CNN

That sounds about right for Schnider who is an avid Obama supporter. Obama had to answer the questions without waiting for someone else to answer them like hillary did during the primaries and then Obama agreeing and adding a one line sentence. Obama was on his own and without his telepropter was lost and as usual showed his great speech abilities that the liberal press wants to compare with John Kennedy. Like uh, uh, ah, uh, uh, uh.

It wasn't a debate, that's for sure.

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

OBAMA DID VERY WELL CONSIDERING THE COMPANY HE WAS IN.

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

For about half of Obama's questions, by the time he finished answering them I had no idea what he was talking about.

Now we know what this is really about America!!!!

This is a battle of "generations" of century proportion.

The 20th Century vs the 21st Century

Visually and both in content and tone – you have a clash of generations.

The NEW vs OLD

Let's have another debate

To me the most interesting aspect to this forum was how much BETTER it was than the typical "debate." It's too bad that, once the two candidates are on the same stage, we'll probably be subjected to the usual network news pablum and inane questions - with a healthy side helping of distortions and attacks from the candidates.

That was no DEBATE...It was a Church Social! When are we going to see LOU DOBBS host a Debate??????

you could really tell obama had no teleprompter ah eh er blaming his failings as a teenager on the fact that is father left home when he was very young and implying he had no father image to give him guiddance. like he lived with his now important in his life but was barely mentioned before war heroes and veterans a la McCain came in the picture grandfather, from the time he was two, till he was six. then lived with his stepfather till he was ten and then back to his grandfather. again his short comings are someone else's fault .

McCain was clear and to the point, Obama rambled and avoided the questions,McCain's answers revealed his depth and experience, but Obama was very misleading. On campaign finance, Obama barely helped McCain at all, in fact he just went back to his party position and McCain had to send him an angry letter in response. On the Iraq war, Obama wasnt even in the US senate then, remember he isnt even done his first term in office. His opposition to the war didnt take courage, he was representing a liberal democratic city at the time in a blue state...wow takes a lot of courage to oppose Bush policies in Chicago..lol

Reading the other "articles" on the CNN ticker - I am amazed at CNN's love for McCain. Although they were once accused of being "in love" with Obama, they always found something to say negative about him. However, on their analysis of the forum, they can only gush about McCain and never address the elephant in the room - why does McCain's consistently talking about his POW experience make him a good candidate for President? And while he's talking about the experience, people are moved, and failing to realize that McCain never answered the question.

Obambi was not sure of his self, he was not even convince what he was saying – his inexperience was quite obvious.

Yep old obama is nimble alright. He can jump from one side of the issue to get on the other side quick quick quick....after all folks this is a guy of change...changing what mind he has to gain votes.

Amazing the different perspectives on the posts! I'd say that the forum did nothing in changing anyone's minds -- those who said McCain was great, already are voting for McCain. those who said Obama was great, already are voting for Obama. I would like to hear the views of true non-committed voters.

anybody with any intelligence could clearly see who was on top of their game.though both took advantage to press a few of their favorite points, McCain clearly came off as ready with precise answers, where obama eh-ed and ah-ed and went on and on about diddly not willing to commit to any direct questions, which is what he always does .then when he sees the public endorsing his opponents point of view, he come back with a press conference and gives you his it as been my position from the beginning rhetoric. CNN will of course spend the day showing us all the obama highlights and if you are at all lucky and a McCain supporter you might get a couple of not to complimentary minutes of McCain

To Bill Schneider: You've written a very good summary report here.

To Sue Marie, MI August 16th, 2008 10:00 pm ET : I agree with your evry good overall observations.

John McCain exhibits signs of PTSD. I am sorry but he seem like he has alot of hate for others in his heart, Jesus said love God first and neighbor as yourself.

While Obama tried to give thoughtful and responsive answers to the questions being asked by Rev. Warren, McCain was pandering to the religious group who hosted this forum. His answers were so quick that one could almost beleive he had been given the questions beforehand. He certainly seemed ready with quips and comments before the questions were completely spoken.

From reading the comments most people watch with a closed mind. This as an excellant forum to get to know what the canidates really think about issues that are important to all americans.

What I learned from Obama is that while he cliams to be a Christian he doesn't follow the teachings and commands that Jesus gave all Christians. God says life begins at conception (I knew you before you were even born). So if you are a Christian and obey our Lord Jesus you have to be pro-life. Killing a fetus (unborn baby) regardless how it's done (abortion, knife through stomach, drunk driver, etc.) is murder.

If you are a true deciple of Jesus there is no way you can vote for a pro-choice canidate.

What I do agree with Obama and I've said this for years, we need to work together to eliminate the need for an abortion.

McCain tought that this debate was based on WAR, He still doesn't get it.

You can tell a lot about the two Senators by where their eyes were. Obama's eyes were on Warren, he was having a spiritual conversation. McCain's eyes were on the audience, he was trying his best to say what people wanted to hear.

HERE WE GO AGAIN..OBAMA SUPPORTERS MAKING EXCUSES AGAIN FOR OBAMA> LETS FACE IT, MCCAIN WHIPPED HIS BUTT>

I watched the entire debate/coversation/storytelling but also watched Rick Warren interviews before last night. If my mind serves correctly, Rick said they would be asked the same questions and they didn't know beforehand. I saw McCain "rehearsing" his answers (with a little emotion to boot). Obama THOUGHT about his responses, leaning on his faith as a measure of his answer. We can all tell stories that relate to the question, but dang it answer the question!! As a Christian Democrat, I am pro choice but against abortion for me! When I stand in front of the Lord, He's going to ask me about MY sins not the sins of others. If I choose to abort, "I" have to answer for that. Not John McCan't or Obama or the government who legalizes it.

Obama, you have supporters who saw this an opportunity for you talk about your faith as it relates to your policies or views. You did great!

McCain, we all now know where you stand as far as your faith is concerned. Oh yeah, you didn't anwer the question!!! If the last time you had an experience with God was in Vietnam, apparently you haven't checked in with Him enough.

Voting for Barack in November!

You know, I had the feeling that McCain knew the questions and had the answers all ready. I also believe that he was allowed to stump right through the hour, whereas I remember the Pastor asking Obama not to.

When McCain uses the term "my friends" it makes me cringe. It sounds so tacky.

The analysis afterward was even more sickening (if you can believe it) than the actual forum. They all agreed that McCain is going to be a tougher opponent than anyone thought and that Obama was too "nuanced."

