CNN

What I witnessed is that Obama spoke to the forum with no prior knowledge of the questions to be asked. Not so with McCain though. It appears that he was briefed prior to his appearance. Some of his answers came out before the complete question was stated. As always, McCain is
good only if there's a prompter.

I love how we can positive news about Obama on this site and all of it is unquestionably deserved. Then we hear something positive about McCain and it's because CNN is lacking objectivity, that the audience was stacked with McCain supporters, and because McCain answered the questions with what people wanted to hear.

I strongly recall Obama supporters calling Hillary supporters whiners when they pointed out biased reporting. Should the name "whiners" now apply to Obama supporters?

Motivation: Be aware
Is inportant to know that McCain is a long time a P.T.S.D.patient from VIETNAM and never treated or medically followed for his condition and it most be look into before November.The NATION consideretion are a RISK

I have for awhile thought I would vote for Obama, but without enthusiasm. After this forum, I feel more excitement about voting for him. I LOVE HIllary and voted for her in the primary, but I don't love her enough to want McCain to win and cause much more damage just so she can run in 2012. There will certainly be some retirements of Supreme court justices, and one of the BEST, John Paul Stevens, McCain said he disliked. This Stevens will probably retire soon, that is BEFORE 2012, since he is very old and if McCain is president, he will be replaced by someone VERY conservative. Also, as a gay person, I am offended by how McCain panders to this Saddleback Evangelical audience by opposing gay marriage, by supporting anti-gay marriage amendments. Obama is much better on gay issues than McCain. Obama never has supported any anti-gay marriage amendments, even though he says he opposes gay marriage. I don't think he has to REALLY push for gay marriage since that may bring political suicide, but at least not be an impediment to it. I also don't like McCain's view on taxes- clearly it is Bush's tax cuts on the rich that have caused the great deficit we have. I would not raise taxes very much, but a couple percentage points on the rich, the same with the capital gains tax. This would generate a lot more revenue. Why not give tax CREDITS for hiring people, rather than tax CUTS that the rich can spend any way they want, including paying for foreign workers?

PLEASE PUMA, we cannot afford a conservative supreme court!!

I wonder if that prison camp story is even true, or if it's another attempt to capitalize on his captivity (remember him reciting the the names of the Green Bay Packers, no the Steelers, no, the Yankees, to his captors?) I don't trust his memory at all, and it would not surprise me if some speech writer made this up just for the occasion. But I'm sure it will be repeated and repeated as proof of his Christian faith.
Speaking of that, how can the man be so pro-life on one convenient hand, and yet not care a whit about the innocents in Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, as well as the American soldiers dying every day? And I bet he's conveniently pro-death penalty too, another obvious tenet of the Christian religion, at least the way the evangelicals write it up. HA!

It seems like the whining of those deceived by the lack of substance, maturity, or understanding of issues that emanated from Obama's answers continues to be the rallying cry from his supporters writing here. These supporters of Obama still groan about the same things that they were groaning about before the informational discussions with Warren were held.

Trust me when I tell you that Obama has been fed the questions that Warren asked on a daily basis as he runs around the country trying to seem like a president waiting to happen. I notice he fails to answer any better in the forum held last night than he does any other time.

Perhaps one of main reasons McCain can answer questions quickly, decisively and authoritatively is because he has certainly been around the block more than the novice celebrity opponent that is ignorantly trying to lead this country away from the Religious Values upon which it was founded. Tell those that think otherwise to read a bit about history and perhaps they can come to the understanding that religious persecution was the very cause of the Revolutionary War and the Constitution that followed.

Go McCain,
James

Where are all the liberals? Sorry, we were out having real lives on a Saturday night. We don't live and breath this like you no life Elephants. Werd.

Obama 08

Obama flopped and all you Obama lovers know it. That is why you are whineing about McCain's performance. Get used to it. Obama is done and the country is starting to wake up to reality. Shame... in a year that a Democrate should win the White House... They are going to lose by a land slide. Boo Hoo

Wait!! Isn't this the same group that gave us 8 years of George Bush?
Do they really feel qualified to make political decisions?
Talking about war to Christians is unChristian: "for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matt.26:52
John McCain favors tax breaks for the rich:
"verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
And again I say unto unto you. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
Matt. 19:23-24.
Church, you have gave to stop listening to false prophets. Haven't we suffered enough for listening to people like Pat Robinson.
The bumper sticker had is right: 'The last time religion ran the world, It was called the Dark Ages'

All Gramps McCain needed were his pipe and slippers while he told his old stories......agaaaaaaaaaaaain.

Obama was intelligent, thoughtful, and answers the questions.

McCain was giving his stump speech and of course

war,war,war

McCain started answering some of the questions before Warren even got finished asking them. This tells me he knew the questions prior to the occasion and was briefed on how to answer them. Obama was straight from the heart and most sincere. That whole usage of brain power by McCain probably drained him of energy and he will probably sleep this entire weekend. He's straight up boring and if he calls me his friend one more time I'm gonna scream.

Idiot! This was a Q and A conversation that allowed the audience to listen in. Didn't you notice that the paster was not looking at the audience to. McCain took it on himself to stump for votes with that same old retoric. As a matter of fact he left out some crucial points about his years in captivity. Torture is a bad thing to endure but we had many other poeple in captivity at that time who endured it without giving up their dads name for preferential treatment. He never talk about all the confessions he wrote about bombing countries killing innocent woman and children. These letters are documented with the war department. This man collaborated with the enemy.

Why should two candidates for the presidency have to participate in a spectacle like this anyway? A person's relationship with God should be personal and not put on display to satisfy the religious right. John McCain pandered to that constituency with pat answers. I find it very disturbing that we've reached the point where our candidates have to submit to a fundamentalist litmus test.

I think they both did a good job and showed their colors. McCain just has more experience. If anyone is on the fence, they will not be after the debates...you can not replace experience. and Obama does not have any....the job is above his pay grade...period.

McCain was more antimated. However, this was advertised as the candidates giving sincere answers and not stump speech responses.
I thought Obama put more thought into his answers and was trying to be as honest as he possibly could. I thought McCain had some canned answers, strictly stump speech stuff, and a lot of POW stories.
Considering Orange County is the mother lode for Republicans, I would say they had McCain's back all the way. The problem with McCain is today's answers are not necessarily the same answers he will give tomorrow.

He can look straight at the camera and audiance and lie just as good as Bush, I can see him now saying "mushroom cloud" and "yellow cake urainium". And,yes, I'm getting a little tired of war/pow stories. McCain made an issue out of Obama saying "by the way did I mention he black", ....Oh, by the way did I mention he was a POW,....enuff,already.........

I HEARD ALL OF THE QUESTIONS BEFORE I WALKED ON STAGE.

IM JOHN McBUSH AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE.

Surprisely, illegal immigration never came up again. I suppose we would of heard, "God's children" answer followed by applause. Meaning, what he really wants is amnesty.

I would just like to inform everyone that McCalin heard all of the question as the questions were giving to Obama. McCain answered better because he cheated and was very dishonest. McCain should have told Rick that he heard Obama's questions and answers, but instead he put on a POW show and avoid the answers to the questions. If he never heard the questions how did he answer the questions before Rick even asked him the questions? If you would look at the clip again you would see McCain answering the questions before Rick actually asked them.; review the clips and you can see it for yourself. The man is a lier and great cheat||!! Do we really want someone like John McCain for out next president? Some lies lead to BIG LIES!!!!

Jill

Yeah! you would be on your game too if you knew the questions beforehand. If they would have shown McCain in a soundproof booth listening to some of that crazy music he likes, i might be more convinced that he didn;t know about them in advance. No one expected McCain to respond that way because he doesn't have it in him. Don't you remember when he was asked about healthcare paying for viagra. He put his hand over his mouth with his eyeballs rolling back in his head. As he would say "my friends we are all Georgians". Give me a break.

McCain soared tonight? If this is soaring, prepare for an Obama presidency....

OBAMA '08, '12 (LOOK OUT HISTORY BOOKS)

One thing people need to keep in mind here, is this was supposed to be an intimate dialogue regarding issues related to evangelicals, and not the stump as McCain semed to think it was. If you think for one second, that McCain was not fed the questions proir to coming out, I have land to sell you in Alaska for $1. What would have ben nice would to have seen McCain let the pastor ask the question instead of answering quickly(fed the aswers)so that he could rant on his stump speech.

I want to see the same forum, in front of a live audienc, but the host and questioner is John Stewart, with the audience decidedly independent/skeptical/"liberal". What fun!

P.S. Conservatives wouldn't know "nuance" if it hit them in the head.

I don't think I watched the same forum the analysts did... McCain was stiff and pandered a number of times ("a decision that took a lot of prayer I might add..."). Obama wasn't polished but came across as very thoughtful, and as someone who's willing to listen.

And seriously, I'm getting a little fed up with McCain saying "my friends."

Tough-talkin' McCain has repeatedly claimed that he knows how to catch Bin Laden. Uh... OK...
If he wants to put his country first, wouldn't he want to explain to President Cheney how to go about capturing Bin Laden RIGHT fxxking NOW, instead of waiting to become president. Oh, and tough-talkin' George should probably know McCain's super secret plan too – you know – the George W. Bush who was supposedly in charge when the terrorists hit us on 9/11.

McCain is an adulterer.

I liked this forrum and thought it was very fair. But,. I would also like to see a town meeting forum as well. I think it would be very important to see both candidates side by side in an impromptu setting.

This forum – from the moderator to the audience to the questions and coverage – was a scripted conservative event. McCain and the audience fed off of each other. There were war stories galore – all told with teary eyes and a big knowing smile. This was a slice of America that definitely isn't representative of the overall change and hardship we've been going through for the past 7-1/2 years.

My mind is made up now. I will be voting for McCain. I heard several others say that today, too.

Yes, McCain was on his game- his political game. Pandering at its best. Giving answers to questions before they were asked and trying to steer the conversation toward issues he wanted to speak on.

For those of you who think McCain knew the questions before hand- I agree with you.

I was inspired by Senator McCain. He made me feel safe and I am definitely voting for him. I voted for Hillary in the Primary.

MCCAIN AND THE RIGHT WING RESPONSE TO TAXES IS TO DROP THE CORPORATE TAX RATE TO 25% IN WHICH 60% DON'T PAY TAXES AND CUT TAXES FOR THE RICH. HOW ABOUT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN? OH WELL HE HAS MILLIONS.

OUT OF TOUCH WITH AMERICA!

That Rick Warren was a very poor moderator, he clearly favoured McCain and I also think McCain got the questions in advance. McCain figure that by saying the words "my friends" every six or seven sentences, the fools will line up for him.

That's what you call it? "On his game"? I'd call it rattling off talking points and not giving any substantial answers. It's apparent McCain is the candidate hoping to float by on image not substance. I was disappointed in McCains approach, it could have been the produce aisle at Piggly Wiggly. It's a shame all he has was talking points.

It was so obvious that he knew the questions before they were asked. McSame did not even wait until he heard the questions before he gave his same old, same old war stories – Yawn! Obama is thoughtful, intelligent, and nuanced, just what I expect my President to be.
McSame was captured in another unpopular war that we did not win so that makes him Presidential?

Obama & anyone but Clinton 08

LIES, ILLUSION AND DECEPTION

MCCAIN AND THE RIGHT WING REPUBLICAN PARTY ARE OUT OF CONTROL. GOD DOES NOT SUPPORT WAR, LIES AND THE USE OF GODS NAME TO ATTACK THE POOR OR DISADVANTAGE. McCAIN ON HIS SECOND MARRIAGE IS NOT A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN!

Mccain rocked the questions and answered quickly BECAUSE he did not have to think about how to spin and word the responses!!!as an independent voter thats what i want. i have decided!!

SNORE...

I think at this point this blog forum here is not useful anymore

it is full of rhetoric by hacks on both sides of the spectrum

and used for misinformation

they both looked good with contrast in styles

with pretend independents

if you made your decision based on just this forum

you are an idiot

most importantly you did get information with out attacks

McCain knew the questions that were coming. Maybe he couldn't hear the answers Obama gave in his soundproof room – but it doesn't mean he didn't have the questions to look over. Why was he prepare to answer questions before they were asked?

Robert... Well, of course he was on his game. The game was different once McCain entered: he didn't really talk about faith at all, he rattled off campaign talking points, and he clearly got the questions in advance. .......I AGREE!!!

WAR ,War ,War...that is all McCain knows oh and Abortion. How bout answering the questions old man.Oh and HOW did your first marriage "END"? You CHEATED on your wife with a Rich,younger women. You Republicans DISGUST me . Hypocrites all of you.

I think when the debates start, people will see how much more intelligent MCcain is then Obama, Obama dances around the issues, while MCcain gives a straight answer, it's quit clear to me whose the best candidate, that's a no brainer. GO MCCAIN MCCAIN WILL TURN THIS TRAIN AROUND.

After reading news about how great McCain was in that forum, I was a little apprehensive about Obama's part. I shouldn't have been. Obama was FAR superior; he talked to the questioner and answered him; McCain was just looking for opportunities to get his campaign spiel in.

McCain united the Dems in 1 hour .What are you HRC voters going to do now. You heard him last night. A 72 year old man is gonna tell you what to do with your body and your life. It's your body let them hear your voice. Ready to overturn Roe vs wade ? Ready for war with the whole world ? Please ,America. Don't be stupid this time. lets show the right wing that America is still free. Obama 08

HEY..!

HOW CAN SOMEONE BE PRO LIFE & PRO WAR???

Those of you who are criticizing McCain's interview are really disturbing. I love how all over these CNN blogs everyone whines and cries about how people are so quick to judge Obaman, and everyone's out to get your candidate. McCain ABSOLUTELY answered all the questions he was asked tonight. He didn't dance around anything, he gave very direct answers. If you know what you believe in and stand for, it doesn't take long to answer these hard questions.
Obama was not the same. Now, I don't even want to address the issues, just how disgusted I am with you avid Obama supporters– absolute hypocrites. Give credit where credit is due. If you don't like a political position on subject– address that– I'm sick of hearing how everyone thinks the other guy is garbage without listening to the words coming out of his mouth.
I

I think when people see them together, their mines will be made up, MCcain made Obama look like a first grader. Obama dodged the questions as best he could. MCcain was quick to the point, answered every question. Let's get on with the debates, it's about time somebody turned this train around. GO MCCAIN THANK GOD THEIRS STILL HOPE FOR OUR COUNTRY.

McCain was on his game? McCain blew his cover asking the pastor when they're gonna get to the Supreme Court Justice question.... and the pastor laughing it off saying that's coming up.

Any question that McCain knew the questions that were gonna be asked?

McCain showed why he is the best choice for the America. In the current
turbulent world, I just can not see how anybody dare to vote Obama.

MCain on a one to one with BO came out on top! Great job John!

mccain answered the questions before they were asked. hewas spoon fed. rev warren asked the candidates not to give stump like responses mccain disregarded the questions and gave his boilerplate answers.i thought david gergan was smarter than that he didnt even pick up on the fact mccain already had the questions.

I'm a democrat, but let's be fair. Why is everyone saying McCain was listening to Obama's Q&A? This was set for him not to hear anything.

IMO McCain did a better job, but I still won't vote for him. I'm tired of the republicans thinking it's alright to have a war.

YAH THINK ??

MC SAME WOULD STOP BEING CRITICAL OF DNA RESEARCH ON BEARS IF IT RESULTED IN A CURE FOR SKIN CANCER...

PROBLEM IS HE CANT THINK THAT DEEPLY..

McCain gave us bombast and crowd-pleasing and over-used story lines, and any resemblance of his responses to questions asked was purely coincidental. Obama did his share of crowd-stroking also, but at least he gave thoughtful and honest opinions on complex subjects before an audience predisposed against him.

Thank you, Crowley, for letting us know that McCain was on his game!

I tired of Bush's game, I don't think this country can handle McCain picking it up and running with it. That is exactly what he will do.

I don't want a President who "plays games" and "has fun with elections!"

Give me the serious candidate who has some real answers to questions that concern all of us, not just canned answers and old stories that he has rehearsed over and over again. There was nothing of substance in anything McCain had to say. He was on his game all right.... same ole, same ole.

The conversation with Warren only solidified my decision to vote for Obama!

Terri in FL is absolutely correct about our founding fathers and the establishment of our government on the principals of enlightenment.
The founders were, indeed, suspicious of an organized, government-sponsored religion (see British history), the same way we are suspicious of the Taliban!

By the way, I'm a Christian. However, I am offended by the neo-cons and others who insist on the "faith and values" dialogue as a legitimate process for vetting a candidate. I have faith, and I have values. They are personal, and I'll keep them that way. The founding fathers chose to do so. Obama wisely chooses to do so as well.

Now, let's get down to an intelligent, serious discussion about the BIG issues. We've got a lot of work to do.

The same smug look I have witnessed from bush for the last 7 + years.....McClone is scary in his attitude

As usual, I'm disappointed that we only get to hear from the two parties that have monopolized the system to bring us where we are today. I would have loved to hear from some of the "third party" candidates, particularly since this is the kind of stage that is intended to be fully informative to a significant block of voters.

Nevertheless, I'm a little surprised that people are touting McCain's quick answers as a necessarily good thing. What it says to me is that he hasn't put all that much thought into each of the issues, and is content with ignoring their complexities. The "Is there evil in this world?" question is a great example that could have been taken in many ways. McCain took the easy route to quickly answer "evil must be defeated" in the context of Al Qaeda. Obama (though sacrificing his typically fluid speaking rhythm) at least gave the question some thought beyond the obvious.

It just seemed that McCain fell back a bit too much on his generic stump stories - the Vietnamese guard who drew a cross in the sans, the bear DNA joke, how we've supposedly "won" in Iraq already yet should not return home. There was a major deficit in unique thought in McCain's answers, which I found a little bit disappointing.

Mcain was surely briefed before the "debate", he had ready made answers to all the questions and some even had the stories to go with the question. Sometimes he did not wait to until the interviewer had even asked the question until he answered.

The guy is NOT that verbally swift on his feet unless he had been rehersed.

By God's will McCain's "debate cheat sheet" will become publically known to the American people. ..You shall reap what you sow.

So when Obama goes and has his sit down conversations with the evils of this world, is he going to remember what he needs to talk about, is he going to need to bring note cards with him? if it isn't written down for him, he has no idea what to say.

I do not think that Clarence Thomas was up for the job as Supreme Court Justice. Now president...that's a whole different matter.

If you call giving short vague answers as McCain being on top of his game then as usual, McLame was McLame. His tear driven story does nothing to hide the fact he is not qualified to lead this nation and last night reaffirmed his stubborness and his obnoxious rhetoric when dealing with America's failed reputation across the world. And of course, if he really wanted to be personal and forthwright he would have explained to the audience really why his marriage failed? The fact the was cheating on his first wife, while she was cripple after a devastating accident only to end up with his now former drug addicted rodeo queen.

I never knew that so many, could miss so much, so often, and so much of the time. If your intelligent you are an elite snob, if your basically an angry self centered person you are just one of the boys and are trustworthy. Look where that view of the world got you with George Bush. I'm sorry this view of Christianity is really, really off center and a long way from the new testament and its teachings. There are a whole lot McCain supporters that need to go back to church and maybe have a really good heartfelt prayer.

McCain answers ended with the topic of national security. McCain also mentioned that Reagan went to Russia to discuss tearing down the wall. It wasn't Russia Reagan visited, it was Germany.

McCain just doesn't have the mindset of being president. There are too many issue that the United States needs focusing on, not only other countries. McCain says country first, but I believe that the United States is the country last on his list.

As for religous views, McCain was very weak in this area.

I was wiating for someone to notice that Obama's answers were off the cuff. Have you ever seen McCain answer ANY question off the cuff without pausing, thinking about a response, stuttering and responding with gaffs. He was given the full text of answers to prepare and to have a story ready.

How can Obama say his hardest decision in life was the Iraq war when he wasn't even in the senete. An opinion is not a decision. It looks like he's believing his own lies.

If youv'e ever done law enforcement questioning, two responses are give-aways. taking time to answer correctly as not to get caught vs a quick yes or no concerning the facts. looking away from the interigator and not allowing them to look in them lying eyes is human nature for a dishonest or guilty person. Some of you need to chill and get over your hostile anger and conspiracy imaginations, Obama is thoughtful and it can be perceived as calculating. He was not lying, I think he is unsure of himself

McSenile should explain to all the families of the over 4100 young men and women who were murdered in Iraq for oil what right to life really is. Will Lindsey Graham have a chair at the desk in the white house?I think McSenile has to travel with Graham or Lieberman some times both.To the Obama supporters who had to turn there shirts around , I think Warren owes them an apology , thats what they do in school if you have a tee shirt with anything about God or Jesus on it.
Connie from Indiana

I can't belive how immature some of these responses are. Rather than just admit McCain did very well answering the questions, you have to convince yourselves that he was given advantages? How childish!
McCain answered quickly, and specificaly because he is a wise man. He knows what he is talking about. Obama on the other hand took more time to answer so he had answers that could be interperated in multiple ways as to not corner himself on any issue. That way if later questioned on his answers, he can say," You weren't listening....... I said.......................". or, "You misinterperated my answer".
Swallow your pride BO supporters! Don't risk our country because you can't ever admit you might have been wrong about the JR Senator.
The White House is not the place for O J T !
The white house is not the place for presidential OJT!!!!!!!!!

Obama is not a great debater. In fact without a script he is mediocre. At best. And Hillary showed the country that fact when she went 3-0 in debates with Obama *after* the press started finally asking Obama hard questions.

Obama knows he'll have a hard time with McCain in debates, off script. That's why he will only debate McCain the minimum 3 times that are required ... and not one more than he has to. He isn't ready to govern. The world doesn't run off of a script. Take his script away and we're on our own. Good Lord! Here comes Jimmy Carter again. Stagflation, First oil crises (and rationing), Iran hostages, giving away the Panama Canal (and lots more foul ups) all in only 4 years of the Carter administration. Now comes Obama...

