McCain's back in the Saddleback

benjamin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:05:27 GMT

Our political commentary summed up in a blog entry.
One candidate was more thoughtful and authentic so the other one won.

Urgh.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:07:48 GMT

McCain never really answered the question about his faith. Instead he milked his POW story to the max and pandered to the audience.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

ThatObamaSupporterYouMentioned — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:08:29 GMT

Well guess what Chuck ?

Hillary Lost.

So....I think Barack Obama knows what he's doing.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

John Peek — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:10:38 GMT

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

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Carol, California — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:11:11 GMT

I am blown away by your impression; mine was so different. I was struck by Obama's thoughtfulness and honesty - his answers seemed genuine and to come from his core. McCain was shallow, pandering and cheap, I thought, taking every opportunity to swing the topic back to "I was a POW". Most of all - how on earth could John McCain say that two of his three wisest people (the first question) were (1) a general and (2) a corporate CEO?? Those have to be two of the LAST categories Jesus Christ would recommend!! To say that in front of a religious community - un-be-liev-a-ble. And so very sad.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Bill Johnson — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:11:40 GMT

Not a big McCain fan but he kicked butt. Obama was slippery and pandering trying to include everyone and not offend anyone. Abiguity is not needed in a leader.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

SANDRA, NC — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:12:22 GMT

JOHN MCCAIN PUT ON A POLITICAL PERFORMANCE PERIOD. HE DID HIS NORMAL TALKING POLITICS NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUES DIRECTLY THAT HE WAS ASKED ABOUT.

THIS WAS A CHRISTIAN FORUM, NOT A POLITICAL FORUM. AS USUAL JOHN MADE IT A POLITICAL. WHY ANY CHRISTIAN CAME TO THIS EVENT IS BEYOND MANY OF US. JOHN MCCAIN COULD CARE LESS THAT IT WAS A POLITICAL FORUM.

JOHN MCCAIN MADE IT CLEAR HE'S NOT A CHRISTIAN LET ALONE KNOW JESUS CHRIST, NOT SURPRISING

OBAMA WAS HIMSELF, WITH HIF FAITH IN TACT AND TALKING ABOUT HIS FAITH WHICH IS WHAT THIS FORM AS ABOUT FROM ALL ACCOUNTS.

OBAMA DID NOT PUT ON A SHOW LIKE MCCAIN AND IGNORE RICK AND MAKE THE FORM HIS POLITICAL PLATFORM

AS USUAL JOHN MCCAIN DO ANYTHING SAY ANYTHING AND KEEP FOOLING THE PUBLIC.

TONIGHT WE GOT MORE OF THE SAME PLAYING GAMES MCCAIN THAT WE ALWAYS KNOW WE CAN EXPECT.

TOO BAD PASTOR RICK COULD NOT KEEP HIM ON MESSAGE AND TELL HIM TO LEAVE HIS "STUMP SPEECH AT HOME" PASTOR RICK HAD NO PROBLEM TELLING BARACK THAT BEFORE HE EVEN SAID ONE WORD.

TOTALLY DISSAPOINTED IN THE FORUM. DON'T USE THE WORD CHRISTIAN AND THEN GO COMPLETELY OFF COURSE.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

JessicaElaine — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:12:51 GMT

I realized tonight how truly partisan I must be. I am an Obama supporter and I felt that he really performed well tonight and truly showed people who he was, thoughtful and all.

I bristled at almost every McCain answer, for all of the reasons you mentioned above. I felt like he was on the stump and not "conversating" with me.

Differences in style, no doubt! I thought my candidate did well and so will McCain's because we each wanted to hear exactly what we heard.

I appreciate both men for taking this on.

Obama/Biden 08

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Harmony — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:14:43 GMT

Warren kept reminding Obama that the answers he expected were not to be from the stump speaches. Since McCain wasn't reminded of this, almost all of his answers were the much rehearsed answers from his stumping. Too bad McCain wouldn't be able to rehearse a presidency.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Dave — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:15:47 GMT

I don't understand how seeming authentic and genuine would be a negative with swing voters....