Translation: McCain was simplistic. He is even better at bamboozling the boobs than anyone anticipated. Obama was intelligent. His answers were thoughtful and in-depth. Stupid people won't understand him. They'll vote for McBush. Again. They are incapable of learning from past mistakes as they proved in 2004.

The format would be good if the questions weren't insipid. Does evil exist? When do human rights begin? How about real questions about real concerns facing America that can't be answered in a formulaic soundbite? (Are the people we bomb human and therefore deserving of life? Bomb, bomb, bomb. Bomb, bomb Iran.)

Maybe next time the Brights or the ACLU could hold a forum for the people in the USA with a brain.

“When fascism comes to America, it’ll be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross” — Sinclair Lewis

That is why I hate politics and the media. Let me start off by saying I have been a HRC supporter and I am independent. Now to this forum, everyone is saying oh McCain was on his game, Obama should have been more straight forward. That is so much crock. Even CNN analysts said that and it disappointed me. Do you guys and gals know how easy it is to say No to abortion and difficult to say Yes to abortion. Come on, open your eyes, what else does someone have to expantiate on if he says he does not agree with abortion. On the other hand, I am sorry, too many layers to saying u are pro choice, those on this side of the line know that it takes thought, like when is it right and when it is not. Geez, we are not sheep. It is easier to say No, to every moral question and not have to explain than to have a thoughtful yes and why. I do not care for McCain or Obama and can we vote already.

John McCain is still in Viet Nam.. ALL he refers to and talks about is war.It is so boring it is as though his whole fiber is made up from agreession."No one has the right to take thousands of American lives" in reference to Osama Bin Laden..true but what about all the thousands upon thousands if innocent Iraqi's lives taken on this foolish Iraq war??? What about the 4, 148 American troops lost ..is that Okay John??
His time has come and gone.. and this "my friends stuff" made me turn off the program.."my friends ..my Lord give me strength." I didn't see or feel one thing that would make me believe he is a man of strong faith.
Obama was fabulous engaging and honest.

The forum was great... the theme was dead wrong. Tying religion to politics like this is a recipe for disaster (as our founding fathers were well-aware) and I can't believe more people aren't grasping that.

McCain came across as a leader with depth and experience.
McCain is the REAL DEAL.

By the way, Obama did NOT vote against the Iraq war and he is fibbing about his "most gut-wrenching decision." It was not a decision Obama had to make. He had no vote and made no decision.

In fact, Obama, when asked how he would have voted, said he DID NOT KNOW. This is proven in news clips.

Obama: poseur

And he quickly change the subject. The reason it failed is because he cheated on his wife with Cindy.

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

I thought this was supposed to give us a look into the way a candidate thinks. It started off great. Obama answered every question thoughtfully, personally and gave you a good idea how he thinks. Rick Warrens controlled the conversation and told him not to answer with his stump speech, and cut him short a few times. Anxious to get to the next question.

Then McCain came on stage and he didn`t answer half the questions or answered with a short answer and went off on a tangent and told stories. His answers sounded rehersed and definitely like his stump speech. He even told the same tired old jokes. Pastor Warrens just let him say and do whatever he wanted and never even called him on not answering something or giving his stump speech. So much for fair and unbiased. He also Asked McCain 2 questions on Security that he didi not ask Obama. McCain was pandering to the audience and it was definitely a conservative audience.

The difference in style and thinking were striking. Obama has a more global, intelligent way of thinking and McCain was all about war and every thought referenced this .

I felt I learned more about Obama and nothing new about Mcain.

Good debate and this is the way to do it! Question candidates separately and get answers! Both did a good job and too bad we cannot have more of these before the election.

John McCain was so scripted.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...Did he already know the questions?

McCain is more or the same.....the SAME policies that have us barely making ends meets.....the SAME policies that rushed into an unnecessary war.....the SAME policies that have failed us during his over 25+ years in government.

We don't need sound bites...we need solutions.

McCain only spoke war.He sucked.Obviously memorized.Anybody could see that.I agree now with the guy on CNN that called him a warmonger and it was proven tonight.

I watched both candidates with an open mind. Obama answered the questions, did not try and sell himself like an old shoe. I was very disappointed that McCain, like his GOP Predecessors before him, tried to scare the American people with 9/11 references AlQueda etc. but the sad thing is that many people will still fall for this rhetoric, so I guess let the brainwashing continue.... but not to this one time republican. never again..... I made my mind up tonight.

Obama answered like a true Christian. McCain told them what they wanted to hear and then told POW stories we have all heard 100 times already. None of them gave us insights into McCain's personal philosophy about faith. He told jokes and got all blood thirsty. I thought McCain's and Obama's answer on Evil was the most telling of the night. McCain gave a 100% Bush answer. Blind to the sneaky evil and corruption that can worm its way into righteous vengeance.
You could tell Rev. Warren took note of that too.

Also McCain spoke of the 'Tear down this Wall' speech. Well that speech was one of hope. It spoke of hope through out it. It spoke of being open and working for peace. It did not call Russia names. It reached out to them in a way Mccain never would.
McCain is no Ronald Reagan.

I fail to understand the Cnn pundits after the debate...claiming that obama was wordy and not succinct while mccain was decisive with quick answers....i must have witnessed a different debate...either that or my job is not at stake.

We just had a fake cowboy president with one word decisive slogan answers...and we saw where that got us...a trillion dollar war, a faltering economy, and poor moral here and abroad...

This world is simple only to children and simpletons...these are tough problems and will take complex solutions. A nuanced multi- faceted answer by Obama is far closer to a solution then the folksy, good ole boy, dumbed down responses of Mccain.

I feel sorry for John McCain. He reminds me of my grandfather who always reminesed about the past. The great old days. His story telling disarmed the crowd and allowed him to dodge the questions that were directed to him. Yes, it's sad what he went through as a POW. We feel sad for all of our brave men and women who have been POWS. It's also sad that he continues to dwell on this and our sympathies about being a POW. We do need a President who looks into the future and does not speak of war in every sentence.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT JOHN MCCAIN TO DO ON HIS STUMP SPEACHES?? He talks about the issues! Warren's questions were issues. UNLIKE OBAMA, HIS ANSWERS ARE THE SAME NO MATTER WHAT AUDIENCE HE IS IN FROM. Boy, the Obama kool-aid is strong tonight!