Warren allowed McBush to dominate the answers. Despite the questions McBush had an opportunity to get in all of his off the point one liners. Warren should have used a heavier hand when McBush went off topic, he should have simply interupted and said "that is not what I asked you" but he did not. Obama tried to take the high road and answer without much of the quipping and answer thoughtfully but that is TV. McBush people had taken advantage and really prepared him with stock answers. I congratulate them. It worked, we are in for four more years of Bush but this done by McBush.

I am in the military, this was a set up against OBAMA in favor of McCain, yet I can't wait until Pastor T. D. Jakes have his forum. The audience was so "white", and McCain said everything they wanted to hear. Life begins at conception, yet when the baby is born these same ignorant rich republicans lock it away in a prision unless of course it is white! I am white so before you start, get real! Obama was thoughful, was honest, wasn't pandering. McCain was "very prepped" and it proves that Rich Warren is more of the same, I like his book, yet he seem to have someone in his realm gave the questions to McCain before hand. McCain sees everything from a WAR perspective and that is how he will approach everything. He will be worst than Bush and it shows in many regards. He will get fire all the 4 opposing justices on the court and institute a more conservative court. It was great that he played himself into a trap there, he also was like Drill here, drill there, we can't give up in Iraq, we must win victory my friends! OBAMA will shut McCain up by selecting an Army or Marine General to be his V.P. McCain with 27 years in Washington has "NO EXPERIENCE" McCain doesn't favor anything for veterans and everything he does revolved around 5 years in vietnam, how many other POWs do we have in America who was worst off than McCain? POW status does not make you a leader, McCain was not fighting on the ground and there's nothing "HEROIC" about his actions! He is an opportunist and Ross Perot was correct as was Reagan and Nancy. McCain can invoke Reagan 100 times, he is NO REAGAN! OBAMA-CLARK, OBAMA-ZINNI, OBAMA-JONES 2008; 2012

If McCAin wins we will be in trouble. He is a fear mongerer, and he will keep us in wars. Countries are getting tired of America flexing its muscle at its will. Bush doesn't listen to congress, house, or the U.N. If we keep fighting wars-ie;Iran, countries will start to come together to rally against us. Mccain can not win!

McCain did not see Obama giving his answers. This information was stated on CNN. They said it would not be fair because it would give him an unfair advantage. McCain answered quickly because he knows what he is going to do in any given situation. He don't change his mind constantly like Obama does. We need leadership in this country, not someone that vacations constantly like the present administration, nor someone who changes their mind at the drop of a hat like Obama does. We need someone straight foward and with experience. I was a strong Hillary supporter and had decided not to vote, but last night I changed my mind and decided to vote for John McCain.

You Obama people just can't admit that he was not given a scripted speech and came across as stupid and didn't even answer most questions, so in that event you have to lie, like he did with his eyes, and say that McCain was given the answers in advance, how lame! McCain is quick to answer because he knows himself and is confident when he answers, unlike Obama, whom all physical guestures proved that he was lying with his eyes because he couldn't even look at the audience and he was given a fair chance to succeed and he didn't. Watch it again! I will never vote for someone who cannot answer the question when does a baby have rights! He says he is for peoples rights, but kills babies! How can he call himself a Christian! It is in the bible, thou shalt not kill, in any form! Grow UP!

John McCain clearly did better than Barack Obama. Barack Obama stumbled over his words and avoided answering many of the questions. He even went as far as saying in one of his replies, "Answering that is above my pay-grade". What is that all about? Above his pay-grade? When he was asked if he was pro-choice of pro-life, he avoided the question and talked for about 10 straight minutes on how "Abortion" is a very important issue. Well no duh, Barack. You could even see how Rick Warren was getting angry with Barack because he wasn't giving clear answers. But, when John McCain came out, you could tell he opened up to Rick and the crowd. John McCain told revealing stories about his character so the voters could understand where he comes from and how strong an individual he is.

Obama talked with Rick Warren. McCain answered before the questions were even finished being asked with his standard, bumper-sticker sound bites. He addressed the audience, using the catchphrase "my friends."

McCain was neither decisive nor impressive. He was not thoughtful : recounting old war stories rather than sharing any insights into his soul .

Someone complained that Obama took too long, said too much, sounding like a lawyer.

How refreshing it will be to have someone with true intelligence, willing to listen and learn in the White House for a change.

Okay all you anti-obama peeps, now you can revel on all the attention CNN has lavished on your Hero John McCain. While Obama was looking at Pastor Rick Warren ( a conversation ), McCain was out campaigning and making sure ( again ) that everyone knew he was a war hero. How many times did he mention war " My Friends " ? ROFL I don't know how well that will resonate with the Saddleback Church as they are more the " Sermon on the Mount " type christians. If you know anything about them, they are not looked fondly on by most evangelical Southern Baptist Churches.

Your kidding right, "Mccain was on his game, LOL"

I find it odd that every question Pastor Warren tried to ask Mccain he quickly interrupted with a yes or no type of answer before Pastor Warren could finish. Please save the stump speech and those many fake stories for your own town hall meetings Mccain. Mccain was all for the crowd and getting some type of reaction and Obama was having a conversation with Pastor Warren. These two have 2 tottally different styles.

I saw the forum and felt that it showed the essence of Obama and McCain. Obama is a great salesman with a bad product and McCain is a hero with decades of experience. The comments Obama supporters make are shallow just like there canidate.

Those who protest aburtion right, should rethink. If the ball is in their court will they keep a child from a rapist? Will women allow their child to keep a child from their own father?
Will they allow a 11 or 10 years old baby to carry a baby in her wumb?

The question is NO. so therefore they doing this for political reason. Secretly they perfume aburtion for their children, but in public they are against it.

Look people, eventhough aburtion is illegal or people are against it doesn't mean that it is not been perfume.
Do you want children to perfume illegal aburtion that will cause harm to them or do you want a safe legal aburtion that will prevent death?

Using prevention is easy to say, but for those rapist they don't care about their victims.

Think wisely either you will allow the above to happen to you or your child or let young women choose.

Obama is substance and McCain stump speech . Obama is engaging a conversa tion with God. He is not looking for audience for that conversation like McStump

The Democrats should all thank Hillary and some of her "blind" supporters. She and her gang, including Bill, started all these negative smears during the primary. Now, the Republicans are only copying Hillary and her "nasty" supporters.

Let us face facts here, the Republicans will never allow another Clinton to be elected president of this nation. The 18 million pieces of "idiots" included active Republicans who very much wanted to see Hillary as the nominee so that they could easily attack the Dem party!!!

McCain was outstanding. Decisive, firm, direct in his answers, and Presidential. McCain08; Hillary 2012!!

Candy, thank you for your excellent and fair reporting!

McCAIN was EXCELLENT – INTELLIGENT, DECISIVE and 'on his game' – VERY PRESIDENTIAL

NObama' s WEAK and INDECISIVE responses (esp. wrt EVIL, et al) was consistent with the investigations and revelations of Dr. Corsi, Freddoso, Morris, Penn, Hannity, Barnes and MANY, MANY others in vetting NObama!!

NObama: you can NOT RUN FROM YOUR PAST – it clearly demonstrates your TRUE BELIEFS (despite 41 pages of DENIAL – you protesteth way too much) !!!

NObama: NO Judgement / NO Character to LEAD – esp. for USA President !!!

**** McCAIN (or Hillary) ‘08

PS. Finally, do NOT have the same reservations regarding Condi Rice – [Race is NOT the issue]!!!

John McCain won my vote last night. He was forthwright and honest on his answers. He did not have to sit and study on his answers to try to not answer the questions. Obama can't give a straight answer to anything. Obama is full of fluff. I was a Hillary supporter, but now I will vote for McCain.

McCain was far more credible than Obama. Obama is just rhetorics.
McCain is my choice, no doubt about that.

Senator Obama had a real conversation with Pastor Warren. He took the time to genuinely address difficult questions with rigor and thoughtfulness. I didn't see him shooting from the hip or having a knee jerk reaction. It was a great conversation and a breath of fresh air. Pastor Warren seemed much more connected with Barack Obama on a personal level. I have a new found respect and admiration for Senator Obama - very impressive.

THATS EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS.......A GAME!!!! MCCAIN WILL BE THE SECOND WORST JOKE FOR PRESIDENT. PRESIDENT BUSH JR. IS HOLDING THE LEAD BY WIDE MARGINS!!!

On his game?

Well, surprise, he lifted the "cross in the sand" incident from a 1973 story by Solzhenitsyn on life in the gulags.

Hillary rightly got called out for making up a story about being fired on at the airport. Let's see CNN and the rest of the mainstream media call out McCain for this fabrication.

Sen. McCain believes human rights begin at conception? So, from the moment of conception, something that may or may not make it to term has rights of inheritance? I wonder what the consequences of that will be. It actually got a little comical to see how many ways McCain could find to pander to the radical religious right. It was easy though because there was no "truth meter" running.

Oh, and Ms. Crowley, Sen. Obama also received a standing ovation. Your report must have been trimmed. I'm sure you wouldn't have left that out intentionally. uh-huh.

CNN needs to fact check Daily Ko: Cross in the Dirt" Story Stolen from Solzhehenitsyn". Do some investigation rather than blindly repeating what a candidate states as fact.

This election is too important to be treated like a game!!

Typical cosumate bad boy. The minute he gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar[The BIg Cookie Jar] Then he turns to religion for an exit or an excuse as to why he did it. The old war monger is pretty slick at CYA and if you do not understand what the letters stand for ask any politician Who has abused every vice that there ever was Or you shouldn't be allowed to vote.

Evil is a test from God??? If it's a test from God then how do you answer that test? You can confront evil without defeating it, but you can't defeat evil without confronting it.

Thanks Mary in Cleveland, Ohio
I have been debating within myself since last night. u just solved it for me.

Mary wrote..
August 16th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

I thought John McCain used his "war hero" status too much. I mean, the guy did nothing but brag about himself, and didn't reveal much of anything about his personal beliefs. It was as if he memorized the answers to the questions.

On the other hand, Obama showed introspection and humility in discussing very, very personal feelings. Also, in contrast to McCain, Obama "thought" about his answers and I feel more secure with a President of the U. S. who is able to and does think about his answers. Call me crazy, but memorizing answers doesn't put one at the "top of their game" when the game is a responsibility of such importance

McCain just gave stump speeches. He is direct and hawklike, just like he pursued Cindy while his wife was ill with cancer.

John McCain knock it out of the ball park!

GO JOHN!

Obama's answer to the moral failure was lame. He used the "I tried drugs and drank while I was a teenager" ploy. That's like saying, I once stole something when I was little. He knew he wouldn't get much flack over his teenager answer because most people can't point the finger at him for that as they have probably done the same thing. McCain, on the other hand, answered like a man and gave an answer that is a little harder for "people" to forgive him for. How many marriages can survive when one spouse is being held prisoner and tortured everyday and not knowing if they are dead or alive. How many of you people could survive five years of torture. How can you all be so sure that his wife didn't cheat on him during that time? The things he suffered through changed him and when he did finally come home, he was not the same man his wife married. Perhaps it was a mutual decision that the love was just not there anymore. How can you people point the finger at him for 'using his POW experience for an advantage" when you are using the same thing to belittle his service to this country for YOUR rights and freedoms. You say he doesn't talk about his "personal" stuff just military...the military IS his personal stuff. He started his military career at 17 years old. What did Obama do for his country? What has Obama done for YOU

John – you GOT my vote!

I am a former true-blue Democrat

Once Barack played the race card, he lost me, and he will NEVER get me back

In the meantime, I have grown to respect you, and I NEVER thought I would say that about ANY Republican!!!!!!!!!!

I just really do respect you now.....

WOW! You could have been released, but you chose not to be

That says a LOT about the man you are

Of course, Bam Bam continues to hide from actual debates and/or town hall meetings, whilst the main stream media continues to WORSHIP Himself and report on how "adorable" bony butt looks in a bathing suit

Bam Bam was his USUAL stuttering self when asked TOUGH questions – I could almost see his pea-brained mind asking "WHAT would Hillary say??????"

Don't get me wrong – I WILL throw up after I vote for you, but vote for you I WILL

I HATE the Republican Party and EVERYTHING they stand for

But I HATE Disenfranchizing Obama, Pelosi, and the DNC MORE

I shall vote for the lesser of two evils

Glad to see the "axis of evil" was dealt with head on by Obama. He sounded intelligent in recognizing that a lot of evil can be done by those professing to do good. And he did not begin a stump speech about Bush in the process, which showed great restraint on his part. I don't understand McCain's "to the gates of hell" pledge. Did he mean literally that the President of the U.S. would pursue OBL? Or just that America would never stop in its relentless pursuit of OBL? If he means America, John has had 7 years as a U.S. Senator to make that a front burner, purpose-driven policy of the U.S., and failed to get it done. If he means POTUS, it sounds pretty infantile.

Are we really that stupid?

Complex problems require complex solutions. To not want to put a dollar figure on what McCain considers rich was a joke! To state that 5 Supreme Court judges, whom happen to differ with McBush, two of which McCain voted for, should not be on the Supreme Court is a threat to our democracy at its core.

John McCain was an honorable man, was being the key word! A vote for McCain is a backwards vote, we must not make that mistake, again!

McCain's answers were direct and confident. He knew some people would disagree with him, but that didn't stop him from saying what he believes is right. Obama, on the other hand, squirmed and wriggled, and had to lie (hence all the downward gazes) and distort his own positions in his eagerness to avoid portraying himself for what he is: a recycled 1960s radical leftist. Yes, the Obama fans will say their boy-wonder did great. That's a given, as no one expects them to change their minds (or develop them). The problem for Obama is the middle-ground voter who may not yet have made up his mind – last night a lot of them decided to vote for McCain.

Oh what might have been. Imagine how Hillary would have handled the questions on education, orphaned children, and "Why she wanted to be President" (think universal healthcare). Her depth, experience and record would have been a much more appropriate contrast to McCains pandering and war stories.

One thing was clear: Obama just doesn't like to COMMIT on any issue. That works for a college lecturer who wants to "challenge" his students to think for themselves - in a safe academic environment. But it is NOT the sign of a good leader - who must make decisions quickly and decisively - in the not-so-safe REAL world.

And, yes, of course this audience was a pro-McCain audience - just as a union audience is ALWAYS pro-Obama.

If Obama had agreed to joint townhall meetings with McCain, we would have had a more equitable picture - but he refused to do that. So quit your whining, Libs.

I love it when obama has lost at something – the whole obama campaign 'cries foul'. obama did not fully answer any question. As he normally does, he hedged, hemmed, hawed around every question.

McCain did an excellent job and obama stared at the floor and certainly cannot think on his feet. The only way he can look up and out at the audience is if there is a teleprompter there. He can never seem to look anyone in the eye for more than a brief second. A sign someone is not telling the truth!

yeah... WAR...GAMES...!

No faith in people.. only war..

Kool aid drinkers are sooo predictable. "McCain knew the questions ahead of time"...McCain spoke to the audience instead of to Rick...McCain spoke too quickly. blah blah blah. McCain answered the questions directly because he was telling the truth and speaking from his heart and experience. Obama was quote..",thoughtful, listens and gathers information carefully before responding to the carefully worded questions." That's because Obama can't speak without his teleprompter and has no true values or experiences to draw on. His slow stammering answers wasn't because he was noble but because he was trying to figure out how to answer so that he can stand on both sides of the issue. "I'm pro-life, but pro-choice" Obama talked at (as in the direction of) the pastor because he was lying. The pastor didn't have this forum so that "he" could ask these questions for "himself" but so that "the people" the ones you think are unimportant..could ask these questions and get answers to "their" questions. Remember, the pastor said he got thousands of questions from the "people" to ask these candidates. So McCain was the one addressing and answering questions of the "people" who are the ones who asked the questions. Obama won't agree to a debate with McCain because Obama knows he can't go one on one with McCain without getting his rear end handed to him. You watch..Obama will do everything he can to get out of the 3 debates they have to have because he's a phoney and he knows it.

I never really thought I'd find a candidate worse than GWB, but McCain proved himself worthy of the honor last night. He was smarmy, patronizing, condescending and obviously had answers well in advance. He also confused Rwanda and Darfur, completely avoided the adultery question and pandered to the right-wing audience.

I hope reasonable, thoughtful people will see that BO carefully considered his answers and viewed things in terms of gray rather than plain black and white.

My husband and I have already started figuring out what other country we can move to in the horrible event that McCain is elected. I refuse to live in a place where my daughter can not terminate a pregnancy that results from rape, and where my children may be drafted to fight a war resulting from a hot-headed temper and refusal to negotiate. That's what Straight Talk Johnnie will give us.

McCain, my freinds, reminds me of a used car salesman. I don't trust anyone who will call me freind without knowing me. Obama on the other hand came across as thoughtful and sincere.

Also, when McCain was talking tough aboout Russia and their invasion of Georgia, why didn't Warren ask him the question on everyone's mind: Does the U.S. have any moral authority to complain about invading a country and attempting to enact regime change when the U.S. did the same thing in Iraq? A war of choice that was undertaken without provocation and which McCain has supported from the begining.

This woman is not a political reporter. She is a Mccain lacky.
Cnn, how can you let biased people such as this hav e the
headlines?? You are truly losing all credibility as respectible
news media.
You have pandered to Mccain since day one. You do not
give your viewers enough credit for being intelligent. We
afre sick of it!!

That is one point of view. These are complicated and complex questions and answers and I believe Obama's answers had more depth and McCain's simplistic one liners. Apparently Crowley like the simple short answers but the fact is these types of questions are not simple.

For some reason he knew the question that was
being ask because was answering them before
pastor could completely finish the question. This
was a set-up.

Sen. McCain did an excellent job! obama on the other hand did his usual stutter, stutter, stammer, stammer with eyes on the floor which means when a speaker continually looks down they are lying or in obama's case, he might have been searching for a teleprompter. I'm a registered dem. but was going to vote for McCain due to obama's history, lack of qualifications and lack of experience but last night McCain convinced me he is not a second choice, he is first choice. He did an excellent job.

Man there are some BITTER people on this site...I will say that while I have not been that impressed with McCain he came across as very Presidential and Obama came across more like a professor.

I think Obama looks at things very differently than most Americans...when talking about evil he thinks about the USA while I would have to imagine that the majority of Americans think of things that are happening in Darfur, Islamic extremeism, etc. Not that Obama is wrong...evil is everywhere, but I just don't think he's in sync with the majority.

For those who are knocking McCain on the stories he told I guess I just don't understand you. His life experience has shaped him and his thoughts so for him not to share them would be like lying to us. What has shaped Obama? 20 years in Rev. Wright's church? His 2 years in the Senate? Being half white? We don't really know and that's the scary part.

I love how this is "unbiased media" yet almost every comment is for Obama and there is a giant Obama advertisement at the top right.

What will you do when he loses?

He was not on his game. He violated the rules of the forum from the word go. He was giving a stump speech, and I felt he did have access to the questions beforehand. He never answered many questions directly, but went on tangents about his Viet Nam days. He was angry and self rightous, and was a complete buffoon. If he cannot follow the parameters set, (not to mention, he once again, was allowed to get away with it) how is he fit to be POTUS. This "MYFriends" was a campaign speech from the word go, and was not honest or thoughtful. Just pandering to the base of the evangelical !!

There was such a contrast in this event. Obama showed little widsom insite. McCain was on point all night. I am no longer on the fence relative to whom I am voting for in November.

"On his game?" Really? I mean, sure, McCain came across as a likable guy, but he also demonstrated that he clearly is trailing Obama by about 50 or 60 IQ points. He was like an affable Republican robot up there–press a button and get a joke and talking point. Obama, meanwhile was thoughtful, specific, and detailed in his responses. He might have dodged the whole abortion issue a little, but come one, at least he didn't try to turn every question into a war story with a cheesy punchline...
But I don't know, maybe America doesn't value intelligence in its leaders. That would explain the last 8 years...

Cnn, once again you did not post my comment. You do not want to hear the truth from intelligent prospective. McCain was on his game because that all that was. He disobeyed the principle of the Forum as stated by Mr. Warren. This was suppose to be an interview, not a Political taking point. McCain did not answer any of the question that would have tell us who he really is as a person faith, moral fibre,
christain values etc.., instead he gave a stomping speech as if ye was campainging. Obama on the other hand clearly showed us that
he is obedient, superbly intellegient and answered all the questions carefully, thoughtfully and truthfully. No doubt OBAMA wins this clealry and fairly.

McCain did seem to know the answers before the interviewer finished asking the questions. However, we could see he was very limited in his thinking. He didn't seem to weigh whether or not his ideas are still relevant. He seemed frozen in time on everything except abortion. Abortions have to be stopped, but shouldn't we be doing more to help prevent pregnancy. Like, taking pornography off of TV and being careful of what we teach as acceptable sexual behavior.

Our society is setting youth up for failure. And, Evangelicals, watch your attitudes towards unwed pregnancy, some women can't handle the rejection.

"ENOUGH OF THE VIETNAM CRAP" – tom

Are you kidding me? Maybe you don't want to hear his stories – that's fine – most televisions come with "off" switches. You're angry because a soldier, fighting in the name of your country, spent five years as a prisoner of war, and then talks about it? That angers you?

Fine. To make it fair, let's ask Obama to share some of his war stories from....ummmm....well......uhhhhh....oh that's right!

So your anger comes from jealousy since your candidate never had to defend your liberties? Interesting.

Mc Lame gave us the:

Same old worn out tired cliches...

Same old worn out tired stories..

Same old not funny 7th grade jokes..

Same old patronizing lies..telling us what he thinks we wanna hear.

He spent 10% of his time answering the questions and then worked 90% in his SAME OLD tired and worn Campain Stump rhetoric.

More of the Same lame game.