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Jane D — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:16:37 GMT

This was an amazing event tonight. I hope to see forums like this in the future. The questions were not scripted, and they were not the typical debate questions. I have to agree with Chuck Todd-- Obama was just not on the mark tonight. He seemed too afraid to answer the questions directly for fear of upsetting voters. McCain on the other hand was straighforward, to the point and right on target. McCain definitely won the exchange tonight, and probably won over not only evangelicals, but a whole slew of independents and undecideds.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

jr — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:16:52 GMT

I thought that Obama did a great job and was very candid about his faith, family, values and his beliefs. I thought that McCain came across as one that is too quick to respond and was looking to pander to Christians more than being real. I still do not know who the REAL McCain.I still believe he is definitely a war monger.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Michael Hernandez San Antonio, Texas — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:17:20 GMT

I disagree with Chucky T here, McCain seemed to get off topic very often, while Obama was more honest and not pandering.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Sean Dallas Texas — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:17:29 GMT

WRONG! This was supposed to be a discussion of faith.
IT was not to be judged as a silly debate. McCain did not respect the purpose of the forum. He gave stump speeches and was way off topic-he shed little light on his FAITH. I saw two entirely different programs. Having sharp, to the point answers was not the purpose..it was to be a thoughtful disscussiion. You missed the point entirely. I'm scoring this event on the purpose, and on the merits that this was not a debate to score points but to shed light on faith; Obama won handidly.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

GG, FL — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:17:29 GMT

Good Old McCain More Lies Just Yesterday the Tampa Tribune called him out for Lying about Supporting Renewable Energy only to find out that He and His Republicans Friends have DEFEATED THE RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL 8 TIMES, THE LAST TIME JULY 30, 2008

MC CAIN HAS RENEWABLE ENERGY ITEMS IN HIS ADS YET VOTES AGAINST THEM OR SITS IN HIS SENATE OFFICE AND REFUSE TO VOTE FOR THE AND GO OUT LOOK THE PUBLIC IN THE FACE AND SAY, "I'M FOR ALL ENERGY" JUST LIKE TONIGNT.

MCCAIN'S VOTING RECORD "NO" & HIS REPUBLICANS FRIENDS SPEAK THE TRUTH SOMETHING THESE FELLOWS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

Tampa Tribune, by Thomas Friedman, August 15, 2008

MCCAIN TURNS BACK ON CLEAN ENERGY

John McCain recently tried to underscore his seriousness about pushing through a New Energy Policy, with strong focus on More Drilling For Oil, by telling a Motorcycle Convention that Congress Needed to come back from Vacation Immediately and do something about America’s Energy Crisis. “Tell them to come back and get to work!.”

Sorry, But I can’t let that one go by. McCain knows why.

It was only 5 days earlier July 30, 2008 that the Senate was voting for the 8th time in the past year on a broad, Vitally Important bill S.3335—that would have extended Investment tax credits for installing Solar Energy and the production tax credits for building Wind Turbines and other energy Efficiency systems.

Both Wind and Solar Industries depend on these Credits—which “Expire” in December, 2008—to scale their businesses and become competitive with coal, Oil and natural gas. Unlike Offshore Drilling, these credits could have IMMEDIATE IMPACT on America’s ENERGY PROFILE.

McCain did not show up for the Crucial Vote on July 30, and the RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL WAS DEFEATED BY THE REPUBLICANS FOR THE “8TH-TIME” In fact John McCain has a Perfect Record on this RENEWABLE ENERGY LEGISLATION. McCain has missed all “8” votes over the last year—which effectively counts a a NO vote each time.

Once McCain was even in his office in the Senate and wouldn’t leave his office to vote.

“McCain did not show up on any votes,” said Scott Sklar, President of the Stella Group, which tracks Clean Techonology Legislation. Despite that McCain’s Campaign Commercial running during the Olympics shows a Bunch of Spinning Wind Turbines—the Very Wind Trubines that he would not cast a Vote to Subsidize.

Barack Obama voted 3 times in favor of the Renewable Energy Legislation.

“The fact that Congress has failed 8 times to renew them is largerly because of HARD CORE REPUBLICAN SENATORS who either don’t want to give democrats such a victory in an Election Year or simply Don’t Believe in RENEWABLE ENERGY.

What impact does this have? In the Solar Industry today there is a Rush to finish any project that would be up and running by Dec. 31, 2008---when the Credits Expire---and most everything beyond that is now ON HOLD.

Consider the Solana concentrated Solar Power Plant, 70 Miles Southwest of Phoenix in McCain’s Home State. It is the Biggest Proposed concentrating Solar Energy Project ever. The farsighted local utility is ready to buy it’s power.

But because of the REPUBLICAN SENATE’S REFUSAL TO EXTEND THE SOLAR CREDITS,” we cannot get our Bank Financing,” said Fred Morse, Senior Adviser for the American Operations of Abengoa Solar, which is building the project. Without the credits the number don’t work.”