How do you get points for having a two word answer on your philosophy as to how to handle "evil" in the world?

Don't you people realize that when John McCain says he's going to "defeat it [evil]" that that is the depth of thought he REALLY DOES APPLY to spending this countries money and soldiers lives, and allies good will?

He's demonstrated this over and over and he proved it again this week shooting off his mouth on topics that inched us closer to World War III.

How in blazes does he get points for brevity on that?

If you are going to keep Roland Martin then you should hire Rush Limbaugh. Roland is way too bias and needs to go. Also, try using some white folks to support Obama...I know he has some. CNN is not helping us keep race out of this election.

The forum displayed the stark contrast in candidates! From Sen. McCain we got straight answers with reflections from experience. With Sen. Obama we got philosophical political pandering. I was truly surprised with Sen.Obama's shallowness, in response to direct questioning and noted an uncomfortable presence in his delivery.

If all you brilliant strategist couldn't see that this forum was rehearsed to benefit McCain, then I have lost confidence in your analytical abilities.

I don't know why CNN would think this was a great debate without the debate this was purely conservative issues and territory. Incase CNN didn't notice were not all republicans and no I didn't think it was great because it didn't answer any questions I'm concerned about.

I think McCain did so much better than Obama in his response to questions...he was easy to understand, to the point, and he turned his attention to our current crisis in Georgia, & Iraq, and his answer to evil:
DEFEAT.....DEFEAT. He brought it home: Radical Islamic Extremism.

He was honest about his life, his career, and where he stands on the issues. I liked that he brought up Katrina (Obama did not), and off shore drilling.........big applause for him talking more about women too.

Our BEST Days are Ahead of Us

It was clear that McCain was rehearsed and asked questions before they were asked. I feel that this Forum was a joke and another Republican dirty tricks. It not only insulted the American people's intelligence, but shows to what extent the Republicans will go in order to win. Again, McCain was fed the answers !

How many times did McCain use the word "Reagan"? He can't seem to talk about HIS OWN views but constantly seems to be inserting someone else's comments or lines. This man is not a thinker and does not enjoy answering the questions. Again and again, McCain kept getting off the topic.

I thought the forum was good. i would like to see the candidates alternate answering between topics. Obama answer 5 questions then McCain answer 5 and switch. I also think that McCain's answers seemed very rehersed. At one point he asked "I hope we get to talk more about the supreme court justices later on." I just thought how did he get to that topic out of nowhere. I did enjoy it and it really did show their differences. I wouldn't say one was better then the other because each had a different style. Obama gave a more interview style and answered the questions back to Rick Warren but then McCain spoke directly to the audience and seemed like he was at one of his town hall meetings. Both were effective in my view but it wasnt a town hall meeting rather then a interview type forum like it was addressed in the beginning. You really can't say who answered the questions better. McCain was addressing those conservatives who he has trouble appealing to. He seemed to saw what he thought they wanted to hear. I am from Arizona and have seen the many sides of McCain and this is one of many. Obama seemed to say how he felt on the issues. In my opinion Obama did better because i am Pro-choice yet i am not pro-abortion. I feel its the right of the individual and i am not to say someone should or shouldn't have one yet i dont feel abortion should be used as a contraceptive. I think Obama answered they question as to how i feel. Its not about stopping abortion or orphans, its about fixing the problem that caused mothers to give up there children in the first place. It just depends on what your view point is as to who did better and i think both did a great job addressing their beliefs.

Mccain had the questions before

Let's try to remember, not every navy pilot that went to Vietnam got shot down, and not every pilot that got shot down signed a statement renouncing America!!!!!!!!

if everyone in these threads did their own objective poll, toss out the messages that seem copied and pasted, and took stats on the rest, the overwhelming sentiment is Obama was genuine and McCain is stuck in war mode.

I don't want a President who at 3am hears the phone ring and lobs a grenade.

I would rather see the intelligent guy take the call.

This economy needs a lot of thinking, and collaborative effort to bring change.

Go Obama.

The questions were all lobbed-in softballs! They had them far in advance of the show.

Obama talked from the heart... and McCain told 'Nam stories and regurgitated GOP talking points. I can't wait to see how they do with fast-pitched hardball questions... ones that McCain can't turn into POW stories or use GOP talking points.

It's obvious Obama was the smarter person tonight. WAKE UP, AMERICA... VOTE SMART, NOT IGNORANT!!

Having watched McCain answer almost every question with some sort of story about what has happened to him in the past I wonder if he is living his life in the past.
He also appeared so narrow minded that he reminded of the unyielding Bush. I was not impressed with his "my way or the highway" answers at all.

If not elected president, Senator McCain can open a psychic hotline. He appeared to know the answers prior to the several of the questions completion.

Mcain knew the questions before the session began...make no mistake about it...his answers came too quickly...as if someone who had a cheat sheet.

McCain cheated on his wife. He will not get my vote.

I thought I stepped back into the 80's when I heard McCain answer questions. McCain answered in conservative slogans which were pandering to a fading generation. He spoke of the past and not of the future. I felt like an old grandfather was telling stories about his glory days and he wasn't obligated to answer the question. Old age has made him stubborn and grumpy.

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

Of course it was without the debate, Obama is afraid to debate, without his prompter to tell him what to say, he is lost.

I wonder if Bill Ayers was in the audience?

People who were impressed this evening by McCain's simple and forthright manner, and who were put off by Obama's careful and nuanced responses, want the world to be much simpler than it is. McCain's stories about his captivity may be interesting and moving, but they don't add up to Commander-in-Chief competency for him–Gen. Wesley Clark was right about that. And while McCain's simplistic approach to world affairs might make some people feel all cozy and nostalgic for a simpler time, this ain't it, and we need someone who can think as carefully, subtly, and strategically as Obama. John Wayne and blazing pistols we DON'T need.

Ums and ahs are fillers that people use to give themselves time to think before they answer; pretty much what we all need to do, what the president needed to do before getting us into the war that now has my husband away from his family. Obama clearly thought about the questions before he responded which was unlike the "shooting from the hip" which charaterizes Mccain's approach. What is that famous addage, "think before you talk, look before you leap". Um, ah, I think we get the picture, and I stress the word THINK, which we all need to do before leaping to put Mccain in the white house.