BARACK OBAMA took chances and gave us the STRAIGHT TALK.
Spent the entire time with in depth detailed answers to every question.

He was the genuine person while Mc Same was plastic and made prepared statements

btw.. What church is Mc Lame a member of?

Obama clearly also got the questions in advance. He even said at the beginning of one of them, "I must admit I cheated and did some research on this." So what is your problem with McCain?

I couldn't care less about a person's religion. I'd vote for a Muslim candidate if he or she was qualified and had good judgment. I won't change my vote unless Obama makes a HUGE blunder or McCain overhauls his views.

Obama '08

McCain said evil only exist in the midle east as if the only place evil exist and no one see that, when will you wake up from your sleeping...it seem most voters that are on the other side only vote on one issue!

I had the privilege of attending the forum at Saddleback church last night. For the purpose of the broadcast, atendees were asked in advance not to wear any political attire endorsing EITHER candidate; this WAS NOT a target on 2 Obama supporters.

I have been a life-long Republican and for months had decided that this election, my vote would be cast for Senator Obama.

Last night's forum changed things.

I have not automatically switched my allegiance to McCain, but am again undecided.

Both gentlemen cast some compelling arguments (although very different in style). Obama seemed more vulnerable when not completely scripted–answered carefully, eloquently, well thought out.

Senator McCain was more charismatic, apperared to have formed his decisons by hs personal convictions, and for the first time, appeared to me that he wouldn't just be another 4 years of GWB.

Let's see who they choose as their running mates.

This election is still a wide-open race.

I wanted to hear more about his adulterous affair.

And why the cut away to Cindy during McAdultery's story about the fake dirt cross??

From Obama going on first to McCains quick answers, it was obvious that McCain had been prepped for this setting, including being given the questions ahead of time.

However, Obama was truthful and thoughtful, and I believe we need a President capable of complex thinking.

John McWar is dangerous and shallow, and will eventually lead us to WWIII with his fixation on war.

He says life begans at conception, but will not do anything to help raise or support unwanted children once outside the womb. What hypocrisy.

I see the CNN moderator hurriedly deleted my anti- Obama stance where i pointed out what is left out on cnn but all over the blogg and other stations where Obama said it was above his pay grade as president and I asked the question what else does he consider above his pay grade. I stated a typical Obama answer (NOTHING).

I thought McCain did a very good job in connecting with the audience. He was direct and stood by his convictions. Obama, on the other hand, was vague and struggled for words. It seems that he takes both sides everytime he answers a question and he doesn't fair so well without this teleprompter. Stop religious hate!

Yes, Ms. Crowley, we all recall how supportive you were of Bush when he was a candidate and your support for McCain has been just as obvious. You really might as well have a disclaimer or at least a McCain campaign staff name tag when you give your reports.

LETS NOT FORGET THAT MCCAIN WAS IN HIS ELEMENT--THESE PEOPLE WERE THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT--THEY WERE HIS BASE!

What I would like to know is if McCain could hear what Obama's answers were to the questions while he waited. I would bet that he did! Can anybody answer that?

Let's hope the actual debates are fair.

I admire Obama for his honesty and not pandering the McCain did!

Sen McCain only talked war policies and statements; my way only. Sound familar to someone else. Listen up folks. All seniors has stories to tell whether they make laughter or tears.

Not Surprised...R

Who is McCain's "My Friends"? It ain't me. He sounded like he was talking to "his rich, radical friends."

I am a Christian. I am a Democrate. I am an American. I am not rich. I am not McCain's "Good Friends". Rich people don't want to have me as their friend. McCain was not believable. His answers were to "canned". Sounded like Bush.

"America is the riches nation in the world. Why can't I afford to live here" *(1)

*(1) Quoted from the movie Swing Vote

We made up our my mind tonight.
John McCain was forthright, honest, and showed the moral standard that we like and should care about as a human being. His respect for unborn "human beings" touched our heart.
Obama appeared humble, however is clever and a smooth talker who diverts from the facts. He needs another ten years to mature and we can find out "who" he really is.
Janice J
Denver, CO

-----

Sure you just now made up your mind Janice.....you gave yourself away when you threw in the code phrase of "unborn human beings" for your reason. Do you really think you fooled anyone on here that you were ever going to vote for Obama in the first place? Nice try. Gosh, you're so clever.

As the pundits kept repeating, expectations for McCain were very low, whereas Obama has set a very high standard for himself. I don't believe the CNN pundits suddenly became anti-Obama, it is just that the surprise of the evening was not Obama meeting the high expectations (and showing he can do so in an unscripted setting in front of a right-leaning audience) but that McCain managed to woo a friendly crowd by telling them what he knew they wanted to hear.

But at the end of the day this is still a job hunt for the best man for the presidency and in job searches you don't hire the person that did better in the interview then you had expected based on a weak resume. You go for the best person period, and you stay away from applicants that are obviously just trying to please you.

Obama dint got close to McCain. obama all it did was dogging questions. For example on abortion. its over my paid grade. What kind of answer was that? all he was doing was pandering to the pro- choice and the pro- life groups. Obama do not have a solid stand on any issue. The only issue he stand solid is on its about self.

While it was very clear to me who did better in answering the questions (it was OBAMA) last night, it was very disturbing to me how the pundits kept saying how well John McCain did. I was especially disappointed listening to David Gergen, who I have the utmost respect and conffidence, saying that Obama needs to do better in the debates based on how well McCain did last night. This whole notion of McCain connecting with the people and giving 'direct' answers vs 'nuanced' answers of Obama, really bothers me. It is almost saying America CANNOT vote for the smarter of the 2 candidates, and hence, if you want to win, you have to 'dumb' down. To me the sign of a smart and thoughtful person is how well they process in their mind a reply that they are going to give. Obama contemplated well and gave his response. I guess the country is telling that they want the dumber of the 2, because they connect well. If we took that approach in grading in academia and even (lesser extent) in workplace, we will pull back the progress our country can make. I am astonished why we take the opposite side in electing our leader.

Coming back to the Forum – I watch almost all of McCain's Townhalls. He used about 75% of the same talking points last night. In fact lot of his replies were even verbatim. He absolutely shamelessly talked about his POW status. His remark about the failure of his marriage was interesting because from all accounts, there was nothing that failed other than the fact that he wanted to be with a different woman.

I hope our country puts higher standards on electing our leader

If McCain on his game is the interrupting, not listening, black and white world McCain, then I really don't like him. I prefer the shades of grey outlook candidate, the world is too complicated for McCain.

Standing ovation was because the Pastor told them to stand, and also with Obama, McCain did a good job of pandering to the selected audience. You know McShame would not even considered this interview if he did not know the line of questions and had a prepared script to study before he went on. Why did they have a Pastor questions & answers anyway? Obama is a man of faith, always has been. McShame never had said anything much on faith, or attending church, or talking about religion. Obama did SUPER . McShame PANDERED good.

Compared to Obama, McCain stuck to his words. He was not like Obama and taking both sides of the issues.

This is why if Hillary Clinton is not on the ticket with or our nominee for president, Obama will NOT get my vote. Hillary needs to be our nominee and our next president. If Obama expects to beat McCain in November, he either has to put Hillary Clinton on the same ticket as his VP or give the nomination to Hillary Clinton and become her VP instead.

That is the only way that McCain can be beaten!

Hillary CLinton/Obama 2008

What we saw last night was a very REAL contrast between two individuals running for President...
One of them was having a REAL discussion on extremely complex issues. Trying to avoid sounding like a politician running for office. Realizing FULL well that the (many open minded) American people want to get a feel for the depth of a man, not a series of sound bite statements that can later be used in political ads.
The other was trying to say all the right catch phrases for his political base. COME ON..could some one please tell me how in the world Osoma Bin Laden should have come up in this discussion?? It was PURE POLITICAL staging and unfortunately a lot of Americans will view it as strength instead of what it really was ..HYPE.
The NEW JOHN McCann has be come a POLITICAL MACHINE the very thing he use to claim he wasn't. How many times are we going to hear COUNTRY FIRST??? Give me a break , MOST of us would die for our country...THIS IS NOT THE MAIN CRITERIA TO BEING THE PRESIDENT,,,,

YOU WANT TO KNOW THE REAL TRAVESTY....YOU CAN ACTUALLY NOT BECOME PRESIDENT BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO SMART and NUANCED. For some reason this has become a negative ?? It is truly one of the most confusing dynamics of this election.

One other thing that is REALLY interesting EXPERIENCE is SO-O-O-O much important than judgement. And yet the Bush administration had some of the most experienced members EVER in cabinet positions AND WE HAVE A MESS on OUR HANDS....Once again I DON"T GET IT!!!!

Not only was it religious audience, it was also in Orange County, the heartland of Republicans in California.

I think McCain did a much better job than I expected as well but I also felt it was too much of his stump speech–same jokes I've heard over and over again.

I also appreciated the honest, thoughtful responses and conversational tone of Obama's response rather than McCain trying to campaign on each question. Warren missed a couple of opportunities with McCain. For instance, McCain avoided the question of how his faith affects him every day instead relying on a story from 40 years ago.

Ok, seriously, how many times did John McCain say "My friends" last night? Twenty? More?

At the beginning of the night it was endearing, by the end, I wasn't sure if he knew how to say anything else.

anyone catch the "after 911 people should not have been told to teravel and shop" thing, instead they should have been told to join the armed forces...smells like a draft to me

I liked the idea of the forum much better than what you get on the other networks but I still found this to be limiting in that neither candidate issues/ideas had any type of critical analysis. I found Senator Obama to be much more personal and forthcoming as opposed to mccain being very political and shady with his answers. Elect mccain and continue with the wars his shoot from the hip style without any sound reasoning/judgement as opposed to Obama is more than scary. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OBAMA

McCain made the comment that he had worked successfully "across the aisle," however, his too quick, dogmatic, seemingly rehearsed answers to Pastor Warren's questions emphasized that if elected, he would NOT work towards bringing this country together. He would NOT work towards fair and doable compromises in Washington to find the best solutions for our great nation. Instead a McCain administration would keep the sad and destructive Bush mentality of "my way or the highway" alive. This is something we do NOT need. Eight years was enough.

Well........welll. What do we have here. Senator McCain on his game, huh? I know, I heard, I heard. So, let me guess. He likes to used "anecdotal" in talking about faith but my boy uses "empty suit" in talking about politics?? It sounded to me that the forum was an entertainment show in God's church...

Go ahead, God is never serious...I'm sure you know.

MCCAIN IS A IDIOT, DO WE REALLY NEED ANOTHER IDIOT IN THE WHITE? CAN WE GET AT LEAST 4YEARS TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT BUSH MADE OF THE COUNTRY,CAN WE PAY DOWN THE DEBT, AMERICANS ARE SO STUPID THEY'LL LET YOU PEOPLE STEAL AGAIN I MEAN YOU NEED FRESH MONEY TOO! SO COME ON LET OBAMA WIN 1 OR 2 TERMS CLEAN THINGS UP AND YOU GUYS COME ALONG A STEAL ALL THE NEW MONEY , THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY ARE SO STUPID AND DUMD AND RACIST THAT IT WILL BE A BREEZE SO YOU BANKERS YOU OIL MEN HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM OBAMA LET HIM CLEAN THINGS UP LIKE CLINTON DID AND YOU GUYS COME AND DO YOUR THING (YES OBAMA CAN CLEAN THINGS UP)!!!!!!

ok, it is always sad to hear sad stories like the ones McCain was talking about, He said there was two Christians praying outsde of his prison in Vietnam...DID YOU BUY THAT? cause he said it with a straight face, like it was true.

To borrow a term from Candy Crowley, John McCain was nothing more than a 'Pander Bear' at this Saddleback forum. John McCain's answers were so direct because he was playing to his base. The Evangelical talking points are the same as those of the Republican party. He turned the event into a political campaign stop. I thought that Obama's segment was more intimate, thoughtful, and honest. I may not agree with everything either one of them had to say, but I want the kind of president who is an intellectual and is willing to take time to think. I think McCain may have overplayed his hand on this one by being too smooth and fast in his responses. He often would give an answer and then drift off topic a bit without addressing the question more in-depth. The question about the existence of evil in the world cinch it for me. McCain went to his old standbys – Islamic extremists, Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda, etc. ( I was particularly impressed with the "Gates of Hell" remark – NOT). But Obama reminds us that evil is not just THEM and does not just exist OVER THERE, but evil exists on our city street and in our neighborhoods, in Darfur, Sudan and in places where genocide is occurring. McCain continues to play the fear card – making the claim that he is the one who can protect us. On the other hand, Obama says we ALL have to be footsoldiers in confronting and defeating evil.

We now know that McCain's prison guard was a Christian, but we don't know that McCain himself actually embraces Christian values. We also know that he is a politician. "(Life begins) at conception" gives him millions more votes from the base, and he doesn't have to explain why he feels that way.

I say he was on his game! However did he come up with the name of the founder of E-bay, as a "person-most-admired"!!!!???? And here I thought he was not into computers.

It's easy to be on your game when you know the questions and have memorized all you two word answers, this was a bogus set-up. Stop trying to spin it any other way!!!!!

CNN You keep deleting my comments. But it won't change that fact that McCain is an adulterer and will not get the Christian vote. Even Pastor Warren has an issue with that and I agree.

Mccain claimed he found religon in the vietnam prison, just wait for another day when he will shift position. In a local television interview the other day, McCain recalled his love of the Steelers, saying he slyly gave the names of Steeler defensive linemen to Vietnamese interrogators while a prisoner of war in 1967.

There are couple huge problems with that statement: Mr. McCain wrote in his 1999 best-seller "Faith of My Fathers" that he actually gave interrogators names of Green Bay Packers offensive linemen. This guy is confused,

McCain answered the questions. Obama tried but gives his empty change speech answers but no go. McCain won!

I don't usually partake in political team sports, but I thought that what you saw was 2 skilled politicians with only one following the format. Obama actually tried to think about the questions and didn' t provide simple answers when those questions were complex. His intellectual disposition, however, makes him seem more distant. He was in a tough position because he had to win over the audience. He treated it like it was a conversation(which is what he was supposed to do) instead of stump. That was his mistake.

McCain gave simplistic talking points and pandered to Warren and his audience. However, this is what he SHOULD have done as a smart politician. He had the advantage because of the forum and he kept it. I did think it was funny how he tried to bring race into it when he talked about the African American women from AL. Americans like it simple (Yes, I'm saying we're dumb). McCain is simple minded. Victory McCain.

Obama is empty.
McCain has depth.
Obama is no different than any other person on the street.
McCain has experience and wisdom.

Please do not lump all "Evangelicals" in with this church in California. I belong to an Evangelical synod and this church does not speak for me or represent all Christians. Nor will any church, union, celebrity, etc, tell me who to vote for. I make my own choices.

Maybe we all should vote for 3rd party candidates and send a message to the Democrats and Republicans to remind they both stink.

Last night it was a fiasco for all to watch Mr. Obama babbling and doubting in every single answer. Never a straight answer came from him. His lack of experience was evident. He does not deserve to be elected. I think that his past on drugs has casued him a big damage on his brain, because Mr. McCain, has much more clarity and vision and offeres straight answers.

I wish, we could have more of these forums to see who is really ready to lead.

Yeah, McCain was on his game, his rehashed, canned and rehearsed game.

Obama too the time to think about each question (maybe because thats the first time he heard the question unlike McBush) and acknowledged that there are always gray areas.

Our world is not black and white and Obama knows that and his answers reflected that.

Please remember the lasttime America elected a president they would feel great having a beer with...8 years of despair and decline, not to mention 7 years of war.

McCain makes it sound so great, how he "suffered" in Vietnam, even if other supporting facts say otherwise (Google Songbird McCain).

Ms. Crowley, please get over Hillary's loss and be OBJECTIVE in your reporting.

The only hit Obama has in my opinion is his pro-choice stance, which is mainly party based. McCain recently said that he would be open to a VP who is pro-choice. So this essentially makes them the same in this issue. All the other issues are clearly in Obama's favor so please see McCain for what he really is, an extension of Bush's current administration.

America, please don't buy into whatever McCain's selling, or else Its Bush all over agian.

I thought McWar was as usual in his * war mode*
Sorry I happen to think he exploits his captivity in vietnam for political points!!!!
After all he is not the only captured pow in history just the most glorified one!!!
its quite obvious CNN is pro MCWar
just another example of how *IF* you vote for him your going down the same path as the last 8 years
At least Obama will try and steer the country toward the change it so badly needs

That's because real people can see thru obama and his superficialness. He smiles – he waves – he give speech...but what in the world is he for.....putting on a show so he can get dumdums to vote for him...

Well, first of all Candy Crowley is the same person who back in 2004 blasted John Kerry, a prostate cancer survivor, for ordering green tea not realizing that it's recognized as a method of warding off cancer. To her, it was just elitist. So let's take her analysis with a grain of salt.

Second of all, I like John McCain. I like my dentist too, but I don't want him to be President.

Third, I'm sure that in the end, even though they may say otherwise, many people are just not going to be willing to pull the lever for a black man.

Anyone is entitled to their religious beliefs but we shouldn't govern in this world with the attitude that it's just a stop-over to the next world, which is too often how Republicans manage the country. Either that or it's America Uber Alles (or should I say the American DOLLAR).

Rick Warren seems like a thoughtful and incisive guy, which I'm sure ticks off conservatives to no end.

Basically, you've had 8 years to run the country into the ground, now it's time to let the smart people have a chance.

As an aside: McCain was put in a "cone of silence" while Barack Obama was on stage, because he was getting the same questions.

I don't believe so – it was apparent to anyone watching that (1) Either Sen. McCain listened in on Sen. Obama's session or (2) Sen. McCain had the questions beforehand.

There are 3 distinct points where McCain and Warren let the audience in on the fact that McCain knew the questions ahead of time or listened in:

1. When Sen. McCain jumped ahead to answer the question re: the Supreme Court justices before Warren asked it;

2. When Sen. McCain jumped ahead to offer a response re: Georgia; Warren hadn't asked the question yet; and

3. When Warren said "This is a question I did not get to ask Sen. Obama." Notice how differently Sen. McCain responds. Why is that? He had not heard the question prior to Warren asking and Warren let him know he didn't get to it with Sen. Obama.

I smell setup and I pray to my Lord Jesus Christ that the truth be revealed.

Pander pander pander pander pander.

Yup, he was on his game.

uh, but, oh, well,ah, uh, yes but, ah uh, uhhhhh,

Boy Take away Obama's teleprompter and he's not very impressive.

Latinos WAKE UP obama is not for the Latinos people!!

Vote for McCain 08

Hispanic for McCain!!!

McCain's Honor, Country First coupled with down to earth genuine

answers distanced himself by quite a margin . It was a great

performance and provided quite a contrast. It made me feel very

comfortable with him.

I find McCain's comments on education concerning vochers, charter schools, home schooling and his general attitude very troubling. The under represented population can not be over looked, all are members of this society The consequences for surch neglect will be a disater. The promises of America to educate it's citizen are not limited to the wealthy and powerful.

Participation of professionals in the field of education and teachers especially should be part of plans and efforts to improve education, not threatened.

oh yeah, Rick set this up to promote McCain....gave him every opportunity to act a fool.

If he wins, America is doomed even further. Study his record. He is for the big ones. The struggling folks will die.

So did anyone count how many times McCain mentioned his POW status? After 4 times, my mind shut off. This from someone who really doesn't want to talk about his POW experience? And his answers ... sometimes had very little to do with the question. I thought McCain did better than I expected - however, definitely not enough to make me like him.

Another question - do you think the candidates were given dress requirements? Both were wearing similar outfits!

McCain was BRILLIANT last night, Obambi was evasive and stutters like there's no end.

I had the distinct impression that Senator McCain knew the questions before they were asked. There were two clear examples of this. First , he wanted to discuss the Supreme Court Justices before the topic had been introduced, second he responded "defeat it" to the question about evil before the choices were revealed.

McCain did a very good job. He was comfortable with HIS audience, very relaxed with his friends("my friends') and totally oblivious to the nature of the questions asked. I still have no idea of his values or his concept of religion. He pandered to his friends throughout this repetion of campaign soundbites. I think that his carefully orchestrated responses reflected a fear of a "senior moment" if he were to respond spontaneously or directly to the question . His anecdotes were interesting reflections of a personal history but gave little indication of his potential ability to lead.

"That's a good question my friend, but let me change the subject. my friend. How about an anecdote my friend... WAR, WAR, WAR."

When asked a direct question about his faith, McCain answered with his Sunday school response, "saved and forgiven" by anonymous. He then proceeded to elevate HIMSELF on his POW cross. Is there a name for this brand of pathology?

George Bush had short and snappy answers to tough questions- it landed us in Iraq, recession, a planet in peril, and 47 million without healthcare. I think it's time for a THINKING man to be Prsident!

Obama was pleasant to listen to and seemed thoughtful. I really tried to tune into McCain, but it was so insincere that I had to stop listening after 5 minutes of his responses. It is so striking to me that we still hear that overall, Obama is the one some feel they still need to get to know. Even though McCain has been around longer, I have serious doubts about who he really is!

Wow, what was that Pandering 101? Any grandfather can give me nonstop anecdotes. I'm leaning towards voting Obama now, but I will sit back and watch the debates.

All McCain did was pander to the right. He came off like "i am a POW so vote for me". Lame!

It was clear to see how quickly McCain answered each question last night- without thought and consequence. that is how he will run our country. Frankly, I see him as a bomb ready to go off at any given moment and that is scary. Obama, on the other hand, thinks before he speaks and he was genuine as opposed to McCain's calculated answers.
Obama 2008

Why are we pandering to religious extremists?! What happened to the separation of church and state? As the leader of a "mega-church" doesn't Mr. Warren display gross hypocrisy by profiting from his religious beliefs? Shouldn't that render his involvement and opinion invalid?
Who cares what these crazy people think? Aside from the fact that most evangelicals are clearly Republican and blind followers (of both religion & shady politicians), this was obviously something that McCain rehearsed or at least had time to prepare for whereas Obama did not. To care about the opinions of those who are almost solely responsible for putting GW in office a damaging two times, is ludicrous. Are these people not living in the same crumbling country as the rest of us?!

