I would love to know why CNN thought John Mcsame did such a great job this evening…were they all called into a meeting and told to say certain things just like John Mcsame was given a list of all the questions to review…come on people are not that crazy… we all know Mcsame can't think fast enough to ans questions so promptly and he was never placed back on target to ans the questions as asked….all of America could see thru tonights comedy hour..it is just difficult for White Folks to give a Black man credit for anything…You all know he will (Obama) run circles around Bush and Mcsame and if you put all your racism aside for a few moments you may be able to see more clearly that America's only way out of this mess is Obama…I will be glad when the debates are scheduled…lets see how fast Mcsame thinks on his feet we have already seen that numerous times already…who or what will he forget this time…u people are too much..

As an educator, it infuriates me when I hear politicians discuss educational policy without addressing the socioeconomic factors behind education. You can have a wonderfully gifted teacher in a socioeconomic disadvantage area who's student overall do not perform as well as the students of a teacher who is working in a community with a better socioeconomic condition. How do you establish a fair system for merit pay? Where does the money come from? And when will we realized that the sucess of our students is based on the foundations established by parents. We want America's educational system to be ranked the best in the world, then we need to develop strong families. By the way, it is statistically incorrect to compare America with other countries when in America everyone is entitled to an education, while in most countries, only the brightest test into secondary school. In America, we provide an education for the Downs Syndrom kid and the kid going to M.I.T.

John McCain definitely answered some questions for the democrats tonight. They have to decide if they want someone like John McCain for the next four to eight years running this country right into the ground. We are about to enter into war with everyone and everything as he trys to satisfy his boy hood dreams of being a warrior. I found it interesting that he was about war, abortion, judges and drill, drill, drill.
He was just like GWB. It was sad.

I hope we elect the thoughtful guy who wants to hear the opinions of a vast number of people. I don't think we can survive another round of Republican rule. I don't want Lenzy Graham and Lieberman running my country. CheneyBush has us back in a cold war with Russia because they had us in a war in Iraq and have ignored all of our other interests.

Barack was dead on correct about the Iraq war and Afghanistan and the fact that we have ignored all of our other interests and how foolish this has been. Now we are seeing what he said was correct.

I want the smart guy who seems to think about consequences before taking action.

I don't understand how people could decipher what Obama was saying with his halting speech style and non-committal answers- is this supposed to be "thoughtful" and "nuanced"? No, it sounded like he was unprepared. Obama answered only half the questions in his hour that McCain eloquently did. Despite both candidates getting the questions beforehand, it's unbelievable that the great "orator" of the 21st century, Barack Obama, came across as practically unintelligible.

I can now see why:

a) Obama doesn't want town halls with McCain

b) Obama didn't want any more debates with Hillary

c) The accusations made by Hillary that Obama parrots her answers when she answers questions first are, in fact, true.

McCain is the next President of the United States- and no amount of hype or money is going to stop him because McCain proved that he has substance, and embodies the American character.

Mccain gave very narrow minded answers to hard tough questions with no vision for the American people It is clear Mccain vision for the American people is war. and his war stories, Obama vision for the American people is broad and well thought out with excellent policies and good directions for the American people and thinking situation through before action. Mccain clearly will just act before thinking. Mccain was awful.

Bill Schneider and others may praise the format, but if the Obama people continue to permit a very partisan audience to project the images they did tonite on national TV, Obama is going to lose a race he should win by a landslide. Politics is a contact sport; you do NOT give your opponent an audience that loudly cheers every partisan comment McCain makes! I am appalled at the naivite of the Obama campaign to agree to this conservative religious setting and angry as a democrat. Even the cameras were focused on Cindy McCain with no apparent presence of Michelle Obama. Color me furious!

Obama has about as much depth as a rock star.

Hey Rebecca Rose, why don't you vote for Obama?

Oh for the love of….

These comments are ridiculous! The Democrat loses (clearly) so obviously the Republican had the questions before hand (holy conspiracy theory Batman!)

My personal favorite comes from our good friend tedious898 though when he says:

"white america would never support Barack. I think its racism"

You are correct sir! You believe that white people cannot support a (half) black man for the presidency because you are racist.

Pastor said no stump speeches to Obama but not to McCain. I thought this was going to be Apples with Apples instead it was Apples and Oranges.

One with fresh ideas and the other with the same old stories to tell.

Tedious898 you just nailed it. We are not far from 1964.

They both did well. Depends on how you like questions answered. If you like short, simple and decisive punch-line answers you would have liked McCain better, if you like answers that are thoughtful and have explanation and conversation you would like Obama better. An example, the question about rewarding teachers according to merit. Both agreed and had the same opinion but Obama explained his position, talked about some of the grey areas and how they could be handled while McCain said, "Yes, yes and find the bad teachers another job" and then he talked about education in America in general. I imagine this is what the debates will be like too though this wasn't supposed to be a debate but a conservation on their beliefs. I tend to like the more thoughtful detailed answers but thats me, now what the rest of America likes, I guess we will see in November =)

THIS WAS A BOGUS UNINFORMATIONAL FORUM.

Everything Obama said I heard him say it in his speeches and McCai spoke of nothing but the war. He had to have known what he wsa going to be asked because he turned towards the audience with some much confidence. We all know McCain is not that quick on his feet.

THIS WAS JUST A BOGUS FORUM.

It is obvious to me as a teacher that John McCain has no idea about the education system. First of all, charter schools are FOR PROFIT schools. A school's main priority is to provide the students with the best possible education, and not to make money. Secondly, the biggest challenge to the education sytsem is the LACK OF FUNDING. Only Barrack Obama talks about providing more funding to schools. If John McCain had a clue about how to fix education, he would talk about providing the necessary funding that has been lacking for so long. Thirdly, who is John McCain, or any politician for that matter, to accuse any teacher of being a bad teacher? A person who goes to college for four or five years, goes into a profession that gets paid so little and gets even less respect, should never be judged by anyone but another teacher. Teachers all over this country perform miracles every day, and do more good for the world than John McCain has ever done. Lastly, the idea of school vouchers is a joke. Instead of fixing a school, lets pick a handful of students to go to a "better school". So by John McCain's plan a couple of children are lucky enough to leave a "failing school" and hundreds of other students get stuck in a "bad school". Only someone who knows nothing about education would propose such an awful idea. While Senator Obama's education plan isn't perfect, it is a step in the right direction, and far superior to McCain.

He was clearly given the questions ahead of time and he talked of nothing but the wars. Trust nobody Obama, they tried to set you up but you held your own with a variety of answers. McCain has nothing other than the fact that he was in the military. You just got to have more than that.

At least McCain did not get his from Wikipedia like the story of Georgia this time. Obama was humble.

Same old Bushie politics. McWar had rehearsed and was prompt so well just like the debates with Kerry and Bush with Bush's little box tucked in the back of his suit jacket. Repuke tricks. Well Obama is on it and we are ready for the change.
Obama 08

I will vote for Obama so our children can look at a role model and feel free to experience drugs. Go Obama !!!!!!!

Crowley where were you tonight printing up all this McCain build up which never happened ?
Cnn are you lacking news Martin was the only truthfull person on the panel.
McCain just proved again his time frame thinking is from 1800's ,he thinks ,sleeps war ,he knew what the next question was before it was asked ,he rambled off all night for self pity ,it was a stump speech the pastor may as well have left the stage he had no control and perhaps never wanted any ,war, war his opinion is the only opinion ,woman have no say according to McCain.,would not answer what rich was.
If t this was an interview between 2 people then betterv change the meaning of interview.