Some 2,000 Construction Jobs are on Hold.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

KDelphi, Dayton, Ohio — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:18:14 GMT

I think the entire "Compassion Forum" (held in a church, directed by a pastor!!) idea is unconstitutional and offensive. I am SO sick of hearing about peoples' religion, sex, race, age---what the hell are these people going to DO?! I dont think anybody knows yet. I'm disgusted with the entire process. This may be the first time since I was 18 (once I was out of the country) that I just dont vote--who for? Why?

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Barbara, Spring Grove, IL — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:19:22 GMT

The pundits say McCain had a better night. I personally disagree. I am a registered Republican who will be voitng for Obama in this election. I found McCain to be too quick and sometimes flip with his answers. This is not the kind of person I want making decisions for our country. I want someone who is thoughtful and takes in different points of view. I found their differences very interesting and telling. McCain's answers will get him the support of the evangical base which is what he needs. I'm really looking forward to the conventions and the upcoming debates.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Randy, LA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:20:34 GMT

WHEN PASTOR RICK ASKED JOHN MCCAIN WHAT HE WOULD DO ABOUT EVIL HE SAID DEFEAT IT.

LET'S SEE IF MCCAIN WILL DEFEAT HIMSELF, SINCE HE'S AN EXCELLENT REPRESENTATION OF EVIL, LIES, AND REFUSAL TO TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THE TRUTH ALONG WITH HIS LOBBYISTS KEY ADVISORS WHO HAVE RUINED THIS COUNTRY AND BROUGHT IT TO IT'S KNEES IN THIS AWFUL RECESSION AND HORRIBLE ENERGY CRISIS.

AFTER 26 YEARS IN THE SENATE, MCCAIN HAS DONE NOTHING TO PREVENT THIS ECONOMIC CRISIS THEREFORE, DOES NOT DESERVE ANYONE'S VOTE.

POOR PERFORMANCE IS NOT A PROMOTION, IT'S A PINK SLIP.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Lonny, seattle, wa — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:21:20 GMT

Obama sounded like a human. McCain sounded like a robot, as usual. I doubt there are many real undecided voters left so does it really matter?

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Rita - San Francisco — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:21:28 GMT

Chuck Todd - I see you already have your GOP talking points - let's wait and see what the evangelical christians have to say about the two candidates. Obviously you're not a christian or you would understand the respect and reverence the christian has for a Pastor

McCain's back in the Saddleback

CRAIG YINGST COVINGTON OHIO — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:22:44 GMT

SORRY I DIDN'T GET THE SAME FEELING. MR MCcain REALLY DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION ABOUT HIS TRUE BELEIFS (IT WAS MORE ABOUT HIM THAN RELIGION AND THE PEOPLE )HIS LITTLE STORIES WHERE TOUCHING. BUT EVERYTHING CENTER AROUND HIM. MR OBAMA SEEMED MORE ENGAGING AND PUT MORE THOUGHT INTO EVERYTHING HE ANSWERED. SOMETHING WE NEED IN A LEADER (TO THINK ABOUT ALL OF US)THIS FORUM REALLY HELPED ME IN MY DECISION FOR MY VOTE. THANK YOU

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Coolbreeze Hussein, Okla. — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:23:07 GMT

Chuck, that is your opinion, but what I saw was obama using his thought processes to give meaningful answers that made a lot of sense to little ole me.
Although I am not a political pundit as you are, I am a voter and I appreciate anyone that will take the time to put enough thought into what they are trying to get others to understand. I no problem following him and since I am a typical American voter I would like to think that others may have the same feelings that I have. I think both candidates did a good job with the forum and I enjoyed it very much. Please don't try to sway people by inserting your personal preference and bias,

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Lea — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:23:11 GMT

Rick Warren's heart is on Mccain's side.
He was more relaxed with the Arizona Senator what made Obama instinctively be on caution! mode.
AND he did an excellent job considering the crowd the setting AND the Host's preferences.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

jose hernandez, northampton, MA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:24:08 GMT

Chuck,

I think your mind was made up already even before you watched this forum. For me, McCain was simply giving his talking points and his usual pandering and sounded like what he was: a politician.

He said "my friends" like 13 times and it was annoying. I don't know you, so don't insult me with this sort of language. Obama, by contrast, was humble and spoke with grace and usual elegance. He is a deep thinker and knows the world is complex. McCain seemed too eager to pander, as he himself admitted, and gave answers to placate particular constituencies.