P.S. Why is it okay to leave out ALL of the other important religious groups if we are going to pander to religion?

MCCain still a war munger, his faith is based only on war that he didn't have a chance to participate, so he wish to have an other one has commander in chief..

"Did you notice how Senator Obama looked down while doing most of his answering while Senator McCain looked up and at the audience or the camera giving a much more personal feel."

This comment is ridiculous! I'd rather have someone that looks down to think and give a measured, thoughtful response. Than someone like McCain who blurts the first things out of his mouth! ("bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran!")

With all due respect to Mr. McCain and his horrible war time experiences, I was getting tired of hearing about them and not the answers to the question.

I came away last night with a few thougths,
1. Women will no longer have control of their bodies.
2. Shot first, ask second.
3. Temper, temper temper
4. Pandering.
5. 8 more years of the Bush policies.
I have to give McCain credit, he did do a great job answering his questions, sounded as if he had been feed the quesitioins before hand.

I have one last question, what happen to McCain's first marriage that it failed. McCain skirted by that issue rather fast.

American needs to move on to new ideas and not fall back 30 years. Vote for change.

I have decided to vote Barack Obama.

Separation of church and state. Americans really need to embrace this and understand why it it is necessary. America's founding fathers fled other countries and worked hard to build this country on a premise that one woudn't be persecuted based on religious beliefs. These forums are baaaaaaaaaad news. As Ghandi said:

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

Calling this a debate is ludicrous. This was a religious forum! The president of the United States, must serve all of the people of the United States, not a select group, i.e. Evangelicals, Catholics, Jews, etc. It was very apparent that Rick Warren didn't like some of the answers that Obama gave.......read his body language....he visibly backed away from the table and the look on his face was one of censure.

I personally don't want a president who is not willing to live in the 21st century and feels it necessary to continually bring up his past WAR experiences. He seems to use his WAR experience as his resume for being the best choice for President. And don't give me rhetoric about his 25 years in government........I've lived in AZ for 34 years.....ask me how helpful he has been here!!!!!

My friends I promise you this. We will defeat evil with evil.

That's my take on McCain answer on how to defeat evil. He really has a bull mentality. Charge at it and run over it is his mode of thinking. It's like someone else who we have in office now ala Bush. McCain and Bush are so much alike sounding tough to the audience. It's because of the tough, go it alone attitude they have, we are in the mess with the Iraq war. We truly deserve what we get if McCain is elected. We have yet to see the worse of times if McCain is elected.

PRESIDENT MC CAIN – 100 YEARS IN IRAQ/IRAN.

GOT CHILDREN? GET THEM READY FOR THE DRAFT.

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW STUPID – YES STUPID – SOME PEOPLE ARE IN AMERICA.

McCain did an ok jobs being that he is 72 years old. But if he wants to be president he needs to be doing an unbelievable job and I haven't seen him perform to my really high standards yet. Obama has repeatedly done a spectacular job and given the way he runs his campaign he is more conservative that his voting record. Plus McCain's political plan hints at do whatever it takes to get in. I don't like that at all.

I agree with some of the comments saying that the questions were given in advance.

I am an independent and I watched the entire program last night. I heard nothing new from either one of them. Obama is still tentative and McCain is still anxious. We don't have much of a choice this time and that is a real shame since we really, really need a smart, experienced, multi tasker in the White House.

We did have a chance to get her elected but no, the guys from the left wing of the DNC shot her down in favor of a male......oh well, saying we told you so will certainly be bitter sweet.

Also, I too nitceed how the audience rose right away for McCain when he was finished, where as with the Obama it toook them a minute to rise to thier feet.

McCains answers were what the crowd wanted.
when does life start? conception.
define marrige. a man and woman.
his only creative answer was to the question, who do you think is the wisest person you know? he answers, and without hesitation,
"general petreus". way to appeal to the war mongers john.
we learned nothing new about you. just confirmed your devotion
to the party line. no real independent thought.

McCain was excellent! He showed he has a great faith in God, know policy, answered questions precise and directly and didn't dodge anything! And he was very personal. HE shined. And at 1st I was just going to vote for him b/c I mad Hillary was not "chosen" by the DNC, but now I actually feel compelled to vote for him. He showed he is far more experienced. And for someone who claims to always reach across the aisle, Barack could only name that same old “Ethics Reform” bill; McCain name at least five pieces of legislation that he worked on with non-republicans. I REALLY enjoyed the "Straight Talk Express"!

everyone saw what a flake BHO is!!

Did there really need to be like 1000 posts on this?

McCain nailed it. Obama is not good without a teleprompter or
his speech writers. Lets face it , he looked like a fool when he had
to debate Clinton.

I agree that McCain had advance information as to the questions...while answering about abortion he referenced as to when he was going to be asked about the Supreme Court...and that topic came later. As a christian, myself, I was impressed with Obama's response that when we do for the least, we are doing for Christ and he spoke of his christian faith as it guides him in the present whereas McCain spoke mainly as a reference to it 30+ years ago. On the quick supportive answer to the energy question, why has McCain voted "NO" the past 8 votes on energy measures? Lastly, I'll never ever be considered "rich" by McCain's definition - "5 million" (with a laugh)! What gives with that answer?!?

McCain answered only two questions, not in depth. The failure of his first marriage was one response. However, he failed to say why. It is because he cheated on his wife. Clearly he received the questions in advanced. It's interesting that he went second probably so he can take some of Sen. Obama's responses and claim it as his own. Clearly, Sen. McCain played to his audience that clear were supporters of his. Just like Bush, he avoided the questions and focused on National Security and his status as a war hero. McCain has been in Politics for 26 years and hasn't been able to resolve the problems. He is part of the problem. Now he has all the solutions and answered to fix America. LOL. McCain CHEATED on his wife. Need I say more. If hewasn't honest and forthcoming in his marriage how do you think he would be as President? It speaks Volumes.

Not enough in my opinion to elect him President. Sen. Obama answered the questions and backed up his responses with details. He kind of won me over a little bit tonight. The next few months will be interesting.

Wow. That ws the most well prepared I have ever seen John McCain. He was really on his game.
I only have one question, how can you be an otherwise incompetent, non-cohesive thinker the rest of the time and yet be so prepared for this moment.

It was almost as if he knew the questions before they were asked, so much so that he was answering some of them before they were finished being asked. People need to put aside their political and religious positions and look at last night openly. If you can see where it appeared that McCain was prepped and already knew the questions, ask yourself, is this what you want from your President? We learn about cheating on the playground, and it is equally as disgusting when someone is running for the highest office of the country. Shameful (and yet the politics of old). I will be voting for CHANGE.

I was very surprised by McCain. He was very personal, was relaxed and enjoyed himself. Obama was doing the same thing as always, , talking but not really saying anything. After watching these two I have decided on who I'm voting for. It will not be Obama, sorry folks. Go McCain 08.

Senator McCain will win this election.

Obama had just come off vacation and he was wonderful..speaking TO Pastor Rick not like McCain who did nothing but his usual same old same old stump speech.."My friends" and looking at the camaera not Pastor Rick..how rude. McCain came across as a tired old war veteran hungry for anyone and all of us to listen one more time to his tale of 30 plus years ago. It was boring to listen to his pandering and stump speaking was inappropriate. I still know NOTHING about his true convictions one way or another..

It's so obvious Rick Warren (like Crowley), is in the tank for McCain.

Warren asked Obama NOT to give his stump speech, but he allowed McCain to, the whole nite, and never said a word! I call foul!

McCain gave his stump speech, and once again, everything came back to war and the squeezing of his POW card!

Obama is a deep thinker and spoke his true inner feelings, something I don't think McCain is capable of doing.

I think the POW experience is why McCain has such a temper and may have PTSD. He's still mentally stuck in Vietnam.

Game is right.

McCain is a secualar corporatist. His lobbyist-built "values" image is just that: an image.

I would recommend to my fellow evangelicals that they not fall for an image. Graven or otherwise.

McCain came across as an experienced leader, BO did not.

The fact is religious views should not play any part in how laws are legislated or countries conduct their domestic and foreign affairs. For one thing what religious view would you follow there are so many and they are so varied and for the most so ridiculously filled with bigotry and hate.

At some point in time people are going to have to deal with the fact their personal beliefs are simply their own and should not be forced onto other people as a matter of policy.

Remember all of those post-election "JesusLand" maps we loved so much in 2004? How is that we (Democrats) have chosen a hyper-religious candidate of our own? Is that the only way we think we can win?

I just can't vote for someone who's against gay marriage. I'm staying home.

I won't call sappy POW stories being on your game. I won't call a constant warmonger approach that repeats the George Bush policy and is even more hardline that is draining the economy being on your game. Why can't McCain hold a decent conversation without always shouting War?

McCain was impressive last night but with his stance on abortion he didn't do himself any favours. He finally solidified his position, which I respect, but he just lost much of the independent vote in favour of the Evangelical vote (hoping they will come through for him in places like Ohio, PA).

Obama was impressive but needs to become more direct. McCain won't be as easy a prey in the debates as I thought, but it's advantage Obama that he knows it and can prepare.

obama could live without the churchie vote. mccain absolutely can not. he desperately needs their endorsement—and they can't stand him. taking tv softballs from a country club "preacher" in la-la land isn't going to cut any more mustard with the baptists and methodists for mccain than it did for romney. at least obama (like clinton) actually goes to church. mccain doesn't.

so far as real christian voters go, mccain did nothing more last night than remind them once again that he's NOT huckabee.

McCain performed much better than BO. I can see why BO avoids debates. He did much better in debates when they asked Clinton the question first 90% of the time, and he just reiterated her knowledgeable, competent, well informed answer.

John McCain came across to me as a man stuck on war issues. Rick Warren gave up the podium too often to McCain to tell his stories of the past which I believe had no relevence to the overall interview. Senator Obama was not given that opportunity which was good because he was on point for his portion. McCain began to sound too much like Hillary duck sniper bullets in Bosnia with all of his sidebar and stump coments.

The format was good, however I do not think it was managed equally.

POO POO on Rick Warren.

Let's be honest, he dodged this question. He said he failed at his marriage but did not acknowledge why. This held true for all of his answers. Yes they were short because they lacked any depth. McCain only talked about his war captivity in short stories. This gave no depth on who he is. If I want stories, give me Maya Angelou, give me answers. The only time he showed himself was on the question on evil and he says he will defeat evil and "I will chase Osama Bin Laden to the gates of hell." The way he said it he sounded like a war monger.

On his game, not really. If you think about it, This was similar to when McCain and Obama talked in front of the NAACP, one was welcomed more than the other. The big difference is that Obama got a standing ovation at both events.

Obama supporters stop crying! Obama uh uh oh uh is horrible without his teleprompter. Accept it and move on.

John McCain had devolved into a self-righteous prig. He was very brave forty years ago and everyone honors him for that, but his self-serving sanctimony has worn thin - and his smarmy belligerence is not the same thing as intelligent strength.

Some of you commentators are confusing Obama's THOUGHTFUL answers to complex questions as hesitancy. Maybe you should get another job in which your feeble powers of analysis would suffice.

Looks to me that many Obama supporters are in state of denile and refuse to acknowledge that his performance was very poor last night.

What should be given great weight is the candidates answer about evil. McCain's bellicose approach is telling of what his presidency would be like. An example of McCain's bellicosity and over-stepping his boundaries is when he declared that "we are all Georgians." This has been erroneously viewed as superiorly presidential by many; however, if McCain continues, he may usher a U.S./Russian conflict; one that America does not have the military resources to engage. Be very careful America, we need humility in these volatile times.

JUST SOME REASONS MCCAIN SHOULD NOT BE VOTED IN AS PRESIDENT:
HE IS A DUPLICATE OF OUR PRESENT PRESIDENT
HE IS TOOOOOO OLD
HE HAS A ONE TRACK MIND {OBSESSED WITH WAR}
HE IS JUST FOR THE RICH
HE IS NOT FLEXIBLE IN HIS WAY OF THINKING
HE WILL NOT LISTEN TO OTHERS THAT KNOW MORE THAN HIM
HE WILL NOT TAKE ADVICE, JUST WANTS TO DO IT {HIS WAY}
IF HE MAKES PRESIDENT THIS LIST WILL SURELY GROW, GROW, AND GROW.

I hadn't planned on voting this election but after seeing the forum
last evening, Sen. McCain has my vote. What I never liked about
Sen. Obama was his false charm/smile, inexperience, flowery
speeches – all very empty and his answers were quite small/nothing.

On the other hand, I never knew anything about Sen. McCain...but last evening he answered all the questions directly, forcefully and looked
to be in command. I appreciate his service to our country which
Obama doesn't have. I would feel safer with Sen. McCain at the
helm.

So, after viewing last night's performances on 2 men, it got me to
go out and vote for a very strong man. That's who I want to lead this
country, not someone who has an empty answer for everying and
flowery speeches.

Debra, You will see the same scene in the film starring Charlton Heston in Ben Hur-1959

McCain actually did better than expected. More of the same tough stance tactics though?? That hasn't worked very well over the last 8 years, has it? You think it might be time to come down from that high horse and restore America in the eyes of the international community. Or perhaps that doesn't matter to Americans!??

McCain was on his game not addressing the issues and flipping and flopping all around.

Of course McCain can declare victory in such a biased forum (i.e. "There have been 40 million abortions in America. Now tell us your position on abortion.")

Never has anyone ever gotten as much mileage out of being captured.

He's sucking up for the sympathy vote.

mccain is so dangerous and risky...

His every word was about "WAR"—
I promise you McCain will keep us in War(s)

It seems pretty obvious that John McCain had the questions before they were asked of him. He never thinks as quickly on his feet like he did last night. I smell a GOP setup. Why is every answer he gives related to war/defiance?

I honestly believe John McCain is an ATHIEST. He never talks about God or Jesus. I wish he would have been asked about his religious beliefs last night.

McCain is A WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did any one find it funny that when obama was asked when did he cross party lines he pointed to ethics reform coming from a guy who went against him self on campain finance reform declined money anfter he said he would take it

IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT MCCAIN GOT ALL THE TALKING POINTS IN ADVANCE.

OBAMA = HONESTY

MCCAIN = POLITICS = DIRTY GAME = CNN

John McCain is going to be tough to beat if he does this well in the upcoming debates. He knocked it out of the park for me! This is what America is looking for.

McCain is not in this for USA he is in it for his cronies.

The arrogance of Obama's supporters are driving me to give McCain a far longer look then I thought I would.

Obama is a bore to listen to with his "uhm, aaas, uhm" as he thinks of the answers. Cerebral, yes – presidential, no. We want Hillary.

John McCain dominated tonight. The only disappointment was after the forum when I heard trash coming out of Roland's mouth. We understand that you support him but have some self control.

Obama just gave a stump speech the entire time while dancing around policy questions, the moderator even told him, answer the questions, we dont want a stump speech. Mccain was sharp as a tack, its starting to be apparent who the neophyte here is.

My husband and I watched the entire forum together tonight, each of us basically disliking McCain before it began. After hearing both candidates speak, we were blown away by McCain-I am looking forward to voting for this man, someone who has clear convictions and a real solutions to serious problems, not just good ideas. The point he made about $700 billion going overseas for foreign oil each year was particularly eye-opening as to what he wants to do as our President.

Come on now all you bots-your candidate can't answer a question-talks around and around-bye bye BO!!-can't wait for the debates-more empty, stump speech talk from BO

Mccain was awful talk only about the war. Obama was thoughtul and very humble and substances and answer the questions that he was ask. Mccain was looking for sympathy and was camping to much.

@ open your eyes america

I thought it was just me!! I was thinking the same thing & I don't thimk that it was a coincidence that BO was the 1st to go.

Cnn you are so obviously Biased for John Mccain and now I feel Rick Warren is the same. It's such a shame!!

And in spite of it all, BO still did a good job...

Was it my HD TV or was McCain wore too powdery thick makeup. I am just wondering.

Hypocrisy at its finest. The evangelicals are willing to overlook John McCain's infidelity. He cheated on his first wife and the woman who helped him commit adultery stand proudly at his side.

John Edwards is getting grilled due to his more current infidelity but all you could hear was a pin drop when Mac spoke about his "failed" marriage. The marriage didn't fail, he failed his wife and no one should trust him standing at the helm of the American family.

McCain was the STAR this time. He addressed each question, but not in the safe but trite manner as the other guy. After this opportunity to compare the two, McCain is my man!

i'm Hillary supporter. i could not make up my mind till now ... John McCain is the right one for president though he is not perfect, though i do not like the Republican, though i never voted for Republican ... Hillary, WE NEED YOU ...

I hope you people understand what is happening. Look beyond what happened this night and you will be wise. This is a plan by the Evangelicals not to vote for Obama.

McCain still has issues with the people who capature him and held him hostage. He will surely take us into another war. Did you hear him when he said he was going to get Bin Ladin. Bush said the same time about sadam.

You got to be kidding me. You are all a bunch of complete freaking idiots. This man is a complete and utter moron. Obama 08

Was he given the questions to study ahead of time? Just seem so fake to me. McCain is not took quick on his feet. Someone should investigate.

The abortion question is above Obama's pay grade? What an answer! A typical polician's answer to get elected.

McCain was on his war game tonight. I was very sick and tired of him finding ways to add vietnam and prison camp to everything question that he answered tonight. He sounds like a broken record. An old 45 at that.

does that mean bari fumbled again.

were teleprompters allowed so axelrod could answer the questions?

I felt Obama was more like giving lectures about the questions while McCain was direct to the point.

I am really sick of hearing about the war stories McCain. Yes you were a prisoner of war. We get it. Now what about the things that effect us in this lifetime? Go tell your stories to the grandkids. We need someone with the ability to form a complete thought for our next President thank you.

TO: Anonymous, love your post tonight , I love the fact that Obama had the cub. frist, It is kind of like McCain kissing Obama, with out Barack having to kiss him back, sweet, Great spot on your part,

Mcsame knew the questions before hand.
"OBAMA 08"

Typical liberals. Yeah . . . McCain must have had the questions in advance. Thats right. How about he just did better than your guy? Could that be it?

John McCain is 5'7" and Obama is 6'2" but they looked the same height standing on the stage with Rick Warren. Was McCain standing on a box?

Obama got his stand ovation too, but more because this was a forum suited more for McSame & yet Obama did just as well. Obama is certainly our next POTUS (whether CNN likes it or not & rarely, if ever prints my comments). Obama actually did better than McLiar!

it never ceases to amaze me at how good CNN is at deleteing real comments. please congratulate yourself.

McCain was super. I was on the fence, but now I believe McCain got my vote

McCain just plain didn't answer questions and you "commentators" let him get away with it. In my house we were yelling at the TV over and over, "Answer the question." He just ignored Warren's questions and went straight to his scripted aw shucks – and you who are supposed to "analyze" objectively didn't call him on it! Shame!

Mr. McCain says he is pro-Life while he promotes war. Life is life..So our babies live to die in his wars? Does evil exist??? Oh yes it does and Jesus would not be happy. My 2 cents

McCain cleary won that one!

boy it must suck to be obama without a teleprompter!

Props to McCain-I like his eye contact towards Rick Warren. This shows your true character as a person. Thank you.

Senator Obama did a great job! I am now more convinced than ever that no one should vote for Senator McCain. It was very obvious that he was sucking up to that audience. I agree with Senator Obama's pro choice stance.

These were easy questions and an easy audience for McCain. He just told them what they wanted to hear and they were happy. It's funny that four years ago he wasn't conservative enough for this same demographic.

The beginning of the end…..brewme

===============================

Keep dreaming. McCain couldn't even hit
a home run when he knew a fastball was
coming. He's old, he's tired, and he's done.

McCain llikes to can his answers. Just like CNN likes to can its news. Should be a great 4 years.

obama was not very smooth tonight. he was too wordy, and did not answer the question straight forward . mccain was vey at ease and answered the questions straight forward.

McCain was once again a stumbling, bumbling idiot. You probably won't print that, but this is his crowd, also stumbling, bumbling idiots in one of the most conservative counties in the nation.

Boy the paid Obama bloggers are working for their paychecks tonight.

Mccain was fake, he told yhe same corny joke's over again, he stuck to political talking point, he seemed nervous and afraid as if he is hiding something, the media is being bias again, Mccain stunk

Mccain was simply great.

Obama tap danced around too much before he answered the questions. He sounded too much like a typical politician.

Obama got a standing ovation too. So what?

Finally... McCain proves the difference between experience and plain good prepared speech delivery... Good Job McCain. Straight and to the point. Just how it should be. We will be posting our vote early for McCain. No doubt.

Independent, Florida

obama's hesitation and searching for the right words gave the impression that he was uncomfortable during this interview. this event highlighted Obama's political immaturity. He subverts his sincerity for popularity and this creates anxious tension. McCain's experiences and political longevity makes him appear calm, cool and collected in his thoughts and presentation as long as he gets to tell his story instead of answering the questions. both Obama and McCain get an a for effort and and f for honesty.

The moderates fell off the fence tonight on McCain's side!!

Obama needs more time in the trenches before he is ready to lead. I will not risk our children's future on Obama.

McCain may go to church, but he does not seem to be not spiritual.

Obama seems to be very spiritual. He walks the walk.

The audiance was stacked in favor of McCain. Whatever happened to "separation of Church and State"? This forum was a sad example of what we, the voters, expected and needed to hear. How was the Republican Party able to pull this off?

John McCain just let it go, and told you who he was and what he's done, and what he is working on for our Country. He received a huge
applause for Off Shore Drilling,

I think he did much better than Obama in answering those questions.
I looked on with jubilation, he had a fabulous debate tonight.