I respect McCain but he did poorly on the debate. All his answers he quote from other president or tell stories. Is this the way he is going to run the country when he meet other heads of state? Tell them stories about other people instead of dealing with the issue that is on table at that time. When I look at McCain I see someone who never forgive or forget. He is someone who holds on to grudges. He can talk all the straight talk he want's but he never stated the reason why his first married fail like the Obama did on the same question. As for Crowley I'm sure you know that when someone comes across the crowd as aggressive that does not tell well on person character. American better have a thoughtful president than an aggressor. By the way McCain should think before he speak.
by the way McCain should think before he speaks

Marianne,

So, you're confused about how someone can support war and be pro-life on the issue of abortion at the same time and be considered truly pro-life. Well, if you life in black and white terms, then I can see how you would be confused. However, the "pro-life" McCain was referring is better defined as standing up for the defenseless. That's why you go to war (there was genocide in Iraq with the Kurdish people … ok, and oil, too) and you do what you can to overturn the unconstitutional debacle that is Roe v. Wade. You're sticking up for people who have no voice or power to defend themselves.

Obama said he shares that perspective, too, but his actions betray his words.

Candy Crowley needs to stop drinking the McCain Kool-Aid because it's severely messing around with her brain! THANK GOD the "intelligent viewers" don't take her analysis reports seriously. John McCain was dodging most of the questions including his position on HIS faith, taxes and who HE considers to be rich people. Where were the clear explanations here? Ninety-five percent of the time, his direction in answering questions went straight to National Security and stories even when it was irrelevant. NO REAL ANSWERS – NO SUBSTANCE. Candy Crowley is a joke. CNN – it's really time for some new blood to take over. A lot of us are tired of her Anti-Obama views. We need to start seeing more integrity and balance please.

Tax Cuts verses Tax Inceases.Read the book "The Politics of Bad Ideas" by Jones and Williams. In it they show that since WWII that income taxes have been changed in four major stages.
The Kennedy tax cut, enacted in 1963; the two Reagan tax cuts, 1981 and 1987; and the GW Bush cuts in 2001 and 2003. Rates have been raised twice, in 1991 and 1993, under GHW Bush and Clinton respectively.
The health of the nation was damaged by each tax cut except the Kennedy cut, because of the booming economy which of course the supply-siders always cite. In all the other tax cuts, they quickly brought large yearly budget deficits that future generations had to pay back. The national debit rose with each tax cut after the Kennedy tax cut, and fell after each tax increase.
If you all you Republicans handled your personal finances the way you handle the Country's you all would be in bankruptcy court.

Uhbama looked like a lost little boy. No teleprompter, just his usual 'UHH UMMM UHHH WHAAAA UHHH HUH? BUSH LIED' Uhbama showed his total lack of knowledge and displayed the arrogance he is known for.

Cindy, how many times did he say Cindy. My Lord, this was a campaign speech and set up. He reminds me of Rove/Bush in the early debates. How silly the News Media can't divide the truth to a REAL question answer, and a story. McCain was playing to the clients in the seats. I'm glad to see intelligent comments here, I mean most are right on about how McCain really is just a Republican, like Bush ..MOre deaths, more wars and he surely knows how to Win a War, give me a break

OBAMA KOOL-AID. Some of you must have had an IV of this stuff while you were watching. According to you 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. In 4 years he will be back to try again…but can now…can he beat Hillary??

Question 1-Vietnam
Question 2-Vietnam
Question 3-Vietnam
Question 4-Vietnam
and so on and so on….Everyone know you served in Vietnam…Would somebody tell him to pick a new topic?

We have suffered 8 years of the most horrific policies foreign and domestic,and we still can not decide strictly by contents of ones ideals,but by which whom seem more conventionally correct to sit in the white house for the next 4 years. We will never get to a new beginning, if we keep up the some ole' stuff. Mccain has been in service for several years,and all the answers I receive from him as been the same as, that great orator who has singlehandledly rip apart this country for the past 8 years.So, people ask yourself "Are you better off now than you were 8 years ago? How about this can you stand another 4 years of this?!

Haha, has anyone else noticed how positive McCain comments are always from "Mother in Colorado" or state something like "He's such a maverick!". I bet half of the comments in his favor have already been written and the republican party hired some poor soul to sit and refresh the ticker until something comes up so they can post their comment. What a joke. I'm so happy a democrat will be in office next year.

Wow! After tonight I know I will vote for McCain. He blew Obama away.
I'm glad he finally got the chance to show how sharp his mind really is.
I know he is not a great speaker and it is almost painful to listen to him
making a speech but that is one smart man and I will be proud to
vote for him for president. Also shows what a huge gap there is between
youth and experience. Obama has a long way to go. No to Obama, yes to
McCain.

Thats all Mccain wanted was a town hall meeting so conservatives and compare him with Obama. This whole thing was a hoax. I didn't see anything special about Mccain and he didn't say anything different than he said before. He's a war monger and the conservative base didn't trust him then and all Mccain did was make democtats and independents angry because were not going to allow him to sure up his base with their agenda.

Candy Crowley really dissappointed me tonight, she is really bias against Obama, it is showing more and more

I see by the number of anti-McCain post, that Obama must have paid his people/supporters to come on this blog to defend his weak performance tonight. Hmmmm!

McCain was to the point, and excellent on his responses. Yes, Yes, on education, and yes to parents having the same choices as he and his wife does. He brought up Katrina (Obama never did), and said yes, yes, the charter schools, vocher schools, home schooling, they are working, and every child should have equal opportunity to enroll in schools with the best teachers, otherwise let the teachers who are not up to par find another line of work.

McCain was rather attractive tonight!

Define bad teachers McBush… Maybe those who do not measure to a one size fits all standard test or maybe those who belong to unions?

Obama seemed much more relaxed and spoke on a personal level. Almost as if he was sitting in your living room, sipping coffee and conducting a pleasant conversation. McCain seemed over-powered and went off the subject and began on these long "speech" campaign talks.

McCain went off the topics because he already had his mind set up not to.

Obama did a good job! McCain, came on and was better!! One for McCain.

All that evangelicals wanted to hear was -pro life, marriage is between a man and a woman, the republicans wanted to hear no raise in taxes or lower taxes, oh and tax credits.
That's what Mc Cain gave them, Didn't matter how long or short the answer was.

Your intelligence amaze me, my friend, let me tell you McCain there's alot of first year teachers that will struggle with difficult students and we should not listen to the problems under your leadership we should just GET RID OF TEACHERS! Was that your excuse for lack of knowledge? "Bad Teacher"

Teachers are in big demand and that just goes to show YOU ARE OUT OF TOUCH My Friend!

John McCain would not answer the question on who is he's going to tax. He's adopted the same old line that he's not going to raise taxes. Apparently he plans to keep rolling up deficits like GW. He'd rather win the presidency than confront the real issues and the real sacrifices that Americans need to make. John McCain More of the Same.

"the public is getting tired of the obama shuffle and it is showing up in the polls."

Wow. It only took the whole Primary Election for this to happen. The American people sure are quick.

Thanks.

McCain answered his questions vaguely, with little to no explanations. He was more of a story teller than anything else. Notice how he just barely mentioned his failed marriage. He "quickly" went on to talk about America's moral failings. He missed the point.