Obama, in my estimation, sounded more genuine, more nuanced, and much more sophisticated. If you are content with quick soundbites, then you will like McCain, but if you believe the world is more sophisticated, then you will like Obama.

Obama illustrated his personal side, especially when he spoke about his personal influences. What did McCain do? Go straight to the talking points.

I agree with you, for instance, about the answers regarding the Supreme Court. McCain went straight to the talking points while Obama gave a very sophisticated and nuanced answer about law and their positions. What did McCain do? Talk about legislating from the bench. Give me a break!

With respect to personal stories, McCain kept on going back to his POW status. I'm a veteran of the US Navy, and this does not impress me...I'm sorry but this does not qualify you to be president. The only qualifications for the presidency are written in our wonderful constitution.

For me, most folks that blog and comment have already made up their mind about this, yourself included. There is no sense in discussing this anymore. I will not vote for another 3rd Bush term.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Annie Kelley Bastrop Texas — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:24:09 GMT

I'm a Christian and an undecided voter. I came away with the feeling that faith is at the center of Obama's life. That makes a difference to me.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

airmanc5 — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:24:22 GMT

LMAO MEDIA STUNNED by Obamas poor showing.. excuses flowing like water. See You at Mc Cains Inauguation

McCain's back in the Saddleback

cch Portland, ORE. — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:24:39 GMT

Wow, I was impressed with McCain and his quick, decisive answers- I want him to answer the phone at 3am not someone that uh, ah, uh uh uh has to uh ah think about it for an hour....

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Cory, California — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:25:26 GMT

Warren showed that even with similar questions it is possible to favor someone with tone and body language as he did with McCain... it didn't hurt that the audience was primarily white, wealthy and Republican as most of Lake Forest, Orange County is.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Neil Bernstein, Dublin, CA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:25:34 GMT

McCain essentially failed to answer most of the questions asked and instead resorted to his stump speech speaking points. Anyone who knows the true facts about his life were impressed only by the level of prevarication and insults to the intelligence of the audience.

When asked about moral failings, he skated by without mentioning that he cheated on a crippled wife before his divorce, and conveniently never mentioned his unethical behavior in the savings and loan scandal.

Obama came of a bit stilted and intellectual but was clealy aware of how the media would try to distort his answers, regardless of what he said. He fully answered the questions asked and did not engage in story-telling or prepared ad-lib responses.

McCain's performance was not appropriate for an honest forum on values and beliefs, but more for a candidate's politcial statement.

Overall, both came off disappointing. The real winner was Rick Warren.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Rebecca Jackson — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:27:16 GMT

Obama is not at the level he needs to be at to run this country. Period. He is young, smart and articulate, bo doubt. However, we need an experienced leader at this point. He is not qualified to be a CEO of a public company and not qualified to be President.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Paul, Dallas, TX — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:27:36 GMT

I've got to second Benjamin. I love me some Chuck Todd, but seriously, to say that Obama came off as more thoughtful and McCain just regurgitating his message, and because of this McCain wins? Or maybe Chuck's right and it's the rest of us to blame on that one. Probably the latter.

But I do think that the clearly McCain leaning-audience might sway some of the commentary, but I'm fairly certain Obama did exactly what he needed to do: Be likable and don't be scary. That said, considering McCain's below-the-floor expectations, he did pretty well for himself. I'll give it a draw.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Diamond — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:29:08 GMT

I thought Rick Warren told Obama he didn't want a stump speech. I don't recall him saying the same thing to McCain. If he did, McCain didn't take his advice.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Cory, California — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:30:52 GMT

BTW, did anyone else notice that McCain had to check the sign behind Warren each time he referenced "Saddleback"?

McCain's back in the Saddleback

drenda — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:31:22 GMT

It appeared to me that Barack Obama was more thoughtful & took more time answerwing his questions...Could it be that he hadn't been "prepared" or rehearsed on them? Step back & think about it a moment please....most Christians are Republicans....