Our Best Days are Ahead of Us.

McCain did O.K. considering he had all the questions beforehand. Atleast it was obvious to me.

MCCane was answering questions before they were asked.

Whats up with that?

What is one to expect of a "conversation" when the audience members support a specific ideology? Tough crowd....not so for McCain. McCreepy – I mean McCain seemed rehearsed and overly anxious to please his base. He's so quick to pounce on EVIL.....what about the evil that exists here in our own backyards? Typical Bush rhetoric....opps I mean McCreepy.

Obama also got a standing ovation. ....

Warren asked crowd to stand. Report the facts without your point of view, I do not care about what you think

Seems as if McCain responded to the questions fairly briefly and then went off the topic 90% of the time. He didn't seem personal but rather like he was giving a campaign speech. He spoke rather "cold" as if he was conducting a reprimand on some level. Seemed odd to me.

I just want to know how many more times McCain is going to exploit General Petraeus and the troops for political gain. Idolizing Petraeus over his mom and dad was just pathetic. I also wonder if anyone actually oversaw the coin flip to decide who would go first.

A reverend? I was waiting for him to ask mccain if we should return America back to it's christian standards, and after mc answered you're absolutely right........have Obama respond with, which standards...before or after we decimated the Indians?

I tend to agree that McCain seemed to know the questions before hand, he did start to answer some of them before the question was even finished! Which would make wnder how he could anser so quickly? Watergate???
He also talked too much about his POW time and seemed to say lets have war over anything that I do not like.
Not a very religoius person to me.

McCain seemed like he was rushing the answer and not getting into details. I did not like his answer about the rich. I dont agree with everthing Obama stands for but he seems willing to listen and make changes for all. McCain seems like he will do what he wants to do and cut off anyone who tries to stop him like he was doing to Rick Warren when he was asking those questions.

"My friends let me tell you a story on marriage marriage consists of one man and one woman, but i left one thing out that i cheated on that woman several times, with a pill popping fanatic. Even though she waited for me while i was over there being a POW, this is how i will repay her devotion. Also i am going to send us to World War 3. By the way did i end with "My Friends.

This was the best forum to showcase both candidates and how they really are. Barack appeared to really consider the questions that Rick asked and think about his answer. McCain seemed to know exactly what he wanted to say even before the question was asked. He seemed very on the hunt for a fight.

My husband and I think it's whether people are going to want McCain who seems to want to just want to go to war and protect America - and Obama who seems to want to determine if war is the best interest of America.

Candy Crowley Do you think you could be anymore BIAS!!!

At least pretend to be a journalist.

CNN is no longer a "news" network. Now it's a cable 24-hour magazine show pushing for rating, ratings, ratings.

McCain does well in these forums which is why Obama is going back on his promise to debate. Obama responded the way I knew he would, the man says whatever it takes to win over the audience in front of him. He is a sham.

McCain was in his own backyard tonight, Obama wasn't. No matter what Obama says, the conservatives want him to denounce abortion. This is America full of many different types of people, not just Evangelicans and Conservatives that are aginst abortion I think Obama did well considering the crowd.

Janice James...just curious....how many adopted kids do you have? How many times a week do you provide relief for a mother who was dissuaded from aborting a fetus she was not prepared to care for?

i thought this was mccain's to lose, all obama had to do was try to give the best impression for the right wing of america...

As an outsider It appeared to me McCain pre-empted or knew
the questions as he responded sometimes before the question was
complete.

It is a understatement to say McCain was greeted as warmly as Obama was. Obama was greeted warmly. McCain swept them off their feet. Watch the replay.

CNN, I see that you have all of the comments made by Schneider, and Crowly, ( "New In THe Ticker") but where are the comments that were made by Roland MArtin and Dana Bash? I did not see their headlines above. Oh, yes I forgot about your journalistic views...any positive comments about Obama are squashed!

McCain had a lot of talk but lacked on details.

I keep hearing him talk about clean enegry, but where is it in his plan???

Did Obama purposely not dye his hair to expose more grey? conveying an older ,wiser image? It also seemed like he had an awful lot of makeup, this guy is to hollywood.

911wille

"uh, but, oh, well,ah, uh, yes but, ah uh, uhhhhh,

Boy Take away Obama's teleprompter and he's not very impressive"

This is was the funniest thing I've heard on this blog. However, you are right. Obama is terrible at speaking one on one. His answers always seem to come from his head and never his heart.

Thanks.

I think this Faith Forum was a joke. McCain clearly had the answers before hand. This is typical of dumbest; they must cheat to win! Shame on the so called Pastor!

McCain got a better reception because it was a republican crowd.....
had it been at a college and the topics about youth you'd see the same for obama wouldnt you?

Did McCain’s Staff Get The Questions Before The Inteview?

This was clearly a FAKE interview! McCain never paused to consider the questions, because he already knew what questions would be asked! It was clear to me and to anyone that follows McCain that this was a staged event for McCain! How can a so called church participate in such LIE! Shame on you Saddleback Christian Church!

McCain did know the answers and no one can convince me other wise, he was too quick to answer the questions before they were answered, what a crock..Obama should have admitted that life begins at conception......It does.

I guess McCain pandered his way through these questions by dominating them and not answering them but instead, telling another story. Story after story. ......Almost like if I tell story after story the clock will run out and would not have to actually speak with substance.

He was not making sense. I will give him credit for his energy, he was hyper and the mere mention of winning a war any war got him more excited!

I do think McCain had the question before

You notice Obama never said anything about his church or who his mentors were. He tried to give out what he thought the audience wanted to hear. He didn't score well. They were both asked the same questions so no unfairness there and I did hear somewhere that they were going to be given the questions ahead of time. For thinking Obama is so wonderful...his suppoters are sooooooo nasty.

Yeah alright. He was on his game campaigning in the church. Using the name of God to lie to people and instigate conflicts. He will defeat evil. How does he do that? By fighting any and every one who doesn't agree with him? Demonize them by branding them unpatriotic and infidel? Rick Warren never even made any efforts to challenge McCain on branding anyone who have a different way of reasoning as him unpatriotic.

Mccain was just trying to make them laugh by making jokes.
He's a joke LOL.

Wow!!! After reading the Ticker headlines it is obvious who CNN supports...John McCain.

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

It seemed to me that McCain knew about the questions on which he was going to be asked. Did Rick Warren feed McCain those questions before hand? Anyone noticed that????

Mr.Warren told the audience to give him standing applause LoL.

McCain is the fakist Christian I've ever heard in my life. Do these people really believe that he is CHRISTIAN?? Come on. He recited the "what-being-a-christian-means-to-you" question like he just memorized it out of those free pamphlets you can pick up at the church office. This man is not a follow of Christ. Christ would not use military force as the answer to all our problems.

And enough of the POW stories!!

It was clear that this was geared to make McCain shine and give a campaign speech. He received more time, knew the questions in advanced and had more voters for him in the audience. I'm surprise Hillary didn't whine her way into the interview tonight. This whole political event (yeah, it has become a sad spectacle) just frustrates me. I am hearing more people saying they are not going to vote. I can understand why.

Come on Crowley, I thought you would give a better analysis than this. McCain seemed so manufactured and rehearsed. I still have respect for Mrs. Crowley, however I must say I am very disappointed in her and CNN's analysis of this forum. McCain was clearly coached. "When you go out there, make sure you smile and talk about war. Don't forget to speak firm and straight to the point. Then smile some more." "Oh and don't forget to get a little emotional". Obama was real. Simple as that. Obama was thoughtful and did not play politics. This was not the time for that.

WHAT A WASTE OF MY TIME!! As usual,republicans cant play fair. Obama played by the rules and answered Ricks questions, then here comes MC WAR and takes the reins from Rick and turns the so called forum into McLiars stump speech. Same ole, same ole crap we have heard over and over and over-– Good Lord, give us a break,cnn!!!

Obama tried to tip toe his way through the tough questions and ended up looking weak.

NO OBAMA

Noun plus verb plus POW or WAR or MILITARY

Doesn't he know anything else? I notice he didn't expand with a "story" to explain the breakup of his marriage–his cheating with multiple women while his wife was disabled and finally marrying a younger, rich woman a MONTH after his divorce.

Really–you have to admit the orphan question was tailored to him.

Watch the pole next week. John Mccain will be ahead. And reading this forum i like chatting in the atheit chat in AOL

No more war stories! What does McCain believe in? I am so tired of hearing his war stories!! I found Obama to be sincere and thoughtful and insightful – his answers were intelligent and appealing.

McCain sounds like a tired old man.....

Obama 08

Nonetheless, im very proud Senator Obama did show the citizens of California that he cared enough to be there.

Obama 2008

I watch both Obama and McCain – I found Senator Obama's answers to be honest and straight forwarded – I found Senator McCain's answers to be all over the board – he was making a response before Rev. Warren could even completed the question. Made me wonder if they had sent McCain the questions prior to the event so he could be prepared.

McCain did the same old talking points... the same old script... the same old pandering to the GOP base. There's nothing new or original about the guy... nothing 'maverick' left in him... dull, boring, lame... all politics, no heart... an empty suit!!! He had no flair and no style... it was a joke.

And they BOTH got standing ovations, duh!! That audience was OVERFLOWING with McCain supporters. His act doesn't fool anyone but those who are already easily fooled. He's as sharp as GWB.

It's time to put someone smart in the White House. WAKE UP, AMERICA!!!

listen to the crazy conspiracy theories here tonight, it's reported McCain does well, and all the Obama babies start whining that it was fixed. God, is this what we have to put up with if he is elected. Every time something doesn't go right, it's racist or fixed. It can never just be because he didn't do a good job, it's always someone else's fault. STOP WHINING!

Mose, you hit the nail on the coffin, Mccain basically used the forum to relish on his war agenda and career.I really smelled something fishy about this forum and being in Orange county??

Obama is going down... he is not trustworthy, and is NOT a patriot. Anyone who turns away from the flag and puts their hand down in front of them during the pledge of allegiance one time, and brushes it off the next, should not be the next president of this country...
Anyone that flips on almost every position that won them the nomination then denies flipping, cannot be trusted...

OBAMA NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is that all McSHame can talk about is his Viet Nam war experience. Let's get beyond that we are in a new century. He can only give one or two word answers because he is no speaker and if you keep asking him, he will get annoyed and blow reporters off.

He reminds me of Frankenstein The cameras can only show his right side because his left side would scare people. I know more about faith from Barack than McShame. He has none. McShame is the same old recycled and flipped flop person. Retire and enjoy your social security checks.

I have a feeling Mccain just won several Clinton voters tonight.

yes, McCain has not admitted his 9 month affair completely. He kept is secret from his first wife and broke her heart. They condemn Edwards and welcome McCain. There is a religious double standard here as well as in the media. Don't ask, don't tell they say and all will be okay.

If Obama has Hillary for the VP spot its all over for McCain .If not John wins in a landslide they know they cant beat a dream ticket.Obama& Hillary.

McCain did extremely well tonight. He made Obama look like an amateur. I bet those superdelegates are wishing that picked Hillary.

McCain did a campaign speech. He loves war and to talk about it.
He has to bring up 9-11 and al-Queda to scare us. I am tired of his War stories. He should quit the Senate and go on the road with Oliver North.

I guess Obama missed his teleprompter and all his screaming fans that are still in Berlin.

We are tired of this type of politics. Change is what we want. I don't care about the stupid questions that were asked. We need money in our pockets not stories how you survive in Vietnam.

McCain is a good man, Period !!!!

Obama is fake !!!

McCain was very strong. I'm historically not a McCain supporter, but I think he gained a whole lot of traction with the Evangelical community and values voters tonight. And Warren was the big surprise – he ran an extremely informative forum. A lot of his critics will have to eat their hats tomorrow.

Next up I see Dobson endorsing. Those who think this is the Obama moment, that he's inevitable, are going to be in for a big surprise. It's going to be a race, and Obama's weakness is going to be his staying power. Messiah's don't have the luxury of human failings.

I disagree as well. McCain told the crowd what they wanted to hear. short and sweet. Obama actually gave thoughtful answers which sometimes annoyed Rick Warren.

In my eyes, Obama was the clear winner tonight. He spoke from his heart while McCain's presentation was a continuation of his stump speeches. Most importantly, I hope that the disappointed Hillary supporters who threatened to vote for McCain were listening carefully. Do they really want McCain in the oval office after watching and listening to him tonight? He already knew what he was going to say and began answering some questions before they were even completely asked. Our country is made up of many persons of different faiths and persuasions. We need a president who is ready to listen attentively to each side of a story before taking a stance, and Obama is this person!

McCain was most UNimpressive tonight

Anyone else notice the political ticker has like ten straight posts about how McSame did tonight. Last time I heard there were two candidates up on the stage. Come on CNN if we wanted partisanship we would have watched Faux News! Very disappointing coverage!

This debate looked like a job interview. Very stupid and monotonous. John you didn't get the job because you pandering and didn't tell us what you are going to do to turn the economy around. You kept talking about Reagan and your POW experience.

I thought both Obama and McCain did well. As I listened to Obama's answers, you could see him thinking and formulating his respone but McCain amost seemed to know the questions in advance and had his answers on the tip on his tongue. I hope my suspicions are wrong. The two syles were different and it made me realize they are indeed both good men but McCain came across as the past and Obama as the future.

Another stump speach with a few irrelevant questions thrown in by the reverend. McCain didn't even think before he answered – just pandered some more. I dont trust the man – he is dangerous.

Did MCain know the questions after Obama was asked? He answered them very quickly.

Which game? YOU know as well as I do that McCain has no game except his prison experiences,which has no direct bearing to what is at stake now.Candy you never stops to amuse me with your style.If it is in your power obama wiould have been out of this game long time ago,but thank God, you are only an opinion reporter, your views are shared by the minorities, and politics in democratic settings like this, is a game of numbers. You may wish to sit and play back some of your reportings during the Democratic primary contest. Good night

The Audience was too noisy and applaused even McCain talk nuts! It was hard to reflect clearly on faith issues. This was a real campaign show for McCain and these Evangelicals are mere fans for McCain than truly spiritual worshipers! Most of them were only there to applaud!

McCain has campaigned on the grounds that Obama lacks the experience to be President but he stated that Theodore Roosevelt is his idol and role model. Has he forgotten that TR was only 42 when he became POTUS, five years younger than Obama, and that his political experience was along much the same lines as Obama's, i.e. served in his state legislature and one term as governor of his state?

McCain was fantastic tonight. He looked and sounded very Presidential. I am now convinced....he's the man for the job.

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!!!!!

What stood out for me was what a poor moderator Warren was.
Warren looked nervous and fidgitty.
Warren did not stop McCain from going off into tyraids or Obama
from giving long drawn out answers. A moderators job is to moderate, he didn't.

I Think McCain pandered to the base on abortion and Obama gave answers that were to long and nuanced for the average voter.
All in all, I don't think either candidate helped or hurt themselves.
I'd call it a draw.

In my comment above, the last line should read, 'He is not fond of boasting like McCain does.

war war war war war war! who do I sound like?.. wow obama didn't have a chance with that crowd.. (looks around) I thought cali had some black and brown people there..???? I guess I was wrong!

McCain did well tonight- but his answers are too scripted and too party-line to be compelling. He did have short and snappy answers- but the problems discussed don't HAVE short & snappy answers...if they did- we wouldn't be in this mess! His rigid RoevWade stance is not compatible with most Americans- as is his view on the War in Iraq and Heath Care.

Did anyone notice how quickly McCain dismissed the people of Darfur? I'll be interested to read the transcript.

McCain sees everything as cut-and-dried, just like Bush does. Isn't it time for an intelligent president?

Obama '08!

McCain studied really really hard for this test.

That counts as 'on one's game' having gamed the teacher.

And was so afraid he would get a reference to Warren's comment that he could not bring himself to vote for an adulterer, McCain stabbed himself with it so no one else had to.

Candy Crowley needs to stick to REPORTING and stay away from commentary. Your analysis is terrible.

the old man new the question

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

Like many others here, I thought McCain was awful. I keep hearing about how he displays a loose, winning personal style in smaller, conversational settings. But every time I've seen him in a non-stump-speech arena - like tonight - he still seems like he's reading off of mental cue cards, rather than responsing in-the-moment in a truly personal way.

Given the rightwing bias of evangelicals, Obama had nothing to lose tonight, since most of the audience was predisposed against him. However, I think he might've brought some of the saner, more truly Christian evangelicals over to his side with his forthright displays of how genuine Christian principles (rather than Christian love-hate) guide his sense of mission as a public figure.

Anyone else notice the CNN political ticker has like ten straight posts about how McSame did tonight. Last time I heard there were two candidates up on the stage. Come on CNN if we wanted partisanship we would have watched Faux News! Very disappointing coverage!

McCain came across as his usual boring, pandering self. No thought...just bomb, bomb bomb. Fight...attack....and....we can't forget the war stories. PLEASE.............

I want a thinker for president, not some old nut acting out his Teddy Roosevelt fantasy.

I got a better understanding of Omama's position on stem cells, gay marriages, who is considered rich, how to address orphan issues, teachers pay etc... McCain was more fluff and war stories.

Rhaj

Partisan politics at its best. Why so atrabilious and splenetic, Obama supporters? Didn't think McCain could actually bring it? And my goodness, I thought Obama supporters were supposed to be the intellectual, contemplative ones. Take a look at all your solecisms and misspellings!

PS Those who think McCain was overemphasizing his Vietnam experiences have not been paying attention; in fact, analysts often wonder why he hasn't mentioned his personal story as often as Obama has during this campaign.

my interpretaion of Obama answering the abortion issue using a simple analogy for you libs...."Is 2 + 2 = 4" well..uh....you can look at this analytically or scientifically...if some people's beliefs are that...ummm....that 2 is a number that they deeply.....blah blah blah....

What a farce! I respect Pastor Rick Warren and the candidates but McCain's short, no-thought answers were almost like he had been given the questions in advance and even if he hadn't he was really rehearsed well in what his audience wanted to hear. So short answers are all that was necessary. It is nice that he is from a military family and has lived long enough to have fought in a war and become the hero he brags about over and over. It is a very touching story but there have been millions of heros from our country. It just seems to me to be unfair.

Obama has not lived long enough to experience such a horrible war. But he gave the best answers, the most thoughtful and intelligent answers.

Obama's faith has been under a lot of media scrutiny throughout this campaign but I do not see why the media isn't really digging into McCain's christian background. It is about time the media started looking that way so at least we evangelicals can know who we vote for .Being pro-life and being anti- gay marriage shouldn't be an ultimate test for the evangelical vote, afterall these are just political positions depending on which party you are in.

I'm not looking for one word answers. Sure McCain was on his game, but he practiced evading questions better than Obama. I wanted to hear well thought out answers about his "true" feelings and not those stump quotes fed to him by the Right. As a christian, I worry about putting anyone in office that is quick to condemn others and act as if "America" is all that matters a the costs of others rights. We share this world with other people and obviosly these belicos and crack responses may offend the very people we are trying to work with now. We need a president with a cool and steady hand, not one who shoots from the hip first and then asks questions later. That's what got us into the mess we're in now. I was disappointed that the Old McCain was not there but some imposter pretending to be something he is not.

What a staged setup for John McCain.Abortion should be on a national ballot.Let the people decide it once and for all or every 4 years, but it should not decide elections,where everything else is trumped by one issue.

The night belonged to McCain, all the rest of you haters can chew on that. McCain was decisive and direct, this was not Barack's finest moment. If I had any doubt about McCain's ability to compete with Obama one on one, no more. If the audience's response was any indication of his connection tonight with evangelical's he will rmaintain his lead over Obama and probably broaden it. That's what all you libs don't want to discuss, this night was a bid for evangelical votes. Mission Accomplished.

Janice James in Denver..."Obama appeared humble, however is clever and a smooth talker who diverts from the facts." Interesting that you find someone who thinks and considers before he speaks as "smooth talker". To me the one with the quick, repeated over and over again answers is the one who 'diverts from the facts'. I want a President who considers and thinks, someone who listens to others and then makes decisions based on facts. You find intelligence untrustworthy....so sad and too bad for you and our county.

Now you can see why Obama hides from a town hall meeting......lets count how many times he said uhhhhh....I now believe he is the true radical leftist that he is...

Why did McCain rattle of the next question during this period, he know what the questions were prior to this show. McCain is not the ideal candidate and the remaining voters who pay attention know it. The media just is trying to create another story to drum up business.

McWar was on point tonight!
Where were the true Christian Values in his responses, except on abortion?

Wake up evangelicals.... you should be Christians before you are evangelical or republican!

McCain is a "KILL first and ask questions later" type of person. If you don't agree with him, he is likely to bomb you.

Obama is a thoughful and respectful person who is willing to listen to and work with someone who has a different opinion or belief. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't push him, but his first thought would not be bomb them as McCain's would be.

Um...yeah...his greatest moral failure is the dissolution of his marriage?? I notice that he neglected to mention that the reason his marriage failed was because he CHEATED on his wife!!! I guess that wouldn't have played so well in front of the evangelical crowd. The only reason he's still married to his second wife is that she forgave him when he CHEATED ON HER, TOO!

BTW, this message is from an evangelical Christian who is not voting for McCain (not all of us are sheep who are going to vote for someone just because the religious "right" tells us to.)

McCain solidified his base and lost the independents.

He proved that he is Bush's third term.

Obama would look down while thinking but looked Pastor Rick in the eye when answering. I have gone back and reviewed the tapes. McCain looked at the audience and did not talk 'to' Pastor Rick.
Obama thought about his answers and then responded. McCain used his speeches as his answers so he did not have to 'ponder' much.

McCain had prepared speeches and used these comments in reply to any question presented. He did not bother to answer the simplest of questions. that is "What income do you consider rich?" Many of his responses had little or nothing to do with the questions asked. From Senator McCain's answers , I know nothing new about his Faith, and very little about his respect for the Faith of others.