I watch the forum and there was a great difference between the candiate tonight. I believe that Sen Obama was thoughtful, humble and sincere in his response. He wasn't telling the people things that the want to hear but to speaking from a clear conscious. I pray he will continue staying true to his core values.

Sen. McCain was pandering the audience and saying things to the audiennce the things that they want to hear. Which i beleive it is dishonest. He spoke alot about his war experience. I do respect his services to this country. I pray that Mccain will stop politicking.

Pundits…on CNN..I pray that David G and others will do more reflection on the forum before opening their mouth. I believe both men did well in their own perspective but this election will be won by generation gap. I will contine praying for the media and the american people who are independent thinkers….we are at a critical point in our time. The conservatiove votes will be divided in half this election.

God bless you

McCain didn't have to know the questions in advance. All he needed to do was answer the question the way an Evangelical would answer them, for which McCain did. Next week he would give a different answer if the Evangelicals changes their stance. I said at the very beginning that Obama was stepping into a vipers den, with King Cobra asking the questions.

Is McCain blaming his teachers for him graduating 5th from the bottom? What a DUNCE. This whole thing was a joke. Shame on Pastor Rick!

The fix was in; McCain was allowed to re-work the questions in order to give the answers he wanted. Cute little antidotal stories was not what Pastor Warren asked for, nor was it what I expected. My question is; why didn't the Pastor re-direct McCain to stay on point more often. This so-called forum had the putried smell of being contrived in favor of McCain.

If I expect to see the real candidates, I guess I'll have to wait for the debates where what is being said will be more under control. This was very disappointing.

Both of them were given the questions in advance. What surprised me was Obama said he would take advice from his G'ma (he threw her under the bus with Wright) and from his wife(I've never been proud of my country and America is a mean country). WOW!!!!!!!!!!! That itself was a mistake.

They both had the questions FAR in advance to be able to respond to them like they did. This was a no-brainer!!!

Plus, 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 another reason why he's going to lose this November by a landslide!!!

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!!!

Old trash-talking, blow-hard John wrote big checks that he nor the Saddleback crowd can cash! The bravado sounds good but let 's see him ride roughshod over Russia with those antiquated, Vietnam era ideas .

The landscape has changed dramatically since Vietnam – Knowing the position we have placed ourselves in, Russia is "in our faces" daring us to engage them in direct conflict. Rather, like an old dog with no teeth, the entire world watches while all we can do is make empty threats with nothing to back it up.

Our chickens have most certainly come home to roost…we now find ourselves in the very difficult position of being stretched so thin in two wars that we cannot even SAVE face – how are we to SAVE Georgia in the currently Georgia-Russia debacle. We muscled our way into Iraq based upon lies and garbage – now all we can do now is tuck our lil' tails and slink away in disgrace because we are guilty of the same things!

McCain seemed to know the questions before Pastor Rick could even get them out of his mouth McCain was interrupting with a story. I think that Obama did wonderfully and was thoughtful in his answers. The right would be critical of him if he had quick answers. What some people seem to be missing is that the substance of Obama's answers was real and really important. Bringing people and opinions together to help make decisions, study and consideration! Amazing concepts to have in the office of President.

John McCain renounced America to appease the enemy in Vietnam, many other prisoners did not!!!!!!

McCain did not have the questions beforehand. That's just a lame excuse because Obama couldn't give answers without his usual hmm…..uh………duh……. because he had no teleprompter.

I cannot see how anyone can see how Obama would make a better President than McCain. I read your comments – McCain is more military
Obama is more warm etc. Name one issue where Obama is better than McCain I cannot find one. Don't mention character say what you want
McCain showed character and love of country when most would have given in, during Vietnam. What is important to you in a President

Gee…Fox news biased? No way….

One thing about abortion…whether you are for or against it….it is legal…we've had both parties in charge now for 35 years and Roe v. Wade has never been overturned…it's time to move on to issues that affect all of us….the care of this country….abortion is important, don't get me wrong…but this country needs leadership now. The economy is shaky, jobs continue to go away….housing issues….Katrina clean-up still not right….war in Iraq and Afghanistan…the Russian issue… Ironically though, on the however many abortions done to save a mother's life…the right to choose can medically save lives, however many that is, for the few it has, it is a Godsend.

A President needs to represent all people, to the best of his ability…not just those that share his religious/political views….elections are won by the narrowest of margins yet, a large amount of people's voices still get overlooked, sadly, go unheard….

On evil? Evil has always and will always exist…you will never get rid of it…how can you end an inanimate thing? Terror, fear, hatred, jealousy…though I wish a war could put an end to them, it can't…

You need to decide who would best lead this country….Roe v. Wade is just a divider of the U.S., as is religion…. it's time we get on board for this country or it will continue to deteriorate…

I hope for a United States once again….though it seems to be fading with each election….

All I heard was another stump speech (rehearsed) from McCain. The reverend threw in a few questions to make it look like it was unbiased, but McCain just ignored the questions or answered with pandering and more of the same thing we hear day after day after day after day.

McCain is not presidential. He is too likely to take us into more wars and bring back the draft for male, female, single, married, kids/no kids. He just wants wars and fighting. Not impressed. Won't get my vote.

I wonder if Rev. Wright was in the audience?

Senator McCain will not be a very good president if all he will do with foreign leaders is tell them stories about when he was in Vietnam – you know, the war we lost. Also, he bragged he knows how to capture Osama Bin Laden and win wars – maybe he should let George W. Bush in on his secrets.

For some they would love to make this about Racism and why white America does not want Obama. I for one was wanting to hear him speak up loud and clear. To give me a good understanding how he felt but, what I got was poll talk and no real answers just what he thought people wanted to hear.
I am still on the fence about all of this but, I felt that McCain done very well tonight with no color vision used. Fast stright and clear with a understanding of what people want. So I now feel I have a better understanding of both men and I feel McCain was stright forward, where Obama was talking to the polls

The most hatred I've seen on this site has come from the Obamabots or the Clintonites. This Saddleback production was totally bipartisan and Obama failed to answer ,(Danced Around), half of the questions.

This was a slam dunk in favor of McCain. I love it….

Yeah, like asking if they could get back to the Supreme Court question well before Warren asked it of him. Sorta seems like the "cone of silence" room had a few leeks.

Yea, I didn't get that one. How did he know about the Supreme Court question.

Did McCain get a copy of the questions???? He had an answer before before the moderator finished the question. Since he has never ever answered questions this quickly it makes one think that he knew the questions first. Could we sink this low?

Obama spoke from a personal faith base level and from his heart. John
McWar did nothing but campaign and speak of war and every answer.

This country is in deep stink if John McCain gets elected.Buy a shovel and start digging a shelter, a grave,or both, take your pick.

Were we listening to Ward Cleaver or John McCain? He has all the answers and knows it all. His demeanor was insulting and degrading to the American public. Women do not want to give up their choice in any way. I do not want a National Father(or Grandfather) I want a smart, nimble, intelligent, thoughtful Preseident-that would be Obama.Someone who is calm, cool and collected. Not angry, combative and a know-it-all.

For anyone who carefully listened to the two candidates, it was clear that John McCain is obsessed with fighting wars. His painful memories as a POW should have seriously affected him mentally and it is clear that his goals in life are structured based on those experiences. Ironically, he is determined to take revenge from Bin Laden and that seems to be his main reason for running for presidency. Is there any religion that condones taking revenge? Is it Jihad?