McCain is a mess, he did not respect that his was an interview and not a debate. He should be addressing the questions directly to Mr. Warren but instead he gave a stomp speech through out all of the interview. We still do not know what this man stands for and if these christtian said they know is because they are bias. If they are voting for Mcaain because he said he is against abortion, they are hypocrites. Abortion is killing of an innocent baby. But how is that different from killing innocent babies, children, people in a war that should not have been waged? War is Ugly. McCain loves war but
is against Abortion. McCain is no Christain either. He knows nothing about God, the Bible, the Church. He is an hypocrite and the Christians are buying his lies and will vote for him instead of the man who is a real Christain. How narrow minded and selfish can we as Christain be. We must search our hearts and pray to God to reveal which one of these 2 men and the reall deal.

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

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

Obama 08

Maybe the reason it looks like McCain had the questions before hand is because he has actually thought through all these questions before. All the people who think McCain forgets stuff because of his age maybe should think about how age gives a person time to actually reflect on life. Oh yeah, and there's that little bit about 20+ years in the senate. Right, I forgot about that difference between Obama and McCain. Experience and actually knowing issues.

Iran has its zealots and so does the U.S.A. We are in deep trouble if another Republican gets elected.They want to come in your house and dictate all you do or say.

While I agree that at times it would have been informative to follow-up on answers (or evasions), I can see at least two reasons why it wasn't done tonight: 1) time and question management; 2) perceived fairness in how much follow-up questions are asked of each candidate.
Furthermore, I prefer the fact that Rick Warren chose to act as a facilitator. We are left to see for ourselves how well each candidate answered the questions and their choices on how much detail and nuance to include in their answer.
Most importantly, the stated goal to have civility in discussing issues was achieved. Like others in this forum, I have learned more about both candidates from what they said, as well as from what they did not say.

I thought the forum was about faith and politics & the candidates world view on this issue. Obama tried to play by the rules and McCain threw out the rules and played by his own.

He was political all the way and gave political speech after poltical speech. Even when Rick Warren said "no stump speeches".

I think we Americans are getting tired of the way Obama is being treated by the media and these so-called unbiased forums.

I think tonight we saw a clear differences in not only how they would handle moral and faith based issues, but how the candidates would handle foreign policy issue. Tonight I saw sitting next to Rick Warren A WAR MONGER IN JOHN MCCAIN. I counted a possibilty of war on four different fronts with Senator Mccain. We barely have enough troops to fight one. It seems like a draft is headed with this man, not to mention nuclear war.

P.S. Did anyone find it funny that John Mccain claimed that he would cut taxes by 7000$! however left the possibility to war on four different fronts. How are you going to pay for his Senator? Because 'm not leaving this debt to my kids

RICK WARREN.

YOU ARE TOTALLY DISGUSTING!

I WAS OOKING FORWARD TO AN HONEST SEMI DEBATE, BUT YOU SHOWED US IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT YOU WERE THINKING ABOUT SOMETHING VERY VERY DIFFERENT

McCain actually admitted to pandering. I think I had just had it with him. I was actually questioning when Rick Warren would stop McCain from campaigning to the audience and actually answer the questions. All I heard was POW stories, war, Reagan, and tidbits about Al Qaeda and other fear soundbites.

I had a feeling in my gut that McCain would get the questions beforehand and, based on his very quick responses, I believe that he did indeed. Oh well.

Telling bed time scarry stories. Educate the public regarding the real evil in the world. Candy Crowly- very very disappointed in your article.
Rev.Warren- you couldn't control McCain when he is stumping, calling audiences my friends. i didn't want to hear another McCain speech.
I was inspired by Obama's speech. This type of speech the world wants to hear.

Poor Obama didn't have much to contribute in terms of working across the aisle, or abortion...! He did equivocate, stall and become evasive at times. Obama is not the guy you want answering the phone at 3 AM.

McCain gave us a picture of authentic faith lived out in his experience. He is very straight forward and decisive! He doesn't have to parse his words or eat up the clock with trivia!

McCain 08!

I'm writing because I feel several of the pundits on CNN missed what we at home saw in this forum tonight.

Barack Obama was having a conversation as was the focus of the forum. He truly answered the questions sharing himself and his faith. As a progressive Christian I appreciated his answers -Obama rocked!

John McCain was giving a stump speech definitely PANDERING to the mostly conservative crowd!

In effort not to repeat I fully agree with the thoughts above from Maxie, Katherine Cooper and Heartlight 3, and Lucious.

I have heard both candidates speeches and tonight was nothing but a stumping stop for John McCain. He recycled the same war stories and campaign rhetoric that he uses daily (weekdays). I THOUGHT tonight was supposed to be a night to learn more personal perspectives of the candidates. I received no such enlightenment from John McCain. He was pandering to the Evangelicals instead of being personal. My husband and I also noticed how he 'wanted to get back' to the Supreme Court questioning before it was asked. If he was in a silent room, how did he know this? My husband, a Republican, found himself in quite a bit of agreement with Senator Obama. He hasn't spent much time getting to know Senator Obama but tonight has opened his eyes.

Obama came accross as a true humanitarian who wants to help the American people out of this mess we are in. McCain just told old war stories and beat around the bush on the really meaningful questions. McCain just said NO to abortion. Fine, the we can go back to when women were butchered in back alleys. Obama gave ways of helping the women with proper medical care, counceling and adoption alternatives. I'm a true Christian a really felt Obama had the better answers for our country how to help us out of this mess we are in without more wars! Obama even quoted Mathew and had a great answer to the question about religious persecution. We lead by example and discussion. McCain never answered the question. McCain on evil was all about the Talibon where Obama even went into the evil of child abuse and the problems we have on our own streets. Evil is NOT help our fellow man. I understood what he said. McCain is narcisstic.

All McCain has is his past when he was 17. He doesn't have the experience to be President. Why didn't he answer any questions. All he did was tell stories. I've heard all of his stories I can stomach for this campaign. He lives his past over and over. We have to look to the future. He will never get there.

MY FRIENDS, what we saw tonight was a huge contrast between two men. One has been around a very long time but can only relate to war experiences almost 40 years ago. MY FRIENDS, the person he would listen to most is in the midst of a war. MY FRIENDS, this guy has friends on the supreme court who are ultra conservative. MY FRIENDS, if they are not ultra conservative, well...the they are not his friends. MY FRIENDS, this guy sounded very much like George Bush. MY FRIENDS, he did not sound very presidential, my friends. MY FRIENDS, the contrast is clear.