In the future, I suggest that each participant be required to answer the same, identical questions.

McCain politically won the night – and may end up in the Oval Office with this type of performance. Drill, Drill, Drill! Fight, Fight, Fight! Destroy Evil – our new president is personally on the prowl! Rich: $5 million a year and up! Promise everything (except tracking the bears DNA, a very important and particular evil), and lower taxes for everyone! Hold on, folks...a lot of people jump to their feet and applaud this crap. In the spirit of the night – Please, Help us, O Lord!

Religion has no place in politics.

Candy, what are you all drinking? it was too obvious, that McSame knew all the questions, is someone going to look into this ?
Any idiot could tell, that he had been prepped about what to say.
Please CNN don't even try to tell any of us, that this was not a set up. Please go to Hufpo, bloggers on that site are all saying the same thig as I was thinking. Candy, you seem to think it was real cute, that McSame answered the questions before they where asked, case in point, duh

Anonymous- you're very observant. I saw that too.
McCain did not answer the questions about his faith but talked as if he was giving a stump speech.
overall i give McCain a 98% while i give Obama a 95%. I definetly support Sen Obama.

Yes, McCain got in some stories and campaign stumping, but he answered the questions like he was not afraid. Obama was scared to take a position, and never seemed to answer anything straight up.

Wow...

Why don't all of you that are either better than Obama, or better than McCain run for President?

Obama looked totally lost and clueless. If I hear him say 'uhh' one more time I will go insane.

I'm an Independent. I watched the entire thing with an open mind and at the end I firmly believed that Obama is the best candidate. He's smart and thoughtful and I agreed with everything he said. McCain came across as an old man who was nervous and kept bringing up war and his experience as a prisoner of war and very few of his answers actually answered the questions. I felt uncomfortable for him. I don't understand why anyone would think that he did well.

anonymous?that's funny!

Senator McCain clearly appeared the more presidential of the 2 candidates today..

I will say this. McCain supporters are doing whatever they can on these blogs to make McSame seem like he won tonight.

I think considering the lion's den Obama walked into, he performed very well. Put McCain in front of, let's say, a group of homosexuals or TEACHERS, and we'll see how comfortable he is answering questions.

I am a 21 year old undecided, well was, after tonight I know that I will vote McCain, I do not want a president who will look to his grandmother for advice on how to run my future and my country, McCain will make a great president, and I think he made a stern hint tonight about his VP pick.

I thought Mr.McCain was very short with his answers. I hoped he would be more in dept with his answers like Mr.Obama! I believed Mr.Obama gave more personal answers and tried to give an clear picture of whom he is. I didnt like how Mr.Mcain explained everything with an story. I saw that as a way of getting around tha question. Can someone please tell me what Mr. McCain educational background is? Do he have an college degree?

It will be a sad 4 years for Americans if this one issue,abortion turns an election. Iam prolife but not a Republican.For this evil party to win again will be the end of us all

Wow, same old right wing politics, pandered to the religious right.
Yes the same religious right , that helped bring the present Bush administration into exsistance. Well I guess we all know where that has taken us. Do we really need 4 more years of stale old war stories .
Let us listen to the current war stories of the women and men that are still over in Iraq and around the world ,dying. McCain and the republican agenda, nothing christian about it ( war , greed, fear, and deceit ). Thank God, for Barack Obama for having new ideas and visions for this great country. The whole country, not just a specific group of people.

john mccain was definatly on top of his game he was direct and to the point! i want a commander and chief who has war experience. because in this day and age with russia china iran and north korea we are coming up to some seriouse times and obama just doesnt have enough experience! and to the guy who made the comment about not having a major threat since the cold war he means on a nuclear leval the iraw wars and 9/11 never had the potental to end the world' a war with russia definatly has the potential to end the human civilization with nuclear war!

I can't believe how biased this article is.

WHO THE HECK IS CROWLEY> Not too swift.

McCain was answering the questions before the question was even asked. I wonder why? He is angry and ants war war war no more McBush

I am so glad that Senator McCain did so well in tonight's forum. This will hopefully be the begining of a victorious momentum that will bring the American people to see that John McCain is the right person for the Presidency over Barack Obama!

McCain 08!

McCain campaign for President and he never gave any thought to the questions. I still do not know how to connect with McCain. He answer before the questions was ask. How did he get the questions, did someone in his camp call him on the phone? Something is fishy

There should be an age limit. Like oh 60 or 65,so you would
have a chance of knowing what is going on in TODAYS world.
That Geezer needs to geeze outta here.

McCain told too many stories tonight. He came across as too preachy. Why is it that these religious rights people come across as being so judgmental? Didnt Jesus Christ say we shouldnt judge people? Isnt that the job that is reserved for him and his father in heaven?

McCain was pretty weak, I thought. He just seemed to try to answer as quickly as he could so he could avoid getting caught up in an actual discussion. He just said the things that he knew would make the religious right audience scream. It was all pandering.

Obama, on the other hand, was eloquent, smart, funny, and everything else you would expect and desire for a leader of the USA. He answered every question honestly, and you could tell he was actually thinking about it.

OBAMA 08

Mcbush makes me sick to watch, I thought there is a law separating church and state. I pray to a god, just not your peoples version of god. The bible was written by people who didn't even know Jesus, you people are nuts!

Terri in Fl

What have you been smoking????

Those same founding fathers that you mention were suspisious of state run religion, like it was in England at the time. You need to go back are reread the federalist papers again and see how they viewed religion and you will see that they built a lot of our original laws based on religious principals.

thanks, listening to the talking heads I thought I had seen another movie. Mccain was sickening with all the stories or lies.

mccain was very presumptious.he kept saying 'my friends' over and over.does he always do that?it's kinda creepy.

I am watching the forum again on Faux News and Obama answered every question albeit he did not give canned one liners.

John McCain gave his stump speech. I thought this was suppose to be a conversation on faith. I have heard everything McCain said in a stump speech–and I heard him say it the exact same way. He was not thinking through any new ideas.

"Did anybody else feel like mccain new the questions before they were asked?"

Yes, he sure did. I'm 100% sure turd blossom was behind it?
I hope someone from CNN looks into it and bust McCain for it. Cheat ing on a form about faith. How low can you go.

In anycase, we now know McCain debate answers in a month. They will not be farf off. McCain has chosen to copy ronald reagan's debate style. Be funny and tell stories. If Obama did that the right wing would scream fluff and no substance. McCain acted like he was on the late show. He was a ham and played to the substance with prescripted answers.
McCain did win the 'popular appeal' tonight. However, Obama had the deeper and more intelligent answers. Alas, the world loves a celebrity talk show and that is what McCain gave them.

McCain told a lot of war stories.

Obama's answers were more complicated. Like his answer about Evil.

I dunno if America wants complicated, maybe we just want to bomb, bomb, bomb evil... the end.

obama is the winner

To say this was a set up or McCain was fed the questions before the forum is a lie.Pastor Warren has been seen by some in the traditional conservative circle as a little outside.He has broken tradition by making social issues such as poverty and AIDS a concern.Let's not forget that Obama was there two years ago for a World AIDS Day Summit.As McCain might say "this was no set up my friends".

Guess what, no one watched tonight, the country was watching Phelps win gold

I was very disappointed in McGain's answers. He was much more into telling the same old stories instead of answering the questions. There was no thought put into his answers. He seemed to be pandering to the audience and was too self-consumed.

I hope all the Hillary supporters who say they will vote for McCain watched this interview. You guys ready for war and to have your pro-choice freedom taken away?

why did mccain answer the questions before they were asked?did they get the questions ahead of time?

Obama showed humility ! hahahaha What a joke. Obamas needs a teleprompter with him 24/7. He was like hu...ha.. in...but...

I listened carefully to both men and felt that both made some good points but I must say my vote is going to Obama because if McCain says "MY friends one more time, I'm going to puke!!!! I don't want to drink a beer with him or ever wonder if either one would change my tire as was asked in the 2004 election. I want someone with a brain. There isn't one in the White House now and most Americans wanted to have a beer with him so I'm going to use my brain and my vote and go with smart and vote for Obama!!!!

I pray that other Christians will look at the responses in terms of which candidate really lives his faith–Barack Obama. He obviously listens to the bible verses in church; he knows that God expects humility of his followers; that He expects his followers to do their best, but recognize that God is the source and the power and the glory. Obama is far more respectful of others, is strong enough to be humble, and acknowledges that we must be soldiers in fighting evil, but it is God who will prevail.

Please, please, please do not elect another war monger!!!

Why Pastor Wright was not invited to this forum?

Sen. McCain may have been very swift in answering his questios but so was President Bush. How they answer is how they ACT. I wonder if the world wants another president that will not act with caution, but quick to act. On the issue of abortion, I wonder if Senetor McCain would have answered as quick as he did if would have had to make a choice to save his wif's life as my husband had to do for me due to my weakened heart. Extremes are bad so we need a President that is not to slow, or to quick but uses common sense, caution, and most of all be a man of God that will rely on the wisdom and direction God will give him.

CNN's analysis was terrible. No discussion about the fact that there was no substance behind McCain's responses – just a bunch of war stories. I knew it was over after the first question: Who are the 3 wisest people you have known? Answer: 2 US military leaders in Iraq and the woman who created eBay!!!!!!!!! What? This is the man who, as President, needs to think on his feet? Was no one on the CNN panel listening? Or have they become like the average "Joe Sixpack Voter" – fall for the stories and miss the fact that they didn't tell us anything about his values. Ronald Reagan fooled people with his story telling. I've seeing a parallel of 2 elderly men who both end up with Alsheimers – while in office!!!!!!!

McCain has lived his faith and that was evident in his anecdotes.

Obama parsed his words and equivocated as usual!

McCain won this round big time, and Obama gained no new ground!

Wow... the tide really turned in the election

go mccain!

If you want to remember the past and hear nise old stories vote McCain. If you wnat ideas and solutions, vote Obama

McCain did what he needed to do very well, pander to the religious right. But it seemed to me that Obama came across as much more Christian. Christianity is not about killing Osama or appointing right wing judges to the Court. Christianity is about being loving, doing justice, and about being humble, recognizing that we are not God, and that America is not the kingdom of God. Read the Gospels, Obama came across much more in line with what Jesus teaches there than McCain. Even if you consider only Christian doctrine, and not Christ, Obama's testimony was much more faithful to it than was McCain's, who, frankly, said next to nothing about his own personal faith.

Wrong Lou R. Senator McCain got a question that Senator Obama did not get because Sen. Obama rambled and stammered through his answers (time). Even Carl Cameron noted that Sen. Obama had been on a whirlwind. I question if he was tired, why he did not stop off in California and get some rest instead of flying to Chicago and then back. Poor judgement? I also resent that he called our young men in uniform KIDS. I would not dare call a Marine a kid, would you?

like some of the others, i, too, like them both a bit more now. but if only the negative ads would stop. let's hear about substantive issues from here on out.

I learned two things tonight about McCain.
1) because he believes that life starts at conception, I need to file an amended tax return so that I can claim additional deductions for my kids starting from conception
2) since he will chase bin Laden to the gates of hell, that might not be a bad place for him.

Obama beat around the bush on way too many answers. He was too much a politician.

McCainm I thought answered the questions in a straight forward manner.

I think the Republicans gave McCain an ear piece that allowed him to head Obama's interview.

Pretty amazing that Obama left out Osama bin Laden when talking about evil, then goes on to mention what's happening in American cities?!?

I don't expect anybody to be perfect but that was a biggee. He fielded the 'Why do you want to be Miss America" question a lot better than he did with the 7-year od girl last week though.

All-inall I thought the format was fantastic, very fair, with un UN-partisan crowd. They really made both canidates feel welcome, and Pastor Warren's comments about resovling conflict is dead-on...something the name callers could benifit from.

McCain truly proved why he is getting my vote for President of the US since I cannot vote for Hillary.

Hi everyone!
I've watch the Forum on CNN here in France, I'm French and very interested by this election.
I've got a question/ remark: Don't you think that McCain answers are only Utopy and that he doesn't give any clue to these answers?

Sorry for the english, hope you have understand what I'm asking you

Tonight was a staged set-up for McCain. He said everything the conservatives wanted to hear. That crowd was for McCain. McCain is completely one sided and unreasonable. Obama is what this country needs, because these issues, they are gray areas. The whole country is not a country of just evangelicals, and McCain, as well as the evangelicals, NEED TO GET THAT THROUGH THEIR THICK SKULLS!

when they were to talk about a personal moral failure, the crowd got quiet because they were waiting to hear how he cheated and dump his cripple wife or how he could allow his mother to sue her for some property when she was a one of the lowest points in her life. Instead, he shifted to his pre-arranged answers. How else could he answer the question before it was fully asked. What a shame....as far as being a prisoner of war, he wants more wars for our children to serve and fight in, unfornuately, our childrens fathers are not high ranking admirals to bail them out.

sen mccain just repeated his stump speeches and taking points. and of course his vietnam story. he wasnt thoughtful – his answer on the supreme court was scary – the court should have some balance –
also, mccain was pandering to the audience – someone should ask him – how can he be against abortion and for embryonic stem cell research? it is not consistent – if he is against abortion because he believes human life begins at conception how can he support scientific research on an embryo which he believes to be human?

no one ever asks mccain the follow up questions -

McCain = McLeader

"We made up our my mind tonight.
John McCain was forthright, honest, and showed the moral standard that we like and should care about as a human being. His respect for unborn "human beings" touched our heart.
Obama appeared humble, however is clever and a smooth talker who diverts from the facts. He needs another ten years to mature and we can find out "who" he really is.
Janice J
Denver, CO"

Its just the lack of respect Republicans have after birth that is a problem. If the are poor lets get them off welfare and by no means give them health insurance!

Both candidates were strong, McCain probably won the night. I think he just solidified the evangelical vote. It will be intersesting to see if this transcends into the polls.

Obama handle himself very well. A little more verbose than McCain. One thing that I like about McCain is that his responses were very straight forward.

One of the better debates/formats I have ever seen.

It would have been better if McCain could answer a question w/o bringing it back to w.a.r. every time. He still has me concern on his approach to resolving complex issues...He seems "hit first ask questions later..w/o knowing all the facts" this is scary. McCain was playing to his audience for sure.

I appreciate McCain's VietNam record, but that war is over. What about your family values, being proactive instead getting into a war. He answered questions so fast.
McCain is like a very good grandpa that you love to sit in the den and hear him tell war stories. Being President of the United States.....I don't think so.

I think each candidate had different goals tonight. The format was quite interesting. Obama seemed thoughtful, more serious and much more pragmatic. HE may have bored many people, but if he had responsed like McCain, it would have been a turn off. McCain was a hoot - funny, decisive, but also seemed dogmatic and strident at times. He mainly told war stories and answered most questions throught the prism of war. That is very scary. The contrasting responses to evil were telling. McCain's facial expression and body language was telling as he launched into his response on Bin Ladin. Obama saw evil in many other ways.

Grandpa MCcain and his war stories. I admire him. Not politically. No points for MCcain and his so called game. Sorry dude.

John mcCain repeated his stump speech and had no original thought.He looked angry and uncomfortable...
Obama was real, thoughtful, and someone I could relate to in a meaningful way.
I do not think McCain "won" the night. You have to represent ALL the citizens of the US and Obama is able and capable to doing that.
McCain acted snotty and like you were wasting his time. Obama was great.

I can't stand McCain but at least we got some answers out of him tonight. Obama was absoltely terrible. 90% of his answers were uhhh, umm, aaaaa, welllll, ahhhh, ummm. Even while he's stuttering over those words he looks down at the desk as opposed to looking at the moderator.

He spent the week on vacation and did not prepare or rehearse. Do people even know who he is and what he stands for? After nearly 30 sort of debates...I still have no clue.

This guy has people behind him that have a bad agenda for America's future. Vote something in November..just don't vote Obama!

I thought I was the only one who noticed McCain answering the questions as if he already knew what Rick Warren was going to ask, and did he not give the exact same answers that Obama did as if he had already heard them??? Anyone else agree???

One would expect Senator Obama to be able to answer questions more quickly and more clearly considering he went through 23 debates and forums in the primary election. He really does need to improve before he enters the first official debate with McCain.

McCain whom I have never intended to support, did a far more impressive job tonight and seemed to be much more informed than Obama. As a result, he sounded Presidential. Obama came across as young, sweet and unready.

What was McCain referring to when he said he wanted to talk about Rwanda later? I couldn't get the context. Was he confusing the genocide in Rwanda ten years ago with the current one in Sudan? If so, the media needs to get on top of this. He's running on wisdom and commanding authority, but he can't seem to get his geography straight.

I have a few points

1. MCaine was too prepared. Somebody briefed him with questions. Well rehearsed.
2. Too much of War.. Not enough about his faith.
3. He is too war happy... we need a methodical thinker before pressing the red button. Mccaine will have this country in all types of war.

I am pretty disappointed. Its clear to me that people are looking for a reason not to vote for Barack and looking for a reason to vote for McCaine. If we judge these candidates on their values on abortion and stem cells.. we are in trouble. The same trouble that we have had for the past 8 years. No jobs, high gas prices, family values going down the draine, poor schools etc.

Its ridicoulous.

Barack 08

Great job McCain. It took Obama the whole hour to answer the questions, even though I still don't know what his answer was on most questions. He seemed to have two answers to each question. McCain was almost through with the answers in 15 minutes. It's easy to answer questions when you know what you really believe. You don't have to make things up as you go along.
I find it refreshing to see people answer questions with a yes or no and not jump around until your confused.

Great Job McCain

I thought Obama come across as very down to earth like a friend. Bush and McCain are just alike, McCain want us to think he's not but He has been on Bushes side alot more than the peoples side. He also likes war more because thats all he know. All McCain done tonight was stump.

I don't understand these people. It's doesn't matter how Obama does they still think he's great. Even Obama did uhhhh....ahhhhhhh uh uh ahhhhhh.... a lot more than words. O well they must understand each other language. The word wouldn’t understand his uh..uh.. ah.. uh.. uh Language if he get elected he must learn how to speak English or he has to hire one of his supporter to translate the uhhhhhh and ahhhhhh Language.

Wow...McCain takes B.O. to school and the 'bots are beside themselves.

The crowd was strongly pro-Republican as are most evangelicals, so Obama walked right into a den of vipers. McCain is still a crazy old war-monger with a one-track mind. And those were supposed to be Christians?

the people on here that think a blog is an "article" or "news" need to learn the definition and point of a blog. This area is CNN's political BLOG!!!!

McCain looked good tonite. For a guy who stumbles all the rest of the time. It almost seemed as though he knew the questions beforehand.
I think he aspires to be Commander in Chief, more than President.

If we elect this 10 star General "wanna-be" I guess we can count on plenty of flag draped coffins. War, War, War, that's all McCain is good for.

Go Obama,

and

Mr. Phelps, Mission Impossible
Lets GO red white and BLUE!

It seemed to be a setup. JM seemed to know the questions before they were asked-Warren gave him all the extra Georgia time to showcase his war mongering credentials. & MSM praises JM–Pat Buchanan made me sick as usual.God is this a preview of the debates? I feel sick.

John MCain's statement about going to the gates of hell to get Bin Laden. A christian would not even speak rhis way.

McCain was articulate and answered all question while Obama dodge and answered at least one of them totally dishonestly. That one will come back to haunt him. One candidate sounded like book experience the other real world experience. Mc Cain won my family's vote tonight.

The job of POTUS is above Obama's pay grade.

Regarding the Rick Warren Forum: I think McCain came across as a hawk; Obama, a dove came across as more like Jesus.

An interesting discussion tonight.
It is obvious by the comments above that if you are an Obama supporter you thought McCain was lousy. Since I can't vote for either, I thought they both did well showing two totally different styles but both were enjoyable to listen to and both were well received by the crowd. I liked the line best about – yes, yes, and find poor teaachers another job. It was to the point and so totally true.

I lived in OC for a several years and divorce is common there. McCain did not say that like Edwards, he committed adultry. However, MccCain left his sick wife for the other woman with three children to raise. He did not say that Reagan took care of his first wife because he abandoned her for the rich beautiful Cindy. Every answer for him was War Based.

After tonight I will vote for Obama. McCain was making a campaign speech!

His fast answers were scary. He knew what he was going to say and nothing was going change his answers. We already have a president who acts before he thinks.

For someone who once said he did not like to talk about his years in
Viet Nam, he sure talked about them. I learned nothing new. I know a man the same age as McCain and we hear the same old stories over and over just like McCain same old stories same old man. McCain is just to old to be president and tonight he proved it.

Give me a man who thinks before he acts or speaks and you will see a leader.

yep

Wow, there are a lot of people out there who think that a religious "litmus" test is bad but a "gay" litmus test is mandatory.

These are the same folks quoting the founding fathers. How mucked up is that?

The only memeber of the CNN thing that got it right was Roland Martin. The other hosts looked like they were looking at a totally different program.

Too bad him and his war, war, war, bankrupt USA is not a game and it's not funny. vote for change.

tonight mccain talked a lot about wars and his time in prison camp.. is there anything else important in his life? this guy really scares me with all this war talk. give peace a chance.

I totally don't see the hype about McCain. All I saw was typical stump speech from his townhalls word for word, and I did not get the sense that he opened up at all. Obama on the otherhand showed me more of a personal side of his that I haven't seen before on the campaign trail.

This forum wasn't supposed to be a debate about politics. McCain turned it into one.

Noticed how the Pastor said, "I don't want to hear stump speeching points?" Yet McCain just continued on stump speeching.

John McCain, you did a great job! As a young person in college, I have no doubt that you are the right person at the right time to lead our country. You stand by your beliefs, and you always put your country before self interests. Tonight was a prime example. You are an inspiration for many and have my support!