I think this was a great idea for regular Americans can get a chance to look at these two candidates. If anyone watched this forum it was hard not to notice tha different standard being applied. Obama gave fresh answers while McCain was allowed to use campaign stomp answers. It was very obvious that McCain had an inside track on tha questions being asked. He answered questions before they was asked. "Yes Yes" is how he answered one question and the second questioned before it was asked. How he wanted to talk about supreme court judges before tha subject came up.

ANOTHER THING PEOPLE GENERALLY LOOK DOWN WHEN OR TO THE RIGHT THEY ARE PROCESSING THOUGHT. AFTER EVERY ANSWER THAT MCSAME GIVE OR DODGED SUCCESSFULLY, HE WOULD RISE HIS EYEBROWS HIGH AND LOOK TO THE LEFT, PSYCHOLOGY 101 HAS PROVEN LONG AGO THAT THOSE TRAITS ARE UNCONTROLLABLE WHEN YOU ARE TELLING A LIE.

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!!!!!

The questions asked at this forum were taylor-made for McCain, which explains why he answered most of the questions before the host even finished asking them. The audience was predominately far-right wackos that would not even consider voting for Senator Obama. All McCain had to do was open his mouth and the audience would give him a big round of applause.

Yes, I truly believe that McCain somehow got the questions in advance. Otherwise, there is absolutely no way he would have retrieved John Lewis' name from his memory. John McCain does not believe in civil rights nor equal rights for others, especially women. He was attempting to pander to the Black community to make up for his voting against the Martin Luther King holiday. Buyers beware! A warning signal in my spirit sounded immediately after I heard his response to the first question that he was asked.

Anyone bothered by McCain's "rambling" on war stories: how about Obama's rambling with I..uh…I…uh..I..uh..well. Obama was evasive on every answer. McCain gave short, sharp answers and all of his anecdotes came to an answer for the question, not an evasive response. Like, what the heck did Obama mean when he tried to link what his mom told him to wanting to become president? that he wants to be president because it's about standing in someone else's shoes?? Sorry, but that made NO sense.

John McCain sees everything through the eyes of the military. How is it that a pro-life commitment like he espouses cannot see the
hypocracy of these positions…I am confused
I have to agree! It really can not related to the average people other then the military people.

John McCain NEVER answered the question about what faith means to him, a cross being drawn in the dirt NOT an answer ?

John McCain NEVER answered the question about his greatest failing. John McCain should have been honest, he should have admitted that he cheated on his first wife with MANY women, (including his CURRENT wife – Cindy McCain), who John McCain got a marriage license with, a month BEFORE he as even divorced from his first wife.

AND as usual John McCain tried to manipulate the public with his Vietman stories. I will remind John McCain that there were over 300 US soldiers who were also in Vietnam prisons!!! The difference is that these other soldiers HAVE integrity, and DO NOT go out of their way like John McCain does, to exploit their experience as a means of getting what they want.
When you know that there were over 300 US soldiers who were also held in Vietnam prison camps, it really shows you how much John McCain has really gone OUT OF HIS WAY, to exploit his Vietanam experience for political purposes. Notice that these other Vietnam prisoners are not using their prison experience as a means to get ahead. John McCain on the other hand, has been using his Vietnam story to get a head in life since he returned home.

I would remind John McCian that the wife he cheated on, and dumped when he returned from Vietnam, suffered a whole lot more injuries than he ever did, when she, CAROL McCAIN, got into her car accident while John McCain was in Vietnam. This woman, CAROL McCAIN dumped like garbage, this woman suffered horrendous injuries for which she had to have 20 operations for after her car accident. None of the pain she endured mattered to John McCain, she was no longer good enough for him, and John McCain started cheating on her immediately, degrading her, and humiliating her before finally dumping her like trash.

That is who John McCain really is, he is a man with NO integrity!!!

Difference between the young one and the old one?

The young one thinks before he opens his mouth.

The old one opens his mouth before the question is asked completly and then when the thought catches up to him, tries to go back and then tries to answer it again but half way through forgets what the question was and answers a different question

You are wrong tedious898. Much of us white Americans would support Obama. We will never support McCain. Most of us are voting for Ron Paul. But if Ron tells us to support Obama, well, we'd probably do it. Crazy us.

What happened, Crowley? You must have been too busy listening to your candidate to be fair. What happened to unbiased reporting? This is pathetic.

McCain knew the questions! He controlled the interview and Warren let him. Obama got just as many standing ovations as McCain. And Warren was so eager to be sure that McCain got his at the end that he said, " Come on, everyone, let's stand up and GREET Senator McCain." Greet him? The talk was over! McCain played his part well. And so did Warren.. this was no conversation with the candidates, this was a set up! Same old dirty politics of the past almost 8 years!

Bring on the real debates after the conventions!

As for the bad teachers comment from McCain. It should be noted that education and its current problems can be traced back to No Child Left Behind, an idea that sounded good on paper, but was never properly funded by the republican party. I teach in Texas, so I have been directly affected by the policies of Bush and his cohort Governor Rick Perry. We havent had a democratic governor since Ann Richards, and our education system has been suffering due to the lack of funding from a Republican administration. They come up with all these ideas that they want implemented into schools, but then say, "sorry , no money." In the end school districts are left to scrap to find the funds to implement these programs. The republican dominated Texas senate always says that they care about education, but cant find the money to implement improvements. They however can find the funds to give themselves raises.

How can we ever say it's a fair discussion, when one person is told not to "stump" and the other is allowed to campaign throughout? How unfair. Barack Obama is a man of integrity who showed respect by answering the questions at hand. He dug deep, while John McCain threw his arm back on the chair, made jokes and told irrelevant war stories between hitting the audience up with talking points and sound bites. McCain may have responded to just 1 question (Yeah…I cheated on my wife with Cindy and when Carol was in an accident I divorced her and married Cindy a week later). Well…he never got that far because Pastory Rick did not press him to ellaborate on his biggest failure. How lopsided!!!

Of course they were short responses, he doesnt have the depth to talk about an issue that long.

McCain, time to sit in the old folks home and tell you'r stories, we've all heard them many times before. How long do the American people have to pay homage to you? There is a whole new generation of hero's that didn't return, hospitals full of terribly wounded hero's , and thousands of children without mom's and dad's. This is from a war you said yes to , and all the while you say you "hate war". Aren"t you the guy that just sang BOMB, BOMB, BOMB, BOMB, BOMB IRAN? How about some real strait talk JOHN! You are a phony! A man that promised a clean campaign, whats up with that? Anyone that fell for your , admittedly, well rehearsed, speech, deserves what they get!!

Really unreal that most people cant just take there answers and make there own judgement.. you have Obama supporters slamming McCain..if they dont like his answers, then they can go to Obama a drule there, dont come to McCains spotlight only to slam him.

It definitely seemed like McCain knew all the questions ahead of time.
He even tried to get to some questions before they were asked. How did he know that the Justices were going to be talked about?

McCain doesn't listen to people, he has all the answers. He also dwells too much on the past, especially on Vietnam. I am wondering if that is all there is to him, "war, war, war" "fight, fight, fight" and "drill, drill, drill. He doesn't understand or care about what the rest of us are going through. He and Cindy don't need to worry about anything, they are set for life.

McCain also avoided talking much about his greatest morale misjudgment, his failed marriage. He doesn't say anything about how he and Cindy had an affair and it was then that he got divorced.
He also never mentions about the Lincoln Savings & Loan affair where he was called one of the "Keating Five". That scandal costs millions of lost dollars to many people. He sure didn't put the country first in those days. He put his lobbyists first.