McCain was very funny and personable and quick to respond.. It was certainly his crowd moreso than Obama's. But McCain sees the world through the prism of War. That is mostly what he talked about;, obviously the POW experience has shaped his life, but is that healthy as the driving force of a commander in chief. His anger was palpable when he talked about evil and immediately equated it solely to Bin Laden. Obama had a much broader view of the world and issues; much more intellectual horsepower. We need that in a president; this is not 1965, and we cannot behave as it is. Obama is the future, McCain is the past.

It is impossible for McCain to answer these questions the way he did if it was not rehearsed. McCain doesnot even know how to cheat and pretend. We now know that the questions were given before. The truth is that McCain is a warmonger just like George Bush. That's why he won't be able to handle the economy. That's why America is in the Red with the Republicans

I think the show was okay, however, I feel that it is time McCain hung up his POW status. It is old history and he only tells the part he thinks will bring out pity for him. What about the confession he signed? He doesn't mention this. His answers were so orchestrated. No careful consideration and thought before answering.

In contrast, Obama tells his life like it was and is. He came across much more forthright and honest. He showed thoughtfulness in his answers. He didn't just give flip answers.

The debate highlighted the contrasts between to very different politicians. I did like the format. I feel confident that I know what McCain stands for, even if I don't agree with everything. I am still not sure I know Obama that well. It seemed at times that he was too concerned about making everyone happy but how is he going to make tough decisions in the White House. He sounded like a thoughtful but out of touch Ivy League professor, not a decisive leader. It really makes me wonder.

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

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

Obama openly embraces his beliefs and religion- I am wary of those who hide it.

Obama supporter here (I sure regular bloggers know that already). But did it seem to anyone that McCain might have known the questions going in? Also, the majority of his answers sound exactly like his campaign stump speeches i.e. I want to lead america to look beyond themselves...blah blah.

Its hard to believe John McCain was that sharp without some "inside trading" info. The guy couldn't even hear the question about "the book" yesterday. And today he answers questions before they're even asked. Does anybody feel the fix was in?

This whole thing had nothing to do with faith or religion. McCain answered questions before he was asked. This pastor should be ashame of himself.

I don't know what forum to post this on, so this is the lucky one...Who cares what Rick Warren thinks. I saw the picture posted on the Internet of him between McCain and Obama and thought...."Oh, now I get it....it's all about power and images." I think Rick Warren is the one who will benefit most (including the American people) and make even more money off this forum. We sure could have used all the money funding this forum at our inner city school.

What was McCain referring to when he said he wanted to talk about Rwanda later? I couldn't get the reference. If he was confusing Rwanda with Darfur, then the media needs to get on top of it. Did he do something noteworthy during the Rwandan crisis in the 1990s?

Obama gave intelligent, thoughtful responses to each question. McCain repreated his talking points and came across as another warmonger.

So who is more like Bush? Case closed.

McCain's answers sounded canned and rehersed. I felt he was most disengenuous with his constant use of the term "my friends". He talked about war at every turn regardless of the question as if war is his only expertise and his only answer for America.

McCain is clearly a bellicose candidate who uses political buzz words and phrases which he thinks people want to hear in an attempt to win over support. I feel certain he cannot be trusted. "My friends:", he tells you what he thinks you want to hear.

I so was offended by his so called "humor".

Even though I want Hillary to win, I think John Mccain won the debate tonight.

Is not Orange County, where this as held, one of the most wealthiest and evangelical places in the country? It should have been McCain's base. I also think he knew the questions beforehand.

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!

This was good. It gave me a look at the two candidates I have not had up to this point. My opinions and priorities did not change, but I certainly was able to better encapsulate why I had them vis a vis the responses, behaviors and styles candidates.

John McCain used he forun as a political Ad, instead of define himself as a person of faith. He talked only national security and war. I am really troubled about the intellectual capacities of John McCain. This guy would be a dangerous president.

It was a set up. Warren sould be ashamed of himself

Agree Nathan, McCain wove his POW experiences into many of his answers because he knows it resonates with some people.

If you tell me that after this exchange with Pastor Warren, you were able to make a decision about who should be the president of the USA, I simply cannot believe that you are a deep thinker. What I find intereating is that those that are stating this are saying that today they are deciding that they will now vote for McCain. Clearly theae are folks that already knew who they would vote for. There is no way I would decide who will be my president based on these questions.

COME on people. McCain was much better than Obama. But for you who love Obama no matter what you will liy to yourself, but say Obama Obama. McCain 7 - Obama 3.

These are great interviews and I applaud this, however, as much as Senator McCain wants to be disciplined in his thoughts, he has years of Senatorial history, his 95% support of the Bush Administration policies that have caused the following: Corporate and individual bankruptcies, the disruption that has caused huge profits for oil companies, the falling dollar, jobs losts and eliminated, unscrupolus campaign misdirected remarks etc. etc. etc. and most of all, the debt........

On Education Obama needs to bring up the ideology of the Republican party which believes that it is not the role of the government to provide public education, therefore destroying public education is the Republican Party's mission!

Obama – thoughtful, conversational, nuanced, and scholarly.

McSame – canned, stump speech talking points, Bush like.

McCain seemed if he knew the questions before hand. C'mon give me a break, "lighting round questions."

And he dodged the question concerning his greatest moral failure: he cheated on his first wife, just like John Edwards did recently. Based on the moral values of many social conservatives, he should no longer be considered for the highest office in the land. ... or is there hypocrisy afoot? The long and short of it is that McCain is dangerous because of he's got an infantile, hot temper and for a man with his finger on THE BUTTON, he would be the most dangerous man in the world.

"McCain is disciplined and conservative, with an emphasis on his personal appeal." What personal appeal and to whom?

What discipline?
The man can't even remember what he said ten minutes ago? He can't even remember he and his Mother initiated a law suit against his former wife even after the fact her lawyer confirmed the same! If he is truly disciplined he should have used some of his discipline to sway his loyal friend's (Bush) nefarious reasoning on initiating an unnecessary, illegimate war! His discipline at that time could have possibly saved thousands' of lives!

What conservatism? Would that be our present energy crisis? Economic crisis? Military crisis? The off shore drilling conservation? The indifference and lack of aid to fellow veterans? His great discipline hasn't changed any of the aforesaid mentioned one iota!

Oh or mayb you viewed his Conservatism as his tears whilst relaying his story about the wooden cross and the General while he was a POW. The one of his many stories as a POW, a pilot flying his plane, the agony he and his fellow POWS endured, his sacrifice, his heroism, his service to his country since he was a young adult! His blowing his horn!