They might as well had gotten McCain's campaign staff to host this event. Senator Obama did very well tonight considering this forum was taylor-made for John McCain. Hopefully this far-right audience will give Obama a serious look after speaking with them in their setting, and maybe FINALLY the uneducated will realize that Senator Obama is a Christian man from a Christian family and has NEVER been anything else.

Way to go John, you did outstanding. Barack has done nothing for this country, except saying he is all about change. What change? Obama is nothing but talk, and he is a smooth talker. He will not be elected as our next president. You blew it tonight Obama, The polls will start to show this in the upcoming weeks. McCain 08 our next president, a true leader.

I think the most disgusting thing that has come of this election process is now we have to bow down to the religion to get elected, This smacks of the Taliban and any other theocracy. I'll accept their(religions) their relevance to the politcal process the same day they prove both god and men from outer space exist. I think they'll have a better time of proving the latter first. This country is getting to be a scary place. What's next every female in long dresses and men with beards and hats? Grow up America and throw off your superstitons!

War, war.
Short is good.
Me was POW.
War.
POW.
Short.

Well, I guess now we know we face a third Bush term.

Why wasn't McCain asked why he considers himself a Baptist when he was never baptised?

Just my opinion but, I am weary of folks who claim to be Christian but have never truly committed to the faith. This actually applies to any religion.

Senator McCain sounded much the phony tonight. He's beginning to seem like a one-trick pony – his only succinct answers related to making war. How Christian he IS NOT!

I think this forum was good for Obama because it basically showed that nominating McCain will be another 4 years of the same terrible policies. But the sad thing is Obama's campaign is not doing a good job at it. MCCAIN=BUSH. That should be the number one thing on Obama's agenda. Show the true side of McCain. The only thing the old fart talked about where bedtime stories. WAKE ME UP WHEN IT'S OVER. All I could think about was what Gen. Clark said about McCain. Just because you're a war hero doesn't constitute you as President. I love the Family Guy episode that makes fun of McCain thinking that because he was a POW that he is entitled to the Oval Office.

and the oscar goes too... is there an award for lying and decieving the public on tv? because the Republicans wouldve have swept this the past couple of years.

Rick Warren cautioned Obama about not using stomp speech answers, but not one time did he mention this to McCain. It was quite obvious that McCain was regurgitating memorized answers for areas of the questions. McCain's surrogates heard the questions the first time and somehow managed to signal the responses that sent him to recite parts of the stomp speeches. He looked into the audience more than respond to Rick Warren. Another question would be why did Warren change his mind about not giving them the same questions?

Candy Crowley Two Thumbs Down.

Obama 08

Candy Crowley Two Thumbs Down.

Obaba )8

What guarantee do we have that Sen. McCain didin't have the questions to be asked beforehanded? If not... answering quickly doesn't not indicate that he is a better candidate rather that he is a person tends to make rush decisions that can have unfortunate consequences. Give me a thoughtful candidate anytime. The world is not black and white.

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.

John McCain, once again, has shown that he has the experience and substance needed to be the next President. Obama is a nice guy. Nice guys finish last.

IMHO, McCain offered nothing but a stump speech to his supporters and probably lost a lot of ground with woman/ teachers/mod. dem and independents. His answers were rehearsed and not sincere and most people can see that. He is stuck in the vietnam era as shown with his constant reference to his POW years. He never answered several questions and talked around them. He has proven, once again, that he is unfit for the presidency. He has become a scary, scary man.

The story on the cross being drown into the dirt was a T for trader.

I thought this was suppose to be a forum on faith. Sen. McCain used the event to mostly push his political views and expound on his experience as a POW. I thought Sen. Obama was very thoughtful in his responses. I, for one, think thoughtfulness in a President is critical. I don't know if Sen. McCain had the questions in advance, but he gave an audience pleasing performance.Sadly, In this day and age,performance trumps substance.

John McCain failed to answer the questions except for a short quip. He demonstrated no complex problem solving ability and relied heavily on his stump speech. Asking and answering his own questions to divert from the questioned asked along with another story. His leadership skills are scary. A vote for McCain is a return to 1960. Our poor international relationships will only be continued and exacerbated, unilateralism will triumph. Pastor Rick could not control the questions for him. That was too bad....

McCain sounded just like George W. Bush. He shoots out answers without any purposeful thinking connected to his answers.

McCain needs to thoughtfully read, "The Purpose Driven Life."

I agree: McCain talked about war, other people, made jokes, and never directly answered a question.

Brian

McCain did not have to look up or even pay attention to the question,
BECAUSE HE ALREADY KNEW WHAT THE QUESTION WOULD BE!

YOU FOLKS SHOULD TRY AGAIN! DO YOU REALIZE THAT WE ARE ON TO YOU? IT IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING THAT A MINISTER WOULD SINK SO LOW AS TO SKEW A QUESTION / ANSWER PERIOD, BUT I GUESS ALL IS FAIR IN ETHICS AND RELIGION!

I think that Obama looked much more presidential in his interaction with the pastor then McCain. Obama listened pastor carefully and responded while McCain made faces and joked around while talking about serious issues. What a contrast. United States needs an eloquent leader and not substandard = Bush and McCain.

This time, Obama dont have any help... he is on his own without tiny "window tv" by his face... he has no idea how to answer quickly from his mind..

He is smooth "talker" without any "walker".

NOBAMA 08

McCain was all war, war and more war. Obama clearly was a humanitarian and cared deeply about the poeple of America and world. McCain scared me because he also told way to many "war stories" and his greatest influence was a general. Obama would help rebuild the United States. McCain could not answer the last question about religious rights around the world and Obama answered it excellently. We lead by example and communication! I listened to David Gergeen and I do feel he was wrong. Obama was right on and I do not like all of McCain's little giggles and he almost looked like he was ready to explode and bang his hands on the table.

Did anyone else notice when John McShame requested to talk more about the Supreme Court – when theoretically – he hadn't been asked any questions about them yet.
What a farce?!
this lying two-faced adulterer knew the questions before hand and used the forum to spout his rehearsed stump speeches!!!

Not once does McCain mention how God inpires him to help others.

Another four years of a self-centered Republican will end this country as we know it.

I believe McCain came across more genuine than Obama... He
answered the questions with more clarity and experience. His personal experiences give us the knowledge of knowing he fully understands what serving is all about and not just giving platitudes.
McCain could give quick clear answers because he knew exactly where he stood on the issues.

After listening to the program tonight I would be very nervous if John McCain were to be elected. His answers were short and to the point and very scary. I realize that he was speaking to a specific audience tonight and that his answers might resonate with some people but I don't want another president who will act first and worry about the consequences later. I've had enough of that over the last 7 years.

I'd be on my game tonite too if I had the questions prior to attending. He gave himself away. This was suppose to be from the heart.

By the way not only is McCain speaking above the current president, but he is also speaking above GOD. McCain does not have the weapons and moral fortitude to defeat evil. If he flips on the issues on this earth, what is he going to do to defeat evil? It was here before he was born and will be here after he is gone. The ultimate defeat of evil wwill be that of the Lords to destroy. Nice try McCain, but the only evil that you can destroy is that within your own temple and even that is a test every day. You need to guard that piece of flannel in your mouth.

The audience was tailor-made for McCain, and he failed miserably at answering one question that was put to him. He did talk about excess spending, but he never once mentioned the nearly trillion dollars that we have dumped nto the Iraqi toilet. And for the Americans who are stupid enough to make up their minds based on wedge issues such as abortion and gay rights, shame on you. The future of America is at stake and you concern yourselves with trivial garbage.

I thought this was suppose to be a forum on faith. Sen. McCain used the event to mostly push his political views and expound on his experience as a POW. I thought Sen. Obama was very thoughtful in his responses. I, for one, think thoughtfulness in a President is critical. I don't know if Sen. McCain had the questions in advance, but he gave an audience pleasing performance.Sadly, In this day and age,performance trumps sustance.

The candidates are both United States senators and should be addressed as such.

McCain = over rehersed, on message even if it didn't really address the question, and reflecting the same unreasoning certainity that led the current adminstration into killing many thousands and spending many trillions on an unjustified war. Why would anyone think this was a great performance?

I enjoyed watching both candidates answer the faith questions we all had of them, both I'm sad McCain took this opportunity to campaign instead of openning up about his faith. I didn't get that from him. I got pandering. You can tell who's faith is important to who. Obama won in that respect. McCain just confirmed why I can not elect him as president.

The tickets were sold to church members only.

Of course the crowd liked him. Evangelical church members favor the Republican candidate.

But you cover his "winning over the audience" like it's a surprise.

Surprise!!!!

McCain=more wars + more misery

mcfraud/mcdrill./mcbush

Bravo! McCain did a tremendous job answering the questions in a clear, direct, and decisive format. Obama side-stepped most questions and did not have real answers for the issues.
I hope America uses this as a platform to see McCain as the true leader America needs and Obama as the indecisive, inexeperienced senator.

McCain '08

Crowley you must be tired. Take a nap.

That is all McCain can talk about. War, war, war....and what happened 40 years ago. He didn't mention that he made 32 propoganda films for the vietcong did he? Stories from some of the POWS who were with him at the time don't make him out to be near as heroic as he likes to make himself out to be.

There is much more going on with our country today other than war.
And his moral issue. A short little mention of his first marriage. The story of that mess is as bad as Edwards. This guys morals are as bad as Edwards.

And I agree with those who felt that McCain knew of the questions in advance. After all, the religious right is totally Republican supporters.

Obama answered the questions concisely, thoughtfully and honestly. McCain pandered to the audience – war, war, war. It was a conservative, evangelical audience who McCain spoke to – suppose to be up his alley.

Obama was willing to have a thoughtful discussion. McCain gave stump speech rhetoric and the same tired stories we've heard over and over. Warren let him get away with it. Obama was honest and McCain pandered to the well to do white Republicans that area of the county is made up of. McCain should have gotten counseling to move on from his war experience instead of using it as a sales tool for political gain the rest of his life. I can't respect that.

Could anyone count the number of times John McCain mentioned his POW experience and Ronald Reagan?! That would make for a great drinking game...

if by on his game you mean reciting the answers that he previously memorized then yes... why isn't anyone talking about how he was answering questions before they were even asked, how suspect is that...

Brian Beddow August 16th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Senator Obama did not answer many of the questions. He refused to answer when he believes life begins. Senator McCain answered questions forcefully and with confidence more attributable to a President of the Free World.
________________________________________________

There is no such thing as a "President of the Free World", idiot.

Question about does Evil exist and if so what should the US do? McCain's answer, "defeat it"!!! Obama's answer, "confront it with humility"

In our quest to defeat eveil Sadam, over 1million Iraqis have died, and over 4000 US military personnel. Perhaps we can be a little more humble in doing so.

It then takes me to another event unfolding in Georgia, with thousands dead and over 100,000 displaced. Or perhaps Darfur with over 300,000 lives lost.

Is McCain ready to defeat Putin's Russia or other leaders that are evil? Or is a leader only evil if OIL is involved?

I think Obama was direct and true in his answers but it seemed as if Mcain was using every question to try to score a political point and the moderator rick waren gave him enough leverage to do it instead of asking him to answers the question directly .

Did John McCain get the questions in advance? Were the questions give to the McCain campaign in advance? many people are saying the questions were leaked to the McCain camapaign before the forum began.

McCain answered the questions before they were asked. He knew the questions in advance. Obama was cheated.

McCain is a joke to the world and I don't see how people could justify the fact the he did so well, he avoided all the question that was asked and kept talking about his military experiences ,he only campaign for that moment McCain if he is such a Christan he would have answer the question better than he did.Obama was straight to the point with most of his question he had a better view point to these question.

Did anyone catch that Mcain talk about judges before the pastor ask the question! John answer before he was ask? I copy it and ran it back!
This was a set up! But we won't talk about this. This was his base voters! Good job John, you inpress your base. WoW!?

He is a War monger. Wow...3 million on bear dna...drop in the bucket compared to what we have wasted in Iraq.
Drill??? How about the oil companies start using the 10 thousand leases they have already and aren't using??? They have closed tons of refineries and do not intend to up production. They are making too much money with the status quo...get a clue Grampy McSame.

I feel really bad about this country – the main points praising McCain emphasized his ability to be succinct and to the point. Anyone who's ever had to solve tough problems and has been a leader knows that there almost is never a right or wrong answer – the right answer lies somewhere in shades of grade.

When did we stop believing the President of the United States should intellectually gifted and have "Bubba" characteristics instead and connect with the common folk – my goodness – our President should be the best of us – not necessarily one of us...

As an Obama supporter, I must say I was very disappointed with his performance tonite. Mccain brought his A game and will certainly win over some independents. Mccain sounded to me like he knew the questions before time. Anyway I am still will be voting for Obama period. Hopefully he learns from this.

Wow look at all you liberals whining about this format tonight. Of course when McCain just nails it and does his best so far all you whining democrats come and out say he had the questions in advance. You just can't give credit where credit is due. John McCain showed tonight why he is the only choice for the President of the United States. He proved over and over again what a true leader he will be and what he stands for. Obama again who are you what do you believe he dodged so many questions because even he doesn't know who he is, there was nothing for him to read from so it proved to be to challenging for him to answer a question honestly because it wasn't already written out for him. God Bless you John McCain. Thanks for your honesty.

These were evangelical christians, of course he did well. Let's put them both in front of a liberal voting group and see McCain be "on his game".

I agree with a number of people here – I don't know what interviews the commentator saw; I have this feeling it must be different from what I have seen. I saw one with a very warm, smart and touching Obama, while I also saw one with a stiff, monotonous and tight lipped McCain. Obama clearly offered the more suitable picture of the next president of our country. I made up my mind tonight. Just one more thing: what does it help when you get your view of abortion confirmed, when the rest of the economy lies in shambles? Just a thought.
So back to the commentators: where's the objectivity? Oh well, I am on CNN here right? Never mind then.

Why the accolades for McCain? He was wooden; he offered practiced answers; he lied; he's a piece of white, privileged trash. He dismissed his "moral failing" as though it was a lesson learned when, in fact, McCain of the 70s is the same McCain today. Rick Warren's performance was truly stilted. He is a renowned figure in his own community, but most of us regard him as just another fat preacher on the religious right. Warren should try to push himself away from the table sooner than is obvious he manages now. Obama deserves all the credit for appearing in a stacked forum.

man the media sure did spin me into believing Rick Warren was somewhat fair and he put a lot of though/balance into the question, furthermore I though he would stick to the "no stumping" part... BOY was I wrong...McCain rarely gave direct answers, the rest of the time he turned to the audience and started with "my friends,....." and stumped away Thats OK though, Obama did okay with the monolith rich, white, right wing republican audience...I enjoyed the shots of the guys in the flag shirts...I'm just not sure how much flag waving will get us out of our problems.

I agree with those who indicate we do not know anything more about McCain's religious beliefs at the end of an hour than when he began talking. He took the opportunity to give a political speech for that hour and showed that he knows what religious conservatives want to hear.

I have nothing to say about this circus....

Who is McCain's "My Friends"? It ain't me. He sounded like he was talking to "his rich, radical evangelical friends." I am a Christian. I am a Democrate. I am an American. I am not rich. I am not McCain's "Good Friends". Rich people don't want to have me as their friend. McCain was not believable. His answers were to "canned". Sounded like Bush.

"America is the riches nation in the world. Why can't I afford to live here" *(1)

*(1) Quoted from the movie Swing Vote

McCain gave a stump speech all night long. All he could talk about was war, war and more war. this is his frame of reference, and I can't believe how Candy Crawley bought into this hipe.

Candy is for anyone other than Obama. It's very obvious in her reporting.

McCain did what Republicans do best... cloud the issue. He used his war stories every chance he could get and i don't see how those stories related to purpose of this forum.

Well he better admit another one tonight,.... all those stories which avoided any concrete answers.

I felt like Obama was having a true conversation with Warren. Obama was insightful and thoughtful in his response to Warren's questions. I could talk to Obama all day.

To me McCain had some wonderful stories about his POW days that we have all heard. But those stories are not enough for me to vote for him. I felt Warren asked the question and then McCain campaigned and was not engaged at all with Warren or the audience. McCain was just giving his regular political talk.

Maybe the audience was more responsive to McCain's responses but that's to be expected.

Of course he was on his game – he's being doing townhall meetings for months – staight talk to the american people.

About his father, a high ranking admiral? More than high ranking – he was the Commander in Chief of ALL naval forces in the Pacific during the Vietnam world. His grandfather was also the CIC of ALL naval forces during WWII. He could have had a free ride, but he chose to do it his way.

McCain – he's the real ONE!

We are voting McCain. Obama without a teleprompter was not cutting it and to much stuttering. He is an empty suit and he proved that tonight.

I was half waiting for McCain to start talking about the big snow storm of '76.

Because, ya know, there is nothing us youngsters like better than stories about the weather from old people.

Sheesh!

-Cupper
==================

" I spent the next three years in a POW camp, forced to subsist on a thin stew made of fish, vegetables, prawns, coconut milk and four kinds of rice. I came close to madness trying to find it here in the States, but they just can't get the spices right." -Principal Skinner

John McCain was on his game, he was irreconcilible on every issue, uncompromising, thuwart, conventional, alienistic, hard, symbol of the old guard, partisan, old politics, old washington, old way of thinking, nonfuturistic in thinking and nonintrusive as usual. But, he wants Americans to believe, he is diplomatic, a communicator, thinker, non-partisan, compromiser, thoughtful and caring

I feel much better about McCain tonight and much less confident in Obama. Obama doesn't know what he believes and he thinks Americas biggest problem is the neglect of the "underpriveleged."

Between this interview tongiht and each candidate's speech following the initial attacks by Russia on Georgia, it is obvious who has the strongest leadership abilities.

Obama wants to continue leading America down the socialist path while McCain seeks to stay true to America's rich heritage.

McCain stumped most of the night. I appreciate is service to the country but that doesn't qualify him to be president. If being a POW was a prerequisite for being president, thousands of people would be qualified.

I believe McCain scored better because so many in this nation don't want nuanced thoughtful answers – makes them think too hard. They want the short, flip pat answers. Thoughtful people want thoughtful answers. If the electorate – not just evangelicals – don't want to think, we're doomed.

McCain to me came off as flip. He defaulted to his stump lines and i agree with one of the posters – enough of the POW stuff.

I was really disappointed in the audience's responses. Obama took his time to think and reflect before answering while John McCain went on and on with War talk while the audience went wild.

Is it just me or are americans just not ready for intelligence and humility in the oval office? How sad...

It is very clear from some of the answers MAOLD gave that the questions were already given to MCOLd for preparation. I am still puzzzled at when MCOLD talked about the Judges "Can we go back to judges question? How doesw he know there are judge question Can someone explain to me. What about the teache question looks like MCOLD already new the answer before Warren asked it.?

Why did Warren allow MCOLD to give the stump speech whereas he said to Obama that he does not want stump answers. Please someone should look at this.

I was completely impressed by Obama. McCain however, did not impress me at all. He wasn't anywhere near as personal as Obama.

Obama has the ability to talk to anyone about anything. It seemed that McCain was too rehearsed, and political.

Obama supporters: Please just be honest with yourselves and admit that he looked like a smooth-talking ROOKIE who isn't ready to make the hard decisions a President needs to make.

McCain showed the experience, track record, and intestinal fortitude needed for the job.

Be honest with yourselves.

why on earth did Obama agree to this? pandering to religious bigots. He's gone down in my estimation.

John McCain "ate" Senator Obama tonight. I am looking forward to the debates in the fall.

The contrast between the two is so obvious that it is a no brainer who is the most presidential of them.

What a different debate would have been if Senator Clinton had been the Democratic nominee....

Today we just saw "Mumbo Jumbo Kumbaya of Hope" defended by Senator Obama vs "Real world politics based on good experience and judgment" defended by Senator McCain.

It's really up to the American voters to decide what they want for their future!

McCain really didn't answer some of the questions and the moderator did a terrible job of sticking to following up and getting ANSWERS. Just one example – McCain was asked to define at what income level does he consider someone "rich."

McCain never answered. Obama said $250,000 and up. McCain said 5 million, but he acted like he was joking. Was he serious? The moderator was terrible. Really needed an experienced journalist for this job.

The Religion version of the ABC Debate

The Fix was in. How many people here believe this was the first time McCann got the questions. And the Pastor seems to allow him to speak freely but prepared to interrupt Senator O answers.

How many more commercial ran with Senator Obama compare to Senator McCain

McCain appeared to get to the Supreme Court question before it was even asked

Why were the questions framed different when Warren promised that they would not be.

Why is Warren asking McCain about the Republic of Georgia, he did not ask Barack these questions?

The Pastor's single intent was to afford McCain a free press while attempting to undermined Senator Obama

Senator Obama you have stop trusting everyone. The Pastor supported Bush Twice so he is clearly a man without good judge of character.

As a former Huckabee supporter, I still don't know who John Mccain is, and I still support Barack Obama.

John McCain was campaigning. He didn't answer one heart felt question, without a normal speech response.

I am an Independent but I just made up my mind tonight.
One candidate pandered and even used the word 'pander'. He also showed the type of rashness, quick temper, and preempting the questions that i don't want anyone who would have access to that 'nuclear button' to have.
The other was thoughtful, smart, and showed that he would listen to other peoples' views, but respectfully disagree.

One was mediocre (like our current president), and the other was sharp (i would want him to represent me)

I also asked myself which one of the two candidates I would rather have as my neighbor?

I am voting for Senator Obama.

I wonder if McCain got the questions beforehand...

It seems to me that McCain's entire message was "look at me I was a POW". While I appreciate his service to our country, this in and of itself does not make him qualified for president. It seemed almost every answer included war, or POW stories. He was clearly campaigning and not answering honestly. Why did he not expound on the question of moral failure? We all know the answer to that. I prefer a president who thinks, gathers information from wise, intelligent counsel before acting. This kind of "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality got us in the mess we are in right now in Iraq.