Time for a change in Administration. No more Bush/Cheney/McCain.

Short and direct (even if not too sweet). What a refreshing CHANGE. As opposed to the "So you think you can dance" politician. In all seriousness, McCain actually impressed me tonight, while Obama demonstrated how shallow he is without a teleprompter. If nothing else McCain received his early Christmas present this last week, from of all places…the Russians. McCain at least gives some HOPE that we can have a leader to deal with future issues and threats, both foreign and domestic. Whereas Obama would simply bore them into submission trying to figure out what he is attempting to articulate.

It's my understanding that the evangelicals helped Bush win in '04, so I guess we can put some of the blame on them for the war and a bad economy. And if they are so religious, why are they so into politics. It sounds like they are a bunch of judgemental, self centered radicals hiding behind religion.

Candy, You should be ashamed that you didn't mention that Obama answered the questions directly and thoughfully instead you said nuanced(which you know is code for not answered) while McCain who had to have had a list of these questions,literally answered the questions before they were even asked of him. He mentioned being a POW and told POW stories more than anything and would not answer how he could to not raise taxes but was going to make everyone rich ?When asked about his moral failures, sheesh no details just failure of first marriage…how about how he cheated on his 1st wife with the current Mrs. Cindy McCain. Adultery not a sin anymore how about Rick Warren saying that he could never vote for an adulterer these little details not being underscored make you seem like the hack that you are.

Scary the 3 that Obama would take advice from. Michelle? Get real!!!!
Michael Phelps is a real winner – why not take advice from him. Get it!!!

SORRY FOLKS,

I HONESTLY THINK THAT THIS WAS A TOTAL SET UP!

JOHN McCAIN HAS NEVER, AND CANNOT EVER ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ASKED BY SUPPOSED REV. WARREN. I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT BARACK WAS SET UP!

I ALSO BELIEVE THAT JOHN McCAIN WAS FED THE QUESTION BEFORE THE QUESTION ANSWER PERIOD!

John McCain tonight blew me away. His legendary straight forwardness and honesty were on display. WIth McCain, what you see is what you get and I cannot wait to get another chance to sit in front of my TV with my jaw dropped.

McCain will be a great POTUS and rank up there with the legends before him .

God Bless the USA and John McCain.

HillaryFan4McCain

War, War, and more War. Get ready McCain will find somebody to fight if we ever get out of the two we are in. Draft, Draft, Draft. and the news media want a war, just like before.

McCain went round and round so much without giving any direct answers that he gave me whiplash. He didnt answer the what is considered rich question. He jokingly said 5 million, so I guess that should tell you the type of people he hangs around with. A real person of the people huh?

Some of your questions were not value or faith related. Besides you couldn't control McCain from stump speech. I know you learned a lot from Obama. Atleast we accomplishef one thing.
Obama is the right president for America and for the world..

Obama's intellect is far superior to McCain's. If you think McCain answered the questions because he gave one-liners then you were not listening critically. McCain is war and Vietnam. Who was the first person he named that he would listen to – a military general???? Really?? Is this country going to be ruled by the military??? You better think long and hard before you vote for McCain. Even Pat Buchanan (whom I detest) said that McCain is basically a warmonger.

Interesting – I still will not vote for McCain. He was too focused on war.

McCain made his case to the American people, not just the evangelicals, in this forum! He will make a great president.

Obama, the equivocating professor, is definately not ready for the oval office!

McCain 08!

That's hardly an answer. Obama gave an EXCELLENT response to the same question. He didn't pander to his audience, like McCain.

No wonder MCcain was comfortable because he is in Orange County Ca. home of the republican and who knows of rehearse question. Did you observe his body language?

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 – you make a good president.

This forum was horrible. I think that mcCaine was prepped and or fed questions. I do think Warren was a different interviewer with McCaine letting hom stump, when it shouldn't be a stumping ground.

I can't wait to these two talk about the issues. Not War. Issues right here in good old America. I am curious to know… how John is so quick to resolve problems in other peoples country.. hows he going to resolve the problems in our own.

Obama 08

Peased off

Hmmmmm….Are we sure McCain did not get his questions in advance?????

Deb,Allentown,PA,
I totally agree.

McCain is just hypocritical, tries to paint on a pretty face in his so called town hall meetings, but he is by far the straight talk express.

We need a leader with international (global) experience. Our community likes Obama, but he isn't ready to run this huge complicated country. We will vote for McCain this time and look for Obama to run again once he knows where all the states are located.

Virginia

McCain is George Bush in the flesh. WAR WAR WAR. Can't hold a conversation. Short jabs just like the movement of his arms.
You're living in the past man, get a grip with the future.

This was a stage event! If you watch it again, Mcain anwser questions before they where ask! He couldn't wait to ask before he answers the questions. This reminds me of Bush comment to 'bring'em on". This dude knew what to say before he was ask!!!!!
Mcain is a fraud!!!!!

Reading todays obituaries, I found it interesting that only two of the dead were older than John McCain. The other ten were younger.

Would someone please check his pulse?

how is John McCain going to achieve any of the "feel good" one liners he spouted?

Obama was thoughtful and honest.
The press declares this nuance and that the American people don't do "nuance"

We just came off of eight years of fast answers and no solutions – McCain sees everything from a perspective of war — in many ways he is more frightening than Bush

This was a home team for McCain – but no one could resonably deny Obama his due.I think he impressed many of the evangelicals.

Two points:
1: someone should ask John Lewis how close he is to McCain (like when McCain voted consistently against MLK day in his state and at the federal level)
2:McCain voted to confirm the Supreme Court justices he declares he would not support (Ginsberg. Breyer)

How about some reporting by the news media instead of drooling and reacting to their own insular expectations they set for themselves?

CNN, lacked in the analysis of this forum aired tonight, with the exception of Roland Martin.

The show was just okay. I'd give it a C-minus.

I could not help but wonder if McCain had taken a dose of the old fashioned "GERITOL" before the show. He has never acted so alert or upbeat as he did tonight.

I think that Obama came across more honest and open than McCain.

McCain's answers were "flip" sometimes and seemed "orchestrated".

Oh, and Obama gave indepth thought out answers and McCain gave black and white answers and ronald reagan stories.
The single most telling question was the one about evil. Obama won that. McCain gave a dangerous answer that let us know he would start world war 3 with out deep thought.

Mccain talked about war war war war, thats all if I want to hear war stories, I would have called my grandfather, and anyway he knew the questions because they were asked to Obama first of course you can get your answers in line when someone before you are answering the same answers, anything you can do I can do better, I can answer questions better than you.

No wonder Obama refused town halls with McCain….I would have been his debacle. McCain is too much for him. Honor, integrity, valor,experience and real HOPE for our future.

Mccain wanted to jump in on the supreme court justices long before the question was to be asked. He new the questions long before the debate began. It was obvious the way he turned it into a stump speech with no real answer.

Candy seems to be pro-McCain. A bit more reporting is needed that describes the anticipated line of questioning, demographics of the audience, ill-timing and lack of control by the sole, right wing moderator.

McCain got experience that is why he got stories to tell. Obama got none…all he has are promises.

Typical Liberal behavior: when Obama does poorly…MUST be a conspiracy between Warren and Mccain.

Grow up.

John, you truly will be the leader of the free world. Obama just plain shucked tonight.

I found Obama to be thougthful in his answers to questions and McCain to be rote!

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.