My dad was a Sargeant during WWII and I never once heard a story about his sacrifice, his heroism, his service on the front lines, the agony he and comrades endured or the Veteran's Pension the Government deprived him of! He could have blown his horn many times for much better reasons than John has but he was a true Hero who didn't expect or want praise or gratitude for the sacrifice he made. He felt it was his duty to his Nation and people.

John McCain did his best story telling! I actually thought it sounded very much like he knew the questions. Makes me question the whole cone of silence thing. Did McCain have the same ear bug that Bush used during his debates?

I think the long winded stories that we have heard from the McCain over and over again where simply boring and a very effective way of avoiding truly answering. I think he will take us straight into war. And he darn sure made it clear he will not raise taxes on his base, BiG Business!

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

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

it's a shame how if McCain were ever (unfortunately) President, the only policy McCain has is reciting POW stories. I don't think the economy cares all that much about Vietnam...

MCCAIN, PLEASE STOP SAYINGS MY FRIENDS. I'M NOT ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS. JUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. HIS WAR STORIES ARE GETTING OLD, I'VE HEARD THEM A HUNDRED TIMES. JUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. CAN'T WAIT FOR A DEBATE AND LET SEE IF MCCAIN CAN ANSWER THE QUESTIONS????

If John McCain was against Ginsburg, Breyer and Souter.>.then why did he vote for each of these justices????

To me McCain was just pandering to his audience. Obama was honest in his answer even though he knew his audience most likely did not agree.

McCain? Strong conservative?

I can barely type because I'm laughing so hard!!!

jerry I felt that it was mccain who was talking to his base for example on issues of the war, abortion, gay marriage and judges. Further on the issue of judges he didn't like he supporter those judges by voting for them so he misrepresented his record here.

McCain definitely had these questions beforehand, he had rehearsed the answers over and over again, plus i threw up alittle hearing about his POW days, im tired of hearing it, stop dwelling in the past...

McCain pandered to the GOP base. That is all. Doesn't change my mind at all.............Obama 08

McCain is a joke. Why doesn't he answer a question? I could care less about his rehearsed stories. He is not my friend ... I wish he would stop saying it. He doesn't have a solution to a problem. More wars won't solve our problems in America.

The comments tonight make it clear. If you want a leader who is certain about things without thinking them through, see no complexity in the world, and is always "on message" whether it makes sense or not...choose McCain. If you want a leader who understands that life isn't a multiple choice test, thinks things through, and can answer questions without relying on memorized paragraphs, choose Obama. Personally, I am truely repelled by the unthinking certainity that led our current administration into spending trillions on a ill-considered war. McCain promises more of the same. Turn on your brains and vote for Obama!

This was not a 'Great' debate without being a debate because the moderator was biased, the forum itself was biased, and the media itself was biased for airing it.

It was a scripted conservative show that – true did ask questions- but led to the same conservative agenda that anyone could've predicted. The answers John McCain gave may've sounded great and were received well by the audience there, but too bad we couldn't have seen the millions that weren't represented there speak their dissention. The poor, those desperately needing healthcare but cannot afford it, the unemployed, homeless, families of those killed in Iraq, our children that will have to answer to China for years to come because we faught a criminally unnecesssary and expensive war that we could in no way afford, those that will retire practically broke because of the poor mismanagement of our country.

Half a story was told tonight. CNN look beyond the teary-eyed war stories given with a smile that don't answer the nation's most important questions.

McSame caught in the Past. Same old war story, and just more hypocrisy.

McCain is narrow-minded and confident - A HORRIBLE COMBINATION (as we have seen over the last 8 years of Bush). I want a thoughtful, humble president for once. I cannot believe ANYONE could think Obama is the elite arrogant candidate after tonight. He's the one who came from nothing to make something mighty impressive out of himself. McCain's military legacy is a carry-over from being in a military family, and he is married to an hieress who he wants to protect from havng to pay taxes on her ridiculous inheritance.

CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since this forum had much to do with faith...I wonder how Jesus would have answered these questions. And if you apply basic tenets of the bible...turn the other cheek....let he who is without sin cast the first stone.....love thy neigbor....which candidate more closely embodies that. If you needed empathy and had to stand before one of these guys...which would you choose???

Unfortunately, even tonight McCain continues to demonstrate that he offers another four years of the same... let's defeat evil empires across the globe.

It was Obama who made the comment: "I've given this question some consideration so..." I don't believe they had the questions. Also, Obama supporters cannot stand it that he came across as unsure and uncomfortable.

He used um, uh and but so many times that it took him 5 minutes to get one questions out.

I guess town hall meetings would have benefitted Obama. No teleprompter. Hope he prepares better for the debates cause McCain will mop the floor with him.

Theres no doubt about it that Obama is the better man. Tonight was more like one of Mccains town hall meetings. Tonight was more like a one on one interview with Obama. Obama was more open and Mccain pandered to the crowd. I got to know Obama a little better, I got to know what I already know about Mccain. I thought tonight was going to be person were we would get a sense how they think and make decisions and it was until Mccain told allot of stories we heard before and told allot of jokes without being personal and sharing with his thinking process and what he personally and why he believes what he believes. Obama cleary won tonight and I think he change allot of people mines about him and Mccain encouraged his base.

Its quite that those from each side wee what they want to see. What we did learn is that McCain will not pick Ridge or Lieberman etc.

We have spent the last eight years being governed by a man who believed the world functions in black and white. We've seen where that takes us. If the evangelicals vote in another person who is incapable of seeing all the nuances in every issue, I believe we will see the virtual destruction of this country. It is one thing to proclaim you "vote values", but if your vote destroys all we hold dear in this country, what have you accomplished?

This was NOT a faith forum. One candidate came to speak candidly about faith issues. The other candidate came to recite campaign talking points.

were you watching the same debate bill?

Obama "thoughtful, subtle and nimble"

I thought his answers were very slow and long winded

If you respond Yes No or with short answers that are direct that is usually your honest opinion whether the questioner likes your answer is a different thing....

but if you have these long winded of course answers it really means you are pulling on your reserve of canned answers that you know you can use and not offend anyone.....

I think our next president needs to be direct and honest
because if we dont like his views we can at least explain our side
and a honest person will take that to heart
and maybe change their views when appropirate

a long winded person that trys not to offend anyone but still votes however they want wont listen to you when you differ with their views.