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Ian — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:31:38 GMT

Well. I learned one thing tonight. The pundits are shallow idiots. Anyone paying any attention to the campaign would recognize the endlessly tired lines of McCain's talking points. Yet, all three cable networks are singing his praises!?!?!?!
Here's a news flash pundits...
McCain's simplistic depth-challenged rhetoric should scare the hell out of you! His illconceived babble on the Georgia-Russia conflict is a perfect example. Wow. The man seems to have never met a potential for military conflict/entanglement he didn't like. And, BTW, I've never met a war hero who was so forthcoming with stories about his own heroism, related for political gain. Classy.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Jon, Medina, WA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:31:57 GMT

I wish there was some actual news in the original post. The thoughts about who connected with undecided voters and who didn't are sao meaningless. You even point it out yourself by saying, "I'm betting that if a focus group of undecided voters were watching this, they'd come away having a clearer understanding of McCain's beliefs." Here's an idea since you are in the media, instead of telling me what a group of undecided voters would do, why don't you set up a focus group and then report something that isn't just drinking your own bath water.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

jim gr — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:31:59 GMT

Chuck you are right most Americans are stupid. If you want your children drafted to fight wars throughout the world, the same economic policies we have had the last eight years, and if you want to use Roe vs Wade as a piece of toilet paper then vote McCain.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

BJ, CA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:32:04 GMT

Yes I want a President that is more personable and likeable...Cold people that I don't know are easy accuse makers and hiders of the real truth..
Like Senator Obama said these issues are hard to answer but combining all the information bolds well for living life without a cold cursed agency like the GOP jamming down everyone's believe system the wrong information or lack of it.....

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Mark Thieme — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:33:32 GMT

Obama has lived his faith. His life is his message.

McCain's wife is his message...

McCain's back in the Saddleback

CJ KAUFMAN — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:34:13 GMT

I WATCHED THE WHOLE INTERVIEW AND WHAT I SAW CONTRARY TO WHAT YOUR ANALYST SAW WAS MCCAIN AVOIDING THIS MAN'S QUESTIONS BY CONSTANTLY INTERUPTING HIM BY TELLING STORY AFTER STORY. HE GAVE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS BEFORE HE WAS ASKED AS IF HE ALREADY KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO BE ASKED. THEY SAID THAT HE LOOKED COMFORTABLE, WELL I GUESS SO BECAUSE THE GROUP THAT HE WAS IN FRONT OF ARE THE ONES THAT WAS PROBABLY THERE TO SEE IF OBAMA CAN HOLD HIS OWN IN FRONT OF THEM. I AM SO TIRED OF HEARING MCCAIN'S STORIES ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM A MILLION YEARS AGO. IT'S VERY EASY TO AVOID QUESTIONS BY OVER TALKING THE PERSON ASKING THE QUESTIONS, BUT IT IS TOUGHER TO LISTEN TO THE QUESTIONS, GIVE AN INTELLIGENT ANSWER AND TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION AS THEY ARE ASKED OF YOU. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THESE ANALYST SEE BECAUSE I CAN TELL YOU THIS, WE ARE NOT RICH LIKE MCCAIN IS, AND MCCAIN IS NOT IN IRAQ. WHEN WILL WE HEAR ANYTHING ELSE FROM THIS MAN. MAYBE SOMETHING THAT IS IN THE YEARS OF 2000-2008.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Ted Abrams, Seattle, WA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:34:17 GMT

Obama was relaxed, and offered measured, sometimes meandering, responses. McCain was crisp and fresh.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

John Adams, Ocala, Florida — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:34:32 GMT

I got a kick out of McCain's answer about what we should do for the poor and the unemployed - that we should "inspire" them. People unemployed? "Inspire" them. Are there poor people that are desperate? "Inspire" them. Starving People? "Inspire" them. Let them eat inspiration! What a joke McCain is - constant pandering and repetition of stories that pander to the audience.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

L.Sharpley, Spring Hill, FL — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:34:40 GMT

After watching both Senators Obama and McCain, I havae to wonder how anyone could think that Senator McCain, would make a President. He did not answer one question. He gave only canned political answers and the answers did not fit the question asked.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

ks,-mb CA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:34:41 GMT

Are we really suppose to believe that McCain didn't have the questions in advance (at least 1 hr).
Did anyone else notice when he requested to talk more about the Supreme Court - when theoretically - he hadn't been asked any questions about them yet.
What a farce.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Lisa, Silver Spring, MD — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:35:00 GMT

