reds" (or is it "gooks"?), and the most important issue in American lives right now are Abortion, Christian Persecution, and John McCains War Stories -soon be our own after he starts WWIII and puts us through another Cold War.

How pathetic!!

Man, CNN is all McCain tonight. Why don't you mention how animated McCain becomes when he gets to talk about war. He loves it to no end. He's like a kid let loose in the candy store. OBAMA-'08

Candy,

I want to ask a question. Wasn't McCain supposed to be in a room that he could not hear the questions to Obama? If so, why did he on live television say "can we get back to the question on Supreme Court Justices" when Supreme Court justices had never been asked, but to Barack Obama?

I am disappointed in Rev. Rick Warren. He never pressed John McCain on any questions involving faith, (Faith Forum?) and let him get away with giving his standard stump speech.

I will thrilled at the depth of the questions and impressed how thoughtly Sen. Obama answered them. On the other hand, Sen. McCain "jeffed" and "jived" his way through most of the questions.

And I lost count of how many times he talked about war and Al Qaeda and terrorism and victory and on and on... The question about evil was really revealing. Sen. McCain saw evil as being Islamic extremists and spoke of defeating it. Evil and sin are the eyes of God. And this whole world is evil and sin sick. Not just Islamic extremists.

Stop fighting wars Sen. McCain. Give peace a chance. Have you ever heard the saying ...."where there is peace, there is God?"

Obama is not merely lyrical, he realizes that our country faces serious problems that need to be solved. McCain is merely pushing the hot button wedge issues that he knows will arouse the audience. I can't see that he will bring Americans together to solve anything.

Has anyone noticed that McCain does nothing but dodge questions, change subjects to his favor, and never truly discuss any religious issue personally? He speaks in generalities when it comes to faith. But he did do his homework on what to say when asked certain specific questions on abortion and family. Looks like the Republican machine is well oiled and feeding the answers to their puppet once again.

McCain's black & whilte answers show why he should NEVER be President. It takes compromise to run a country as diverse as the USA.

I am not convinced John McCain was in a sound proof room during the Warren forum. He seemed to know the questions before they were asked. That was my impression.

McCain is the one offering nothing but a stump speech. He is not a thinker, . . . and certainly not genuine.

What happened to comparing apples to aples? How did we go to comparing apples to apples, oranges, and cherries? Yes, I am a Christian, but that does not keep me from noting when extra questions or news (ex: local proposition) have been added. If you really want us to compare aples to apples, keep the questions consistent with both candidates. For me, the impartiality of this "Civil Forum" has flewn straight out of the window. Thanks for the diverse fruit bowl.

And I would like to know how will we be able to continue to fund the war, improve education and healthcare, address the ills caused by off-shoring and help other countries – since to whom much is given, much is required- w/o raising taxes? Don't just talk about not raising taxes – give us your alternative.

Mcain looked very nervous to me. I thought he might tear up at frist. But he warmd up pretty quick. I just hate watching John, I always hold my breath when he is speaking, I worry about the fellow, Iam not being condesending. Same thing with Bush I wonder what stupid thing will slip from his lips nex't I want Barack in the White house so I can take a breath of fresh air.

An avid political observer disgusted with this forum tonight. McCain referring to me as "his friend" on at least a dozen occasions. He is not my friend. This was the McCain show. Disengenious show/format. And most importantly why do we have a pastor moderating a presidential "debate" (loosely connotated), to begin with? Is America now the land of...............theocracy? Very disheartened. What a joke. Ann Miller

Cindy Crowley's Republican bias come through very clearly. The use of modifiers such as "flat out" when describing BHO support of civil unions shows her bias – maybe she should stand down until after the election. Bad girl.

John McCain is not giving us any in depth answers -he is giving us stories that appeal to the emotion of the American people not to their intellectual ability. Clearly his horrific time as a capured soldier impacted who is is in a very strong way. I thought his answer to one of the questions when told a story of his time there was political and not real. I was so dsappointed in his response. I was also disappointed in the evangelical leader asking the question by not asking John McCain to answer the qustion posed. McCain is using this as a stump speach -not ihelping us get to know his thoughts and philosophy for leading this country.

I think the questioner is very bad. He dont give any followups at what for example McCain say about Georgia and Russia. He dont ask followups about how will you restore health and schools if everyone will get a tax cut. Its very uncritical. Same on Obama. He seems like a nice man that pastor, but he is not so good on this. Someone that have a man for "hard" question should be a bit hard when someone say something and then say, but what will then happend too schools?

Candy,

Why aren't you mentioning how many times McCain dodged questions or flat out switched the topic?

"My Friends", it doesn't matter how I answer these questions, Candy Crowley will still dote over me.

New drinking game.... every time McCain says "my friends..." take a shot.

So why not point out that McCain waffled on the same-sex marriage question? And the stem-cell question. CNN, you are unfairly targeting Barack.

Obama likes to dodge things. And he's gotten good at it.

I am concerned that Pastor Rick is allowing McCain to do stump speaches and he did not allow Obama to do so. He appears to be an obviously lopsided moderator in favor of McCain.