Or...you got insight into the way a man doesn't think. Like McCain answering questions before Warren could get them out of his mouth. We need a President who listens before speaking.

i agree completely,mr. schneider.this was better than watching two grown men make fools of each other.this has not swayed my support for obama.mccain did better than i expected,but appeared a little blunt and nervous at times.i understand the nerves,but the answers he gave were almost like true or false questions on tests we did in grade school.

Just as I excepted, McCain could not expound with get detail with some of the questions. He wanted to tell stories of the past. Just as I expected, Cnn analysis chose not to notice that expect Martin. Over all McCain give me the opinion that he will take this country to war at moment notice.

Excellent Forum/Debate.

The candidates were given tough questions and were forced to give more indepth answers than the usual sound-bite type of an answer.

My only concern is, and I am being cynical about this, is the American voter, able to absorb more than a sound-bite. You don't really learn anything with one sentence answers.

The way this forum was laid out, you had to listen in order to understand the candidates positions and feelings.

I must say though, that I was a little disappointed in McCain's answers because I felt he was constantly going back to his stump speech type one line answers. He was consistantly refering back to his military experiences, which creates empathy, but doesn't really have anything to do with what I wanted to learn about the man and his qualifications for President.

Obama, gave much more indepth answers. I was impressed with the thought that was put into the answers. They didn't sound like "canned answers", But, you had to listen and that refers back to my original point about our being tuned to sound-bites.

I hope I'm wrong.

Excellent format to gain an insight into each candidate. McCain definitely showed that he was the candidate with substance.

I had some reservations with John McCain that were eliminated tonight.

It seems to me if McCain had not known what he was going to be asked, he could not have answered many of the questions without thinking– as he did.
I expected it to be a really fair way of seeing their responses in such a situation. However, when Obama really was thoughtful about his 3 people on the first question and McCain rattled them off rapidly with his reasons as well. I can hardly believe in an unscripted response John Lewis would have come to McCain's mind.
A general ok, but a woman and a civil rights hero. John McCain?? He knew what he was going to be asked and Obama did not.
It could be argued this was an event scripted to get the unenthused religious right enthused about the Republican.

John McCain was right on tonight and helped me to make the choice. Obama was not up front with his asnwers and I felt he was talking to the polls not to the subject. I thought at first Obama would be for change but, he was looking for his answers.
I still have some time left to think this over but, I know the press will say just how great Obama was tonight although I can not say the same and to this point I had not made my choice.

I did not like seeing John McCain use his stump speeches and canned jokes over and over again. He also was just bringing out the POW stuff over and over again. He wasn't talking about the questions. He was finding a way to insert his pre fabricated stories into the different questions.

I did not hear anything knew from McCain. He has told the same stories over and over.

Many of Obama's answers have been heard before, but there was considerably more new information.

I can go down to the local diner and listen to plenty of old men tell me about the past.......it is very tiring listening to McCain ramble about his past, which he is lost in.................answer the questions old man...........

Most of John McCain's answer revolved around war. Almost to every question in the beginning and at the end he talked about war and his experiences in the war.

It came across to me this is the only thing on his mind and the only thing he can relate to and his only frame of reference.

I have to agree that it was a good debate and much better than townhall meetings were the two use loads of rhetoric to slam the other candidate. Here is where I have the problem. I think anyone that really listened to Sen. McCain's answers must admire how well he can drag a red herring. It is my opinion that Sen McCain was very direct on some issues, but on many others, he cut off Pastor Rick Warren and went off on a tangent as if the audience didn't already here the question once, or if the viewers at home couldn't read it on the screen. Several questions could have been answered directly had he listened or just simply answered the question. Also McCain treated this like it was a political campaign speech especially with that mumbo jumbo about "drilling off shore and drill here now!" crap. It was more of John McCain. Not more insight of who he really is and what kind of person he is on the inside.

The thing that I noticed in this forum was a big difference in perspective.

Obama views things from a more comprehensive, expansive, big picture sort of way. All of his answers took into consideration that not everyone sees things the same and that any policies need to include different points of view because we are a very diverse country. His focus was more on co-operative solutions. I like that aspect of his philosophy.

McCain takes a more narrow view. I don't really listen to his stump speech very often, but much of what he had to say I have heard him say before. Being decisive and single focused is fine, but how do you account for the people who think differently or are in different circumstances than you? I didn't hear that addressed. Being dogmatic and certain can be attractive to some, but I have seen it used to the detriment of the country by the current administration. His answers were generally rather shallow and he seemed to repeat the same talking points and stories that he uses all the time.

I watched the entire forum. I did not feel that Sen. McCain really answered the questions that were asked of him. I did not care for all his relating of stories from his past. I felt he was more in stump speech mode than Sen. Obama was. I also noticed that Sen. McCain had six references to terrorism or national security. Once again the Republicans playing the terror card. Also, he made mention of Ronald Reagan at least three or four times. If you want to get conservatives on your side just reference Reagan. I will admit to being an Obama supporter and I tried to listen to McCain, but as soon as the stories started and the references to terror I was turned off. I also felt that Pastor Warren gave McCain a lot of opportunity to relate his stories rather than answer the questions.
Katherine Cooper
Belvidere, IL

Obama was only "thoughtful, subtle, and nimble" in that he could talk after the question was asked as if he was definitively answering it, but not saying anything definitive. McCain, like it or not, has a position on the issues, and you can tell what it is.

This forum presents a sharp contrast between both candidates. One is thoughtful, listens and gathers information carefully before responding to the carefully worded questions. The other, seems to have great difficulty listening to the entire question, and seems more eager and interested in spitting out his pre-thought out, well rehearsed responses. He essentially was shooting from the hip the entire time he was on stage. At times, he even tried to control the questions asked.

Actually, I'm waiting for the publicly televised (not on cable) debate. Let's see how Jon does there.

This was a fantastic question and answer session!

The debate tonight was perfect.

It was a completely scientific test. The controls were entirely the same. Same commentator, same crowd, same questions.

The best man for president should be apparant.

America should now know who to vote for and it's John McCain.

A debate with real answers and then there were story telling????

McCain Supporters / Puma....while Barack is being attached by both groups....its obvious he's going to retain his advantage with evangelicals. Because John McCain just had to be "John" and people simply love the person he is and what he stands for.