"For every complex problem, there is an answer that is simple, neat, and wrong." – H.L. Mencken

Is it me or did Mcain talk about ceasfire in Rwanda?? Is the country at war??? And how in heaven is he going to stop genocides….by asking african countries to help?? And on Georgia…..is it America's stand that Goegia did no wrong at all-Can someone help me understand why what Russia is doing is any different from what the US did with Kuwait, Iraq, Nicaragua…etc? Moral debate my foot!!!!!

The Obama supporters are going to find any little thing wrong with John McCain's performance tonight and they have surely displayed the consistent behavior from the left. They run out of substance to attack McCain on so they turn to personal attacks and baseless accusations that he had the questions beforehand. Is it so hard to believe a person can just be that diligent while answering questions? And though this may be difficult, try answering this question without any presumptive opinions. If you can't which I expect then you've just proved my piont. He could save a drowning baby in a river and y'all may think he staged it.

McCAIN = CLEARLY ANOTHER GEORGE W. BUSH

DID you see how quickly John McCain answered YES, YES, YES, before even hearing the question?

Wasn't it just yesterday his campaign CLAIMED he didn't HEAR the question regarding Corsi's book?

Hummmmmm….. SOUNDS AND LOOKS LIKE A WELL REHEARSED FAITH BASED EVENT.

McCain nailed Obama….I expect a gain of 2 points for McCain…

Just because McCain stayed awake for the full hour does not mean he was "on his game". I am sick and tired of his answer to every question relating back to war or force. He is a war monger and too quick to want to use force in every situation. Everything seems to be win-lose to him.
McCain also voted for all those Supreme Court judges that he bashed tonight. Please see through this man….

was a leaning strongly for McCain, but i felt that he fell flat. It's almost like talking to Dick Cheney. His answers were way to "political" and nothing from the heart. Obama actually thinks about a question and although i don't agree with everything he does, I think it would be nice to have a president that actually thinks before he acts/speaks.

Maybe it's time for a change.

I feel John McCain knew the questions already because he answered before they were even asked. And I believe he rehearsed his answers. Plus all McCain talked about was his military service, but nothing personal. I think Obama was the better candidate tonight.

This debate underlies where we are going as a nation.

Do we just want to be a people known best to elect good sloganeers who once they get elected hand the boat over to their handlers who got them elected?

Or can we stand a leader who can actually think?

I don't doubt that McCain is a war hero. But being able to tell stories by the crackling hearth isn't what I'm looking for to solve the critical issues facing us as a people.

Tonight I saw John Mccain as someone who is very inclined to use force first. As a 25 year old man this idea really frightened me particularly when he brought his own torture experience. You would think that someone who had to endure such hardships would not want others to have to go through that was well. That was absolutely not the case with senator Mccain. What I saw today between these two candidates was a clear contrast in how they would deal with the outside world and I'm going to have to give this to one to Obama

Was it just me or does McCain seem to be extremely emotional. This man is scary!!! He can't answer a question in depth, and he seems to have this boil underneath that pops out from time to time. This world has to many shades of gray and an enormous amount of complexities. Can we really, really elect another non intellect, bully politicking, president who cannot use the power of the bully pulpit to move this country and pursuade to get things done. He hardly can put two sentences together if he is not telling a war story.

Oh give us a break, Candy. McCain gave an hour-long stump speech abour his favorites subjects:

War
Surge
Drill
POW

We all know the candidates were given the questions in avance, but the least MCCain could have done was wait until they were asked before he answered them.

It was definitely a good forum, however it was frustrating to hear McCain, after Obama, answer the questions with out really answering the questions. example…how rich is rich? Obama gives a straight answer and McCain launches into taxes not being the answer….so, how much money is rich? Too many 'canned' stories from McCain. I was waiting to hear something I hadn't heard before and most of it I have heard before.

And everyone is shocked???
This is a patriot of America and her values.

If not Hillary, then McCain. It's really simple for me.

Put aside the fluff and the rhetoric and you have Hillary…
without her McCain is second best.

Candy Crowley, I thought the point of this was to answer the questions thoughtfully, not robotic sticatto.
If the crowd loved it, then they are just the far right jesus freaks that respond to nothing but his kneejerk far right pandering slogans of 'I was POW',' Isalamo Facist' whateverism, and yes no answers. What a load of crap this was
Obama answered the questions from the heart. Magoo just ran a recruitment poster for the military. Evry wored was a stump speech from MaGoo .
Judging by the audience reaction,

Obama did pretty well considering these are far more difficult to answer for him than McCain. Definately a sheep audience and softball set-up for McCAin. Definately an away game for Obama.
I an proud of Obama. But the media appears to be giving this to McCAin.
Too bad almost everyine else but us here are watching the Olympics.
He wont win over very many based on this night, though

Mccain really scared me tonight…Particularly on his response to the evil question…He didnt cited drugs, serial killers, rapists as evil, he cited radical Islam…And then he said he wouldn't stop until he defeated it…Well do you know that 20% of the entire world population is muslim….And many of them have anti-american sentiment…Do you plan on trying to ethnically cleanse all those people?…We have to work together because we cannot defeat an idea…we can only contain it

I think Mccain didn't connect well, what he said was well said. It was nothing we don't hear on his trail. I dont feel any closer to Mccain than before. I think Mccain, talked about what he felt comfortable about. Tonight was more like a political c ampaign stump than a serious conversation to really get to know how he thinks and makes decisions. Obama on the other hand was more personal, serious, more open and honest about his beliefs. You can tell that he was seriously thinking about what he wanted to say and Mccain was answering the question before he heard the answer. I don't believe Mccain didn't hear the questions for the first time. It seems more set up. Mccain needs to be more open and get people to know him. I don't trust Mccain and tonight he hasn't changed that. Obama 08

I am a mother who wanted to believe in John McCain, but wasn't convinced because of the Obama hipe. Today he convinced me. I can believe for the first time in a candidate. He gave me goose bumps.
John McCain I was waiting for a performance like that for months.
Thank You.
P.S. Just lose the constant use of "my friends" if you go to the debate with that habit I will kringe.

I was not impressed with McCain's soundbyte applause-line answers. Just telling the audience what they wanted to hear. Yuck.

It seems like the eh..umm from Obama is him thinking unlike McCain who gave the answer in a flash, isnt that what we need before we push THE BUTTON in the time of war?

McCain was giving campain speeches, Obama was talking from his mind. McCain won more votes, but Obama told the truth. Go figure what white middle America would vote for!!

Obama 08

direct answers.but ,did little to give insight into how or why he had come to the conclusion.he seemed coached with short answers that would be easier to remember.

mccain on his game please! if u see war as the solution to all our problems yea or think old war stories will solve our engrey problems ok. taxe,s he does not want cindy to pay anymore taxes. so if you want to hear granpa telling stories you had a great evening. but if u critically examie the real striaght talk it was all sounds bites, don't be fooled again.

Mc cain's lack of depth in his answers reflects the lack of depth in the man himself. I shudder to think of him occupying the Oval Office.

David Brody of CBN and now a "CNN contributor," interviewed Obama tonight after the Debate, and used the term "calling a spade a spade." Are you people nuts having this idiot as a contributor?

JOHN MCCAIN ENERGIZED ME TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT OBAMA WINS…I don't care how concise he was…That guy is a war monger…I counted four legitimate war possibilities…We barely have enough troops to fight one…Draft Anyone?…On top of all this WAR INCREASES SPENDING AND YOUR GOING TO CUT TAXES…YOU ARE A LIAR

Obama 08′ Officially

Great answers… solid responces…
McCain nailed it in this forum!