What a set-up! Pastor Warren's motive in holding this forum certainly appears to be "Purpose Driven"...make McCain look good. You ask candidates to come and share from their hearts, not on the stump, and then pack the house with Republican supporters who sit on their hands for Sen. Obama's genuine heart felt comments and break out in applause for McCain's campaign rhetoric. Mortifying!!!! This is precisely why the separation of church and state should be kept as such!

another political speech talking about Linda here and there. He has been in Congress 22 yrs and he has had plenty of time to address these issues. Negative,...Negative about the world around us. HOw about America, Mr. McCAin. WE need help...look at New Orleans and Katrina. Clean up our home..before you go to Irag and Russia etc etc. This is the Bush policy....not worried about the USA...shame

You guys are so full of it, with your instant analysis. Don't you think we can listen and make up our own minds? At least wait until the thing is over, study the responses, and come up with real analysis, not these knee jerk instant and mostly inane comments. You really think your opinions are what people want more than tuning in to the forum. If this country is in trouble, a great deal of the blame goes to you, earnign your keep by strutting your ego on the airways. Go do some honest reporting for a change.

an avid political observer disgusted with the "forum" tonight. It was the "McCain Show", this was supposed to be one for one questions, I saw all of this, saw no one for one question. McCain shined in a most disengenious way, the crowd all there for McCain, and the more important point, why did we have a pastor directing questions to our 2 presidential candidates to begin with? This is not a theocracy....as far as I know. But maybe we are. Very disheartened. What a joke. ann

As an Obama supporter I am surprised by how much I am liking McCain's responses. But then again I realize that we are all programmed to respond to the definitive – yet likeable – authority figure who does not suffer ambiguity. Obama answers reflect questions that are difficult to answer succintly or definitively – I'm a a person who operates under the "gray" mantra as opposed to black and white and while I long for the definitiveness of McCain – I think we have seen where that can lead from our current president, McCain's personal observations and anecdotes are difficult to resist but as any business person knows – anecdotal evidence is often flawed.....

All churchs should pay taxes,NOW

I am completely amazed that John McCain has even bothered to show up. His answers are recycled statements from his campaign trail. Very short answers, no insight as to how he is coming up with these decisions. They could have just shown some video-taped answers.

It's almost like he's giving "canned" answers that you would expect to give in a job interview.

Obama is at least honest in giving unpopular answers. Of course the only honest ones he seems to be giving are the stories from his POW, how he must be so grateful that he has that experience to throw out every so often. It almost borders on the immodest. Most people who went to war, don't like to talk about it. Here's the guy reveling in the fact that he was a POW, and he wants to keep reminding people of that fact.

Geez, what bias !!!! Obama didn't DODGE the question. Why don't you go back and listen to what he said. Of course, I don't expect you to post this. But I'm sick and tired of the bias against Obama that CNN shows. It's as though you are trying to sway the election.

McCain is giving a stump speech with several references to war and creating an America versus the rest of the world. He mentioned radical Islam at least twice in the hour.

McCain is turning Rick Warren's questions into a chance for political campaigning – no straightforward answers but sentimental stories or strong statements of his views beyond the intent of the question

Good forum – McCain should stay off the stump speeches and answer the Pastor's questions as he asked both at the beginning

Great. When McCain is doing better than Obama, we hear that he's staccato (that's how you write it) and Obama is lyrical. Great, that's so objective.

McCain the issues as "black and white." Obama sees the gray areas. That may account for McCain being concise on his answers. Obama wants to look at the issues from all angles.

This is a stunning victory for John McCain. Wow. And I was an Obama supporter until tonight!

McCain doesn't need to spell it out for you. He opposes same-sex marriage and says people can "enter into agreements." What's so difficult about that? Interpret in as states rights... as did Obama

Cute, McCain can give a stump speech.

He got through all the questions and more in 40 minutes.

Way to give "in-depth" answers, Mr. Soundbite.

Obama 08'

This forum could be the best thing to happen for McCain!!!

Obama did not dodge the question, he anwsered in away that is fair for both sides if the issue.

So, Candy (and your headline writer), McCain answered and Obama dodged, but then Obama answered and McCain dodged. Why does Obama's alleged dodge get the headline and the lead paragraph?

That's because you prepped Mccain very well. How many weeks did he get to study the questions prior to this show.....

Is she kidding? Obama gave serious thought out answers to almost all of the questions. McCain just gave the answer he knew the audience wanted to hear. Just more typical negative spin against Obama.

I'm so tired of Crowley and her anti-Obama view point. Obama's answers were so much for cerebral than Mccain's about issues regarding faith and political issues, while Mccain utters Reagan and gets thunderous applause in ORANGE COUNTY, one of the most conservative areas IN THE NATIOn. COuldn't they have placed the interview in a neutral setting?

How many questions did Mccain dodge relating his POW stories??????

I don't doubt that McCain is a good man. But that fact that all issues have so many shades of gray, and McCain never digs into any details fears me into no end. We already have a President that cannot fathom the complexities of the world. We cannot go down this road again.

I can't listen to McCain any more. When asked to define "rich", McCain goes on the stump. Great – lets spend spend spend on a war, but not pay for it. How will this debt be paid???? Taxes support the national expenditures, but McCain wants to lower taxes. I can't listen to this guy any more......

Defeat evil=More war

Staccato – means disconnected or all over the place.

I think Obama's answer more nuanced than dodged. Id McCain reading his stump speech?

I don't see any substance from McCain, it's nice to to kinda know his position same sex marriage, he wants everybody to be rich, etc but no real data

If John McCain does not know that studying DNA of animals is imporant to science, he knows nothing about science.

McCain shot down Tom Ridge as a potential VP running mate with the moment of conception answer. McCain is moving more "Christian right."

The question was padded as an easy answer for McCain. It wasn't fair and shouldn't have been asked. When do we get a full on liberal moderator to ask McCain the hard questions?