Finally, a format that was actually watchable without the kindergarten antics. Both candidates came across in an appealing manner. McCain came across as "seasoned" whereas Obama, while likeable and pleasant, woefully inexperienced for the highest office in the land, and quite possibly the world.

This was a forum on FAITH NOT POLITICS, but Senator McCain made it one on politics. Meg Whitman as a HERO???

Senator McCain showed what 26 years in Washington will do to you. Senator Obama did not.

I thought the program was okay.
Senator Obama gave much better and more honest answers. .
Senator McCain answers were well orchestrated and sounded like what "canned laughter" does.

David Gergan and Roland Martin were both on the money about what Obama needs to do to pick it up if he is going to be more powerful in future debates.

Robert I absolutely agree with you. I had a feeling he had the questions ahead of time. And the forum absolutely changed when he sat down. He didn't really answer the questions. He just threw out his campaign stump speeches.

Obama rises to the occasion of the debate between him and McCain.
Tony Perkins???????????????????????????????????? leaves a lot to be desired in his opiniions.

I watched both "interviews" and for some reason, I was left feeling McCain already knew the questions. His hasty answers gave the appearance of being "rehearsed". Although Rick W prefaced many of his questions to Senator Obama by saying "no stump speech please", McCain was allowed to go on and on with the same political rhetoric he gives day in and day out on the stump.
The upside: McCain showed what an egocentric war obsessed man he is.

McCain doesn't fight fair. He got all the questions in advance. No one could be that well prepared to be president. McCain sucks. Pro-lifers suck. All you phoney religious people are phoney people. CNN=Christian News Network. I believe in OBAMA man!!! I'm so depressed about November. (All in good fun libs.)

HANDS DOWN McCAIN !
McCain has the depth and knowledge that is PROFOUNDLY lacking in Obama.....he just doesn't have the experience yet .... P.S. Both candidates knew the areas that would be discussed ... duh !

Obama was very carefull with his answers and McCain always gave the straight answer.

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.

We all need to give the Media an Award, the spinning they did on us into believing the Pastor Rick Warren was a fair and balanced man. Put me in the same boat as Senator Obama, I actually believed it.

There were fairer and balanced questions on the CNN Reglion Form that John McCain was too afraid to show up to.

I am conservative christian but I prefer Obama's response to Mc Cain. McCain deals evil like Bush. Do I want another US president like that? NOPE!!!!

I am really sad that religion is allowed to be one of the litmus tests fr the Presidency of our great nation. I think someones faith should be between themselves and god and should play no role in governing the many.

McCain named he would not have elected the very judges he voted for. Is anyone concerned that he may say the right thing but he does not mean it.

Are we just emotional based? Have we not learned anything from the last election.

Obama whiners, forget about the right wing audience. Every post Forum interview by the journalists gave Mccain the Forum, hands-down. Even David Gergen. Without Obama's teleprompter all we got from him was a bunch of ah..ah...ah... followed by empty rheotic. Winner... McCain. Wait until the debates begin. McCain will show Obama what he truly is...an idiot.

My, my! When the Democrat's candidate gives a poor performance then his supporters get nasty! Shame! Shame!

i watched i listened....now you see why BARRACK does NOT WANT to DEBATE MC CAIN........NO teleprompter......no speech JUST PLAAIN HONESTY......REAL CHANGE deserves real honesty...

What a crock, Candy. McCain never answered any questions; he just hit his talking points from his stump speech. You're supposed to be a journalist, so I'm sure you've heard it before, right?

I'm starting to think they'll let ANYBODY be a reporter at CNN

I think the forum showed a difference in personal dicipline. Obama followed the format while McCain wanted to take it over.

Ditto to Lou R's comments....Warren seemed tired and unable to stick to his own questions in this go-round, letting McCain take over and answer with his prepared "stories".

The CNN reporters will realize that their kudos for McCain came in WAY too early – just as we see David Gergen backing off later in the hour.

The Question was What do you believe to be your greatest moral failure.

It was NOT What do you believe to be your greatest moral failure and
then – Please tell us AMERICA's greatest moral failure!

STUMP MC CAIN. Obama did not fall back on his stump speech, but gave thoughtful, insightful questions. I've heard all McCain's "great war adventures" and I'm sick of them.

I think McCain took this opportunity to energize the Christian right. The only thing they were looking to hear was the abortion question. I am a Christian myself, and what's funny is, Obama actually gave a better answer to the question about faith in Christ. McCain mostly talked about being a POW, fighting terror, wars, etc. I think the pundits are scoring for McCain because he was more in tune with THIS audience. They were Evangelicals, for God's sake!

Obama 2008!

McCain connected. I made up my mind about voting.

Senator McCain really scares me the way he talks about war – like a bully. He must know that there is probably someone on the playground that is just as bad or will do more harm than the U.S. could ever do. The people going over there to fight these wars are from the U.S. are someone's loved one and we don't take it lightly. If there is a possibility of sitting down at the table to discuss things and try to work out something before striking up a war then lets try that.

McCain also sounded very rehearsed in his answers – I guess he pulled a couple of all nighters cramming for it.

It was no lightning round Candy, your analysis is just not on point..

McCain is now starting to change his pow stories again by adding words for political points which confirms my problems with him. He is now trying to change his own pow stories to win votes. This is dishonorable in my view and should be voiced. And it now shows why people are calling him The Manchurian Candidate.

McSame is a war monger! Obama is a peace maker! How many more American lives do you all want to destroy?

Definition of rich $5 million? Come on man!!

By the way on the question about the Supreme Court justices. McCain named every justice that the evangelicals would not want, but yet voted for each and every one of them!!! Did he forget? Or was he pandering.

Response to Open your eyes America, yes I also think that McCain knew the questions before hand.

CNN, Can you please be more fair to Obama? Geesh. McCain is great this great that. Obama is great too!!

McCain's wealth of experience versus Obama's, is profound. It's obvious that Obama just does not have the political depth and insight. I don't need to say anything else.

Brian B, If you had listened more carefully, you would realize that Obama did NOT refuse to answer the question, at what point does life begin. He said he didn't have the devine authority or wisdom to answer that question – meaning NOBODY knows the answer to that question. It's not like it's a religion 101 quiz and there's a right and wrong answer. He meant he doesn't think anyone owns that piece of knowledge, that it's subjective! How refreshing to hear.

Tony Perkins is being hypocritical on his faith and religion that he preaches.

Sorry McCain, we have two boys and I'm afraid if you are elected; hearing your thoughts tonight, you will eventually have them at war regardless if we can make peace, we made up our minds tonight. Obama will think things through and make peace first if possible. Thanks Rick Warren for helping us decide.

Excuse me, but Obama got a standing ovation too. What's up with you people. Is McCain the only one who gets good remarks?

So? Who's Surprised about Senator McCain? Certainly not most American Voters. John McCain is the most solid and true of the two candidates and speaks from his being. Obama is a salesman, and the Obama salesman has no core being. As we know, Obama is an empty shirt.

"War Stories With John McSame" should have been the title of the forum. The guy did not answer any questions except give his canned answers he gives on the campaign trail. The one thing Republicans learned a long time ago, and now McCain is that American people prefer being pandered to over having a real conversation about complex issues in the world.

McSame reminded me of George Bush when asked who his favorite philosopher was, he answered, "Jesus". It is this kind of nonsense pandering that has brought us the last 8 years.

If American people vote for McSame it will mean that they approve of the last 8 years and that will give republicans a mandate to continue what they have been doing the last 8 years.

I think McCain evoked Reagan's name 4 times and even Mother Theresa's.

When Mother Theresa showed Cindy McCain two orphan babies that were going to die, and Cindy brought home one, what happened to the other one? It would have been nice if the pastor had asked a follow up question so the audience could find out the fate of the other baby. It MIGHT be Mrs. McCain could only legally bring home one baby or someone else took the other, but it sounded like she left one to die.

Is that what you call a forum? McCain knows absolutely all the questions before he was asked. What made Pastor Dick very nervous asking the rest of the questions. I'am not a body language expert but I can see that.
All I heard tonight from him was : Vietnam memories, Drill here drill there.
What a horrible answer on persons of trust.

"MY FRIENDS"...John McCain is so predictable in his answers and no offense to your analysis but every question made a turn towards THE war...PAST wars ...FUTURE wars...when he was asked a question about his faith he avoided the question by telling a war story...it was a joke! This is the same voting block that brought us George Bush, I just hope they have learned something over the past eight years.

McCain avoided the questions he actually just gave war stories instead of his sincere feelings on very important issues especially religion. Obama was very open, honest and showed a deep subject matter of what he felt about religion and world issues. I'm so sick of McCain's war stories! Its more of Bush when you see and hear McCain we simply cannot survive 4 years of more wars and dictatorship with McCain.

Both did a great job. It is obvious that McCain will be attractive to the conservative base and his answers seem to be pre-fabricated with constant reference to personal story to affect people's emotion. Obama appeared thoughtfull but not as sharp on some questions. It will always be difficult for democrats/liberal to look sharp on abortion issues. In the end, I thought it is clear why this election will be extremely close... Great candidate with verry different views on how things are and the country should go.

If Senator McCain says once more, "Well, my friends,. . ., " I will get sick.

The man didn't win the contest by any means. He just kept harping about his experiences as a prisoner. Admittedly, his experiences are touching, but do they alone make him the best candidate?

Obama gave thoughtful answers, while McCain just grinned and said the same old thing.

With exception of a few, McCain's answers all led back to war and force, or war stories. Even his solution for religious persecution was to use the BULLY PULPIT. I think he his suffering from serious Vietnam era PTSD.

I think the polls are going to shift for McCain very soon.

Sadly, I'm uninspired by both of these candidates. I cannot in good moral conscience support either of them in the upcoming presidential election. For the first time in 30 years I will not be voting. Where have all the leaders and men of character gone?

This event sure showed the differnce between the men and the boys.
McCain 08

I made up my mind tonight. Obama was thoughtful, Mccain recited sound bites. He was George Bush all over again. One undecided voter in Virginia for Obama!

I disagree with Crowley's analysis J. McCain came across as distant and ineffective. Many of the people in this forum hit it on the head... he was focused on war and I saw that gleam in his eyes when he talked about defeating "evil". Obama is thoughful and take his time to answer not firing answers without listenning. Example: reponse he made in reference to "evil" ; Obama caution against our ego when confronting evil. McCain wants to go to war and defeat evil. McCain is dangerous for America's security because war is not always the answer. My hope is people are taking notes and making thouthful and intelligent decisions not ones based on emotions or a sense of false bravado. We have to leave the world intact for our children and grand-children.

McCain did not answer the questions!!!!......What he did was to talk about war and war stories.We need a president who can address a wide range of issues...not just about wars.We need someone who will be able to think through situations ..We do not want story tellers.

Obama was clearly the better tonight..

McCain nailed the evening....Looked more presidential and knowledgeable and secure...Obama is really going to give the Democratic party a hear attack and think about turning to Hillary..... Obama can't work without a teleprompter. He is the teleprompter candidate!

Did John McShame say you have to own $5 million to be considered rich?....well, ONLY IN JOHN McSenile america!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To Brian Beddow: The American President is NOT THE PRESIDENT OF THE FREE WORLD!!!!! Please understand: HE IS NOT!!!!
(that's why the whole world dislike Americans....!!!!)

Alright, I watched the forum all through and I believe I have every right to put my comments.
Senator Obama gave great and thoughtful answers to the question. His answers are remarkable and identify with the thoughts and imaginations of American people. But, there was a huge problem with the presentation. I was desperately looking for Barack Obama of those public meetings where he would compel thunder applauses. Where had he gone? I was counting every applause and standing ovation he received. Where had his charisma disappeared?
On the other h and, Senator McCain appeared more appealing and seemed to have command over the stage. I don't want to know what Republican conspiracy went into play, but his presentation was definitely winning. Of course, it looked like a rote presentation, but who cares? It is all about the show.

I agree with Lou. McCain pandered BIG TIME......If he is elected say goodbye to women's rights....I liked him because I thought he was going to be an independent thinker.

He keeps saying "My Friends"....I lost count at 24......I am not his friend. Just someone I thought I was going to vote for.

It did sound like a McCain campaign stump speech with all the stories. Obama sounded much more thoughtful.

I changed my mind tonight. I am exchanging my McCain button for an Obama sign.

Ratgurl August 16th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

It's easy for McCain to be on his game when he's fed the answers prior to being asked the questions. He answered many of them before the Rev. even finished asking. And he told WAR STORIES! This was supposed to be a Q&A. All McCain did was stump.

I'm glad somebody else notice this beside me.

Every question he interjected war into the answer. Nothing on his real faith.

This man will have us in war with ever country.

McCain sounded alittle to much rehearsed tonight as if he was given the questions in advance.He sounded as if he was giving a stump speech.To much talk about his time as a pow.

Had to laugh at Obama's answer on when life begins. "That's above my pay grade" was as good as his "Present" votes in the Illinois Senate. Absolutely no leadership skills or willingness to take a stand, he is too weak and inexperienced to be POTUS and he showed it tonight

This was a clear contrast between a brilliant, thoughtful, and genuine human being, Barack Obama, and a rehearsed, trying to be humorous McCain who used every opportunity to tell a war story and to repeat his stump speech over and over again.

While Rick Warren's questions were thoughtful and real..he allowed McCain to take over with very rehearsed politics...
It really made me sick.

Yet again the obama supporters will come out and try to explain away Obama's lackluster performance. I am sure they will say it was Hillary and Bill's fault that McCain did better than him tonight.

Is anyone going to address the fact that David Brody used a racial slur when interviewing Barack Obama? Brody said, "let's call a spade a spade." I was shocked – I can't believe CNN aired that.

McCain did do well, with older people and come across a little too military for the young.

I am very thankful to Pastor Rick Warren , of Saddleback Church for presenting the Civil Forum for both both Presidential Candidates to share thier views, faith, fears, politics and concerns for America and our relationship to other Countries in the world. Both candidates expressed clearly their faith in a Divine God, a God, who is all over all in this world. I believe either candidate if elected to become President of these grate United States will reply on their faith in God, to lead them as they lead the Country towards more civility for all mankind.
May God bless both Senator McCain and his family and Senator Obama and his family and may God continue to bless. Rick Warren and his family.

Please, someone, explain this to me because I seriously don't get it. John McCain's repeats the same antecdotes over and over, and sometimes it seems like he uses them to avoid answering questions. No one will listen to a POW story and challenge him that he didn't answer the question because it would come across as disrespectful. Sometimes the questions seem less like answers than they do like shields.

Good for Rick Warren for pulling this forum together, though. I don't expect it to change too many minds, but I'm still hopeful that eventually evangelicals will begin breaking free from the mind grip of conservatism. I'm starting to see some cracks that let the light in.

Proofreader alert:

"McCain was on his game, doing better than I thought he would, given that faith is not his most favorite subject to discuss in public. And in fact, it does seem that the crowd is greeting him every bit as warmly as they did McCain." That would be "as they did Obama," no?

And yes, McCain certainly knew the questions beforehand, no doubt. And boy, did they rehearse him well (though spouting "a union between one man and one woman" proved difficult).

With Obama questions are answered, and I am not left wondering if he did or not like with McCain.

McCain was just OK. Once again I think he spent too much time on War Stories. He really loses me with his ego centered anecdotes. I just have a problem relating to him.
I thought some of the questions that were asked were kind of silly.

At his point I fell I am leaning more toward voting for Obama he always seems more on point when answering questions.

My Friends, Where was John McCain's Flag Pin tonight??

Obama studdered his way through another bunch of good point blank questions. He didn't bluff his way out with this group.

John McCain is deceitful. He couldn't tell us in what way was his 1st marriage a moral failure?
Senator McCain used the forum for political AD instead of using it as an opportunity to define himself as an individual of faith.

It's funny how all of you Obama supporters are so quick to say McCain is a warmonger by saying "cute" little lines like her was on his "wargame" tonight. Do you people actually know who Obama's foreign policy advisor is? HAHA it's Zbigniew Brzezinski hmmm wh o is he? Well he is actually known for his hawkish foreing policy! Might wanna do a lil research on Zbigniew Brzezinski before thinking Obama is all anti war and rainbows.

Candy Crowley, Are You In Bed With Sen. McCain. Very Bias Reporting.

Obama 08

Pastor Warren said several times to Obama that he didn't want to hear his stump speech, but he let McCain repeat parts of his stump speech over and over. How many times have we heard the story of the soldier making a cross with his foot? All of these commentators keep saying what a great job McCain did, but it seemed to me like he was just repeating much of what we've already heard. I don't want another belligerent President.

I thought Obama's answers were much more thoughtful and considered. I want a president who thinks things through before he acts.

McCain's answers were speechy, planned out, one-line audience pleasers. He reduced everything to a sound-byte. Obama may not have had the precise sound-bytes, but his answers were thoughtful, as if he recognizes that there is a lot at stake in all of these issues and that the gray areas deserve to be explored.

Thank you Bruce, I agree with you, I got the same impression that McCain had all the questions and heard Obama's answers as well.

Barack has no chance with the religious right! As I've said, I live in Orange County and it doesn't get much "whiter" and much more conservative than here.

Of course I'm sure Kentucky, Mississippi, West Va. will probably not even have Barack on the ballot in those states. No of those people would vote for an African American. I've lived here for over 35 yrs. and its apparent – 1) John McCain must have known the question 2) An African American has no chance in this county

HONESTLY OBAMA IS MORE DOWN TO EARTH PERSON AND VERY SINCERE.HE LISTENS AND THEN ANSWERS.JOHN ACTED LIKE HE WAS IN A PLAY AND GOT BORING WITH HIS POW STORIES.WE DO NOT NEED AN ACTOR AS PRESIDENT WE NEED A REAL MAN AND THAT MY FRIENDS IS BARACK OBAMA.PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP AND REALIZE THAT THE BEST CHOICE AND THE BEST PERSON FOR THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF IS OBAMA.LOVE YOU OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where is the outrage about this political endeavor being held in a church??

Candy Crowley, Are You In Bed With Sen. McCain.

Obama 08

McCain hands down! He answered without hesitation. Without his teleprompter Obama just stutters and stammers.

Brian,

I agree with you. This is how a President should talk as Mc Cain, sure of himself and his answers. Obama on the other hand dodged questions, with his uh,ah, oh ,comes across as a weakling and inexperienced. If this is just a forum and Obama did so bad, Mc Cain is going to eat him alive in a debate!! Thank you Howard Dean and the DNC for annoiting Obama, you sure know how to pick a looser!!! There still time to put Hillary as VP or she should be the Presidential candidate because with NOBAMA we are going NOWHERE!!!

So let's see... Senator McCain gets teary eyed and is supported, while Hillary Clinton gets teary eyed and is seen as weak?

Oh... How I love the hypocrisy!

I thought Obama thought carefully about each question and answered it honestly and from his own heart. McCain gave the audience what he thought they wanted. He also gave stump speeches. Obama came across as real and honest. McCain came across as a politician. Obama quoted scripture and defined himeself as someone who has attended church a lot. McCain did not do this. He quoted only issues that he must think the evangelical people want to hear. I sincerely hope that the viewers will be able to see which one really has the deeper faith and who really cares about the American people as Obama does. Obama might have lost some votes but he came across as a very real, caring person and not a politician tonight. He also came across as very bright and well educated. He is someone who can hold his own in the entire world. McCain can only hold his own in a military society.

McCain was on his "WAR GAME" tonight.

These political analysts are a waste of space. McCain practically regurgitated his stump speech and they say it's a win for McCain. Why do these people get paid for this?

all he talked about was war

I think that Barack Obama answered the questions as he was asked to do, not addressing the audience as if he were on a political stage, my friends!
McCain is scary to me because he only knows war, military issues, and can repeat his "war prison stories" over and over.
Obama 2008

McCain has Obama beat in this forum.

Will it make a difference in the polls? Probably not.

I don't think anything will change dramatically until they are on the stage debating at the same time.

Bruce B.. You are soo right...,, however Mccain had days if not weeks to study these questions...No way could he have remembered the questions in that short time frame. Boy he was "quick as a silver lightning bolt tonight, " MY FRIENDS"... The Republicans are toooo much....

I'm going to try to ask the question here I asked in an earlier part of the blog but it didn't appear?

Is my memory correct or did a similar story of the soldier and the cross that McCain recounted as his own story, appear in James Clavell's novel "Shogun"?

Does anyone remember "Separation of Church and State"?

I strongly feel that if religious leaders and churches get this invloved in ploitics, let's take away that tax-exempt status......now that would help the deficit.

Religion has its place....and it sure isn't in politics.

I love my church, but when politics come into conversation there it ruins the true meaning because most of the conversations are so divisive.

You are correct though when you say the Religious Right panders to the Republicans!!!!!!!!!

During the introduction, Warren stated that this was to be a discussion and not a series of stump speeches. John McCain ignored those rules and answered the questions with a dozen well rehearsed excerpts from his stump speeches, while Barack Obama engaged in the discussion that was asked for. Shame on Rick Warren.

The liberals in this blog seem a bit concerned that for the first time McCain out performed the Great One. Could it be that McCain is starting to cause the Great One some angst?

Where is Mccain's faith?
answer: in big guns.

I THINK IT`S A SHAME THAT MCCAIN USE HIS WAR STORIES TO PLAY ON PEOPLE MIND OF FEELING SORRY FOR HIM. HE DIDNT ANSWER MANY QUESTION BECAUSE ALL HE TALK ABOUT IS WAR LIKE HE IS HOLDING SOME KIND OF GRUDGE THERE. HE CAME ACROSS TO ME LIKE HE`S PLANNING ON GETTING BACK AT THE CHINA IF HE BECOMES PRESIDENT AN THE WORLD SHOW DONT NEED THAT, THAT`S WHY IM CHANGEING MY MIND ON VOTEING REPUBLICAN BECAUSE THIS MAN IS VERY ANGRY AND AMERICA DONT NEED ANOTHER WAR.