Warren asked McCain about Georgia – Why didn't he ask Obama about it as well?

JOHN MCCAIN ENERGIZED ME TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT OBAMA WINS…I don't care how concise he was…That guy is a war monger…I counted four legitimate war possibilities…We barely have enough troops to fight one…Draft Anyone?…On top of all this WAR INCREASES SPENDING AND YOUR GOING TO CUT TAXES…YOU ARE A COWARD AND A LIAR

Obama 08′ Officially

I certainly don't want to pay more taxes either McCain. But how do we pay China back for the war??? Where does that money come from. We've heard this "read my lips" rhetoric before!

was this faire

yeah, and I much preferred Obama's answer on the tax question.

SIMPLY PROVES OBAMA HAS TO BE SCRIPTED AND TELEPROMPTED BY HANDLERS. ITS COMMON KNOWLEDGE HIS MESSIANIC SPEECHES ARE WRITTEN FOR HIM NOT BEAMED STRAIGHT FROM THE THRONE. REALITY IS HAPPENING NOW PEOPLE NOT IN TWO DAYS WHEN THE CAMERAS ARE ON.

John, reaffirmed that he is a good man in many ways as well as a Military mite. I'm going to sum it all up. I would never put a Transylvania Devil like McCcann in the oval office.

pro war and overly agressive about war and less informative on the state of the nation. i ALSO THINK THAT HE ETRIES TO PATRONIZE AFRICAN AMERICANS.

McCain didn't want to answer what he thought "rich" was. Instead we had to listen to a bunch of jokes and alzheimers ramblings. I guess you don't ask a multimillionaire what "rich" is…………….

I watched the program and I agree with Candi Crowley Senator McCain seemed to answer the questions before they were asked. Is it possible that he knew what was going to be asked???????

Both candidates were good but I learned more about Senator Obama and Senator McCain . I am still a supporter of Obama because I feel that McCain is

Now I see why McCain supporters and Pumas hate Barack so much. That guy is totally different from what america is used to…Barack stands out like a "sore thumb" to the establishment. Nobody (except for me and about 18 million plus supporters from the primaries) are the only ones that would love Barack and his campaign.

Rest of white america (most republicans and evangelicals, pumas) would never support Barack. I think its racism because I don't remember Bill Clinton getting these types of attacks and hatred.

McCain has never answered questions this quickly. Short, direct responses? I don't suppose it could be that he knew the questions before they were asked.

This was horribly scripted on the McCain side. "Are we going to get back to the justices?", before any mention was even made of the Supreme Court. So now McCain is prescient? Wow, I'm impressed.

And Candy, could you, as a responsible journalist, be just a little less in the tank for McCain?

I was on the fence post before tonight. I've comtemplated not voting for the first time in my life. Neither has impressed me. One candidate with too little experience. The other too old. Well, the old guy is sharp. I would certainly not want to debate him. McCain has served our country his entire life. Whom else could possibly be more qualified or deserving?

People should now be clear on the differences. Obama definite winner. Mc Cain came off as politics as usual in Bush White House

Obama gave insightful, fully faceted answers to some tough questions. McCain was a gifted, veteran politician that knew how to work the audience.

We've seen and had to live with the results of leaders that have simple answers to complex problems.

McCain never directly answered a question, he made jokes, talked about other people.

The issues were great ones to didscuss. Obama elaborated on them. McCain told long stories of his war-life. I really couldn't compare issues. I think McCain avoided answering directly instead it was a ha ha and let me tell another story……………………

It seemed to me, Pastor Warren allowed Senator McCain to be campaign more than he allowed Senator Obama. Was that due to him being the older canadiate. (out of respect)? McCain talked more than Pastor Warren did.?????

Hi Jack,

this is whreI find a much lesser quality coming from McCain. He is so quick at responding to put down people…and not look at the whole picture why some teachers may get different results…for him you are good or bad and if you are bad you are not worth looking at since he gives you the label that stereotypes people and divides people. I guess he will never look how badly Bush has failed in the last eight years…he is selective of who is good and who is bad, what is good and what is bad according to his principle of unity behind a party, behind a chief…quite a maverick!

Finally some real questions!! And some real answers. There needed to be more of this kind of questioning 9 months ago. Rick Warren did a great job. The other guys did OK too.

I wasn't sure how I felt about McCain and felt bad that he was the best we could do in the Republican party. However, after tonight's interview, I feel quite strongly that of the two, he has the most experience to make the tough decisions that are going to have to be made at this time in history, as leader of the United States.

how about some of the low points of mccain's responses…like when he dodged the question about privacy by talking about "cyberspace"…when he doesn't even know how to use the internet…or when he claimed that $5 million income was the baseline for defining "rich"…yeah, if you're worth >$40 million i guess some multi-millionares are barely getting by…also the questions seemed biased towards mccain…why don't you just invite the guy to ramble on about his time in vietnam by asking about his "toughest decision"…or maybe bait the candidates to agree that human rights apply at conception when you know obama won't agree while mccain will

There is a reason why McCain was able to give quick answers. He knew the questions. There is no doubt about it. He was also able to direct the entire conversation. Who is the one being interviewed? Also, the pastor clearly asked Obama not to answer using a stump speech, but he allowed McCain to do it throughout. Very disappointed.

Unfortunately, we had to listen to McCain's ramblings of stories from his past instead of answering the questions at hand. Obama answered the questions that were answered and didn't use the time to "stump" as the pastor stated. McCain chose to make jokes and show all of us he is lost in his own mind, and his past………..

McCain seems so rehearst. I dont feel that he opened up at all. It was just talking points and a stump speech. I have already made up my mind, the only way John McCain will get my vote is putting huckabee on the ticket. I am with the other disanfranchised conservatives, the GOP and McCain have been ignoring us and courting the left. I may just stay home this year. I got an email this morning discussing the possibility that the conservatives and evangelicals may form a new party. I would love the opportunity for a new party. I am very unhappy with both.

Candy hit it on the head in the post event analysis…(to paraphrase) "McCain seemed to answer the questions before they were answered".

Yeah, like asking if they could get back to the Supreme Court question well before Warren asked it of him. Sorta seems like the "cone of silence" room had a few leeks.

McCain's crisp answers are uncharacteristic. He also got the security question not offered to Obama. This whole thing has the odor of fix…either by Warren or someone else but stink nonetheless.

John McCain needs to address the future, please, and stop drawing attention to the horrors he, albeit heroically, endured many many years before. He is an honourable man and this does not become him.

Rick Warren let John McCain define the answers the way he wanted to (scripted). What a disappointing forem!
Where was the real (and thoughtful) answer to taxes and "definition" of rich….oh, yes, that would be John McCain and his family, who do not want to pay taxes!

Lets not find the bad teachers new jobs. Lets work with these teachers who want to help others become better at their respected profession. If a system produces bad teachers we shouldnt just get rid of the teachers, the system should be fixed.

I believe that McCain knew the questions and prepared for this. The first question…3 people… a list like that is not lightning fast for anyone to respond to,especially someone like John McCain. BUT regardless how could ANYONE believe that automatically John Lewis would come to McCain's mind???? It just is not believable. Does anyone think it is??
This was a campaign event for McCain, NOT a "civil forum".

Sounds great until you realize that not that many people want to be teachers, at least not in American schools, and there is a great demand for teachers and not a very good supply, so if you fire the bad teachers, you'll end up with no teachers. This is just another jingoistic response that appeals to silly people, but has no substance and thought behind it.