The feeling from the crowd towards Barack – kind and tolerant. Did they love Barack the way they loved McCain – not so much. But I live here in Orange County and African Americans are not exactly the best received here. So no surprise! The white people would never support a black man / African American above a genuine hero – no chance!

i think obama is great....he just need to pick hillary for vp

Why don't we eliminate the "debates" and get real forums like this one?

Just goes to show the mainstream media is in the tank for McCain.

You thought McCain was coming off well?
All I saw was Warren lobbing softballs which McCain hit with rehearsed stump soundbytes, POW war stories, and blatant pandering comments. The second hour of this was an hour of my life i'll never get back. I like John McCain even less now.

I like direct answers to questions. Obama answered more directly. mccain, told stories and there fore confused the answers if he answered at all.

Please mention in your analysis the strangeness of McCain saying that countries don't invade other countries in the 21st century when he supported the US invasion of Iraq.

Perhaps the press would want to look more closely into the fact that we learned nothing new from Senator McCain. There is nothing he said that expands the thought process in America. He seems to be following notes he memorized from a textbook. There is no true thoughtfulness to his dialogue. His swift and "direct" responses come across to this listener as pandering to the audience. So far, pandering seems to be working in his favor. I see no real sign of the Maverick. He is pushing his image as the war hero which works for most people who do not require intellectuality as a criteria for the highest office.

McCain just kicked the CRAP out of Obama!!!! No competition here-McCain is a president already and Obama is just a wannabe.
Jennifer ,Springfield MA

I would not say that Obama came across as thoughtful, subtle and nimble. Reminiscent of the debates Obama had with Clinton, it was not his finest hour. He looked nervous, stressed and shifty eyed. He was not eloquent tonight; I have never heard a potential candidate for president stutter as much as he does. Obama does well as long as he doesn't need to be spontaneous. He can't handle questions. He does not inspire confidence.
D-

I enjoyed and learned much more about both candidates from this event than I have learned during the entire campaign. Most of my time earlier has been spent listening to one beat up on the other and hearing lies about one to the other. This is an ideal forum for the American public to hear from the candidates. This is the event I would like to see one or two more times. I am so tired of hearing them both talk about how the other wants to do this. I like hearing the response of the candidate on what he wants to do.

I felt Rich Warren let McCain control the discussion with his anecdotal stories, thereby consuming time to avoid answering more questions. McCain easily slipped into his stump speech points; one time Warren made a comment about the stump comments, but did not take back control of the questioning. With Obama the emphasis was on question, answer; with McCain it was question, story telling, sometimes an answer, then the next question. The second half of the supposed Q&A was a sham!

While I agree the format led to some better answers than a traditional debate with both on-stage, I'm struck by how many answers did not really address the questions asked, and Warren's lack of follow-up to really pin the candidates down.

McCain's response to the privacy vs. national security dilemma was a perfect example of a politician waxing poetically without really saying anything of substance. Technological changes have brought about more tension between privacy and security? That is hardly surprising. Warren asked how a leader should balance the two, and McCain totally dodged it.

It's a disservice to American voters to have such answers accepted without any scrutiny.

Make me understand, What was personal about McCain?

I think John McCain was given these questions before the forum started..his answers seem to be very rehearsed like he knew them before it even started.If he was... this is disgraceful.

So who cares? This was NOT a debate. Just a conversation between two people running for president and a preacher-oh, yeah, individually, and not against each other. I wanted to see what each candidate would say in a real "debate forum". LOL

Serious question for Sen. McCain:

You say you are about country first.......if this is true put you wallet where your mouth is. This country is in serious financial trouble and you the Republican candidate will not raise taxes. I make $46.000 and I would be willing to incur a tax increase if it meant our country would be on more fiscally sound ground. We are in a global economy now!! Forget the wars McFool; we are in danger of becoming a third world country.

Raise taxes and let's pay our bills and develop our own form of energy and quit trying to act like the rich bully who tries to buy his way through life.

Time for America to stand up and do what's right for ALL of us not just the privileged few. We sacrifice our lives; McCain can sacrifice some of his benjamins.

Now let's thank Rick Warren. Good job to both candidates. Certainly covered more ground than any of the previous debates with Obama and Clinton. Maybe we'll see this format, but let someone other than the media choose questions from doctors, teachers, homemakers, steel workers, CEOs, retirees, etc.

I am tired if John McCain talking about his experinces while being captured yet telling the media they can talk or make this an issue.

McCain is lying just like Bush did to get elected.

I would not say that Obama came across as thoughtful, subtle and nimble. Reminiscent of the debates Obama had with Clinton, it was not his finest hour. He looked nervous, stressed and shifty eyed. He was not eloquent tonight; I have never heard a potential candidate for president stutter as much as he does. Obama does well as long as he doesn't need to be spontaneous. He can't handle questions. He does inspire confidence.
D-

John McCain isn't thinking, he's telling bedtime stories and avoiding the answers to tough questions. He's giving all the typical , warmed over canned conservative responses to this crowd while invoking Ronald Reagan's name. How much more pandering can he do? As much as Rick Warren allows him to, while intially stating he wouldn't let the candidates deliver their stump speeches. Yah, right.

As an educator, it troubles me to hear McCain say vouchers are working in D.C. This is flat out WRONG. This is from JUNE 2008:
"Students using vouchers score no better
Nearly 2000 D.C. students who attended private school with the aid of vouchers generally performed no differently after two years time than their public school counterparts, echoing other similar research. Students also reported no higher satisfaction with private schools, although their parents did.
U. S. Dept. of Education. (2008). Evaluation of the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program: Second Year Report on Participation. Washington, DC: Author."

Private schools, according to a CURRENT administration's study, do no better than public schools. Here is their report:
http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006461

Are you joking? Its not hard questins at all, and the one that ask the question dont follow up. Like what about public schools if everyone get tax cut, or what about what Georgia did in first place. Or what about the lies to go to war etc. He just let the candidates talk and talk.

I agree its a good forum. But it should be a journalist that ask questions that can have a seccond question that are critical to the first answer. The sympatic pastor is not a good journalist, and dont get them under "heat". They can therfore be popular with crowd because they can anwer just as they like and awoid answers that the crowd would not like.

True this is a great format but by your count how many times has John McCain addressed the audience as "my friends". It just starts to sound disingenuous after awhile.

Why does McCain say that African nations have to provide their own military forces when we given them materials for support, yet want to send troops in other areas of conflict? McCain has not made one single connection tonight to Christianity.