I think McCain has it wrong. I don't think that there are as many bad teachers as there are bad school districts. If the government and states would invest more in failing school systems and give these so-called "bad teachers" the tools to work with they probably wouldn't seem so "bad" after all. Not only that, public schooling is a right afforded to every citizen that if funded properly there would not be a need to home school or use vouchers.

McCain / Puma's…I give your candidate a lot of credit. His approach and demeanor were very clear and concise. It was policy from McCain – unvarnished, brash and confident. Tons of stories of being a prisoner and the tough circumstances surrounding same.

My candidate was very humble and introspective. His message during this forum was one of self appraisal and deprecation.

I'm not turning my support …there is simply no way I'd ever support John McCain. But he's a better polician than I gave him credit.

Obama '08

I felt Obama was speaking from his heart – he spoke directly to Mr. Warren – McCain was campaigning – that's why his answers were so fast and furious – he was checking the boxes for the evangelicals – that's all. I don't think McCain was genuine or open or took this as anything more than an obligation he had to take care of and quell the evangelica worries about him.

Are you kidding me? This is best you could come up with…never mind. Not much to work with McDonald.

No doubt the Obama-brainwash gang will be out in full force, but the proof was in the pudding: McCain shoots and scores. How many times can Obama go "um…eh…um" before people GET IT? We need a decisive, firm president, not some liberal Ed Kennedy lover who has one term in the Senate. I hope people reflect on this forum and wake up. Also, it sounds like Obama isn't even sure he wants to be a candidtate anymore!

MCCain deserves to be president, not Obama

Yes, there is a big difference between the two. McCain gives simplistic, black & white responses; whereas Obama looks at the bigger picture, recognizes grey areas and is more open to debate. We need a president who sees and operates from a global perspective. Who does not tell stories, but understands that issues are complex, not simplistic as portrayed by McCain's staccato responses.

McCain answers quickly because he answers honestly and directly. Obama thinks about his answers, appearing to tailor his answers to suit the liking of his constituents.

It's very interesting that Senator McCain is a very private person and yet he is a straight talker. That's why he would roll out answers so fast. If he did not know the questions in advance, you can't call him being senile at all.

It may be the age difference between McCain and Obama. Senator Obama hasn't had the life experience to think through these questions in his head, but McCain knew them all.

Thanks to Pastor Warren for offering such a unique debate format for us to peak into the souls of these two candidates!

I can't wait for more debates.

mccain, didn't answer the tax question, but skirted all around it.

Mccain wiped the floor with Obama. Obama sounded indecisive and just plain young, while Mccain was there to win! I hope CNN starts provided objective coverage and stops this Obama lovefest.

McCain is obviously presidential, Obama is not!

Acually did anyone notice that John McCain answered at least three questions before they were asked completely , the questions about teachers for example Warren asked the first part of the question and McCain answered the question , yes, yes and let the bad teachers go. He answered this way somehow knowing there were three parts to the question. I believe that John McCain was very well rehersed for this program,

I think John McCain was given the questions by Rick Warren. I also think that Rick Warren gave McCain more respect than Obama. Warren bantered around with Obama and simple sat there and let MCcain run on and the body language was very clear. Warren looked at Mccain in awe and treated Obama like a home boy. Quite telling.

Yeah McCain says no new taxes. Bull, how is going to off the deficit this country has. He makes it sound good, but I don't believe him.

I was expecting the same "game" with both Obama and McCain. Instead it appeared Pastor Rick fostered the political game of McCain during his hour-long spiel. How unfortunate. Senator Obama answered the questions thoughtfully. McCain is nothing but one-liners. He runs the same ones over and over and over again. There was nothing new. He immediately went into platform mode and Pastor Rick didn't know how to get him back on point. He allowed it. I was expecting fairness.

And, did anyone count how many times they heard McCain say "my friend" during his hour? I found it weird. I am NOT his friend, don't think I'll even get to meet him in my lifetime let alone be his friend, and was insulted to hear him say it. McCain was able to play politics with his one-liners. . . At one point when asked what his definition of marriage was, it was almost a Bush moment. Like he was going back to the memory cards so he could recite correctly what his party's thoughts were on marriage.

The first hour was great with Senator Obama. The second hour was a waste of my time.

McCain keeps flip floping on abortion. He's for a womans right to choose in one place… then he's pro-life in another! It's getting ridiculous.

Poverty? McCain has no plan…

Health Care? McCain has the same plan as Bush…

I can never vote for him.

Yes, he was answering quickly, but he wasn't answering the questions! He was asked to define rich, and he said he couldn't define it…lower taxes for all. Oh and he LOVED mentioning Vietnam. When asked about his hardest decision, he referenced Vietnam. Ok. Great. You decided to keep your butt in a prison instead of seeking your freedom (by the way, we lost that war) but give us an answer that's relevant for the American people. Thanks McCain for giving us the circle-speak that we are SO accustomed to from our politicians.

Rewarding excellence in Education is a good thing. Developing a plan for it must be one that is fair to all. The measuring of success is the most difficult part of the problem.

McCain gave a great answer about "poor and rich". While Obama defined it as "having" a payroll.
What if we defined rich personally instead of in community?

Sen. McCain is a great story teller… but didn't impress me otherwise… too much like a campaign speech. He seems to be stuck on his military records to win over voters. There was little news about him that I haven't heard before. Sen. Obama shows a lot more insight … very thoughtful in his responses without trying to tell stories to win over the audience.

as always, McCain answered the questions honestly and directly .predictably obama did his usual dance around, and talked in generalities. the public is getting tired of the obama shuffle and it is showing up in the polls.

Grandpa was getting too personal. The American people want to know what he will do as president, not what he did in vietnam…!!

Wow, McCain would make a great president. I am just in awe of his honesty and non evasiveness. I am going to pray he wins every day!!!

And who exactly will rate who is a good or bad teacher? Are we going to have "No teacher left behind" and have standardized tests? Who would make the decisions on what is good or bad teaching? Ask any student or parent who is a good or bad teacher and you'll get numerous responses.

How lame.

John McCain sees everything through the eyes of the military. How is it that a pro-life commitment like he espouses cannot see the
hypocracy of these positions…I am confused

Obama answered the questions way better than McCain even though he was asked the same questions first.

Did anyone find it funny that he said yes and yes to the two questions before he was even asked them. Is the church picking sides?

It is obvious that both John McCain and Borak Obama knew the questions. John McCain more so crammed his answers and even answer the questions before they were completed. This is not Family feud john mcCain. Warren said he is friends of both these candidates, but it seems like he set up this interview and leaked his questions to John mccain. A waste of time. Let's get a forum where people can call in an ask questions to both candidates. This forum where your friends and family ask you questions that you prepare for is a waste of time. Sorry Warren that was a cheap shot.

Thank God. He cleaned that up. Started bad, but did a great job. Showed his humanity without and used stories more than stump speeches. That's the benefit of being around 50 years – lots of stories. Smart and effective move.

Policies still suck, but good job McCain.

Cute, McCain can give a stump speech and Candy Crowley can drool over it.

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

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

Obama 08′

Not an answer regarding merit pay or solving issues surrounding supporting educators

The big difference between Obama and McCain. McCain projects a military, strong, authoritative patriot type of president. Obama projects a definate intellectual someone that would share a cup of coffee with you listening to "All Things Considered," on NPR.,