I totally disagree with this Firstread posting. I think Obama did a better job answering the questions than John MaCain. John McCain seemed to stray away from the questions too much and almost every answer had to do with war. John McCain may have done a smart thing by trying to distract the audience with his stories about war, so that he didn't have to answer the questions in the way in which they where asked, but if you're a smart person, you would know who actually did a better job at intellectually answering the questions and who just pandered. John McCain pandered a lot and I didn't appreciate the fact that he wanted to make everything about him and some war. When Rick Warren asked John McCain what was one of the biggest mistakes he has made in his life, he said one was with his first marriage. That's it and not what the mistake was. I'm getting the impression that some folks at MSN don't like Barack, but I can tell you this, I appreciate his honesty and ability to follow through. The fact that John McCain tried his best to stray away from the questione and tell other stories that had nothing to do with the question, is a sign of weakness and ignorance. If Rick Warren came away from the forum liking Obama more and even respecting him more, he surely has a good reason. First of all, it's his forum and his questions and he deserved better answers from John McCain.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

CATHY, AR — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:35:00 GMT

McCain Purely Rehersed as usual. This was a Forum on Faith correct? That's the only reason many of us tuned in. Only to find out that this was Purely political by McCain.

McCain Pandered all night long, we still have no idea of his faith of if he can actually tell the truth about anything.

McCain was well rehearsed. Obama was himself very comfortable in his faith and gave well thought out answeres not Rehearsed.

McCain said one of his 3 people was his Economic Advisor and lied, his key Economic Advisor is PHIL GRAM the ARCHITECT OF THE ENRON LOOPHOLE THAT COST MILLIONS JOBS, HOMES, SAVINGS, AND MANY ARE STILL SUFERING

MCCAIN LIED, HE KNOWS HIS ECONOMIC ADVISOR IS GRAMM BUT TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TONIGHT TO SAY IT WAS SOMEONE ELSE.

READ VOTERS, PHIL GRAMM WAS AND IS GIVING ECONOMIC ADVICE TO MCCAIN WHILE LOBBYING FOR BIG CORPORATIONS IN CONFLICT OF MCCAIN'S POLICY.

PHIL GRAMM IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIRICITY CRISIS AND HIS WIFE MADE MILLIONS WORKING FOR ENRON AS WELL

PHIL GRAMM PUT THROUGH DEREGULATION LEGISLATION THAT CAUSE OUR CURRENT ECONOMIC DOWNFALL/RECESSION

JOHN MCCAIN PLANNED THIS WELL IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE AMERICANS WHO ARE NOT WELL INFORMED THINK THAT PHIL GRAMM IS NOT STILL HIS ADVISOR OR HAS BEEN.

GRAMM WAS ON TV ADVISING HIM UNTIL THOSE OF US THAT STAY INFORMED TOLD THE PUBLIC BECAUSE THE MEDIA WOULD NOT AND HE FINALLY BEING THE ARROGANT PERSON THAT HE IS CALLED AMERICANS A BUNCH OF WHINERS.

REMEMBER THAT. WHAT A LIAR, MCCAIN LIED ABOUT PHIL GRAM HE IS HIS ECONOMIC ADVISOR, HE TOOK THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FOOL THE PUBLIC INTO THINKING WE ARE STUPID AS HE USUAL DOES.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Lou R — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:35:05 GMT

I felt Rick Warren gave away his control of the forum Part II in allowing McCain to consume time by telling his anecdotal stories and canned stump comments thereby avoiding other questions. This allowed McCain to pander to the viewing audience and basically disregard his host.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

FL — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:35:29 GMT

Chuck,

You must really miss Tim Russert with a stupid observation like that. This was a forum based on FAITH NOT POLITICS. So in that circumstance Obama was on target and McCain was just pandering. I mean come on…..he spent more time pandering then telling us about his faith in God. As a Christian I find it completely insulting.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

birdman, ny — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:35:48 GMT

Obambi never really answers a question. He strokes the questioner, then "qualifies" his answer.

The result? He gets his balls hung upon a picket fence!

Buyers' remorse. Hillary '12!

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Kate Clark, Chicago illinois — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:35:58 GMT

Chuck, I normally respect you but you have go to be kidding. McCain was in front of his base--Obama was not. Gee, why would Obama be slightly more halting, slightly more nuanced? And did you ever stop to think what would happen if Tim Russert was moderating? When McCain contradicted himself over and over, never answering any questions (what is rich?) Russert would have stopped and forced him to answer. He would have oppo ready for McCain to confront. THIS was not a real debate, it was not an even playing field, and my only hope is that it raises expectations for McCain b/c once he's confronted with his own inconsistencies in an actual debate, he will be astoundingly embarassing. Chuck, I expected better from you.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Mellie Bykov, Detroit, Michigan — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:36:09 GMT

Which candidate came across as presidential?

I'm a Democrat and I have to be honest. It was John McCain. Obama is just awful in forums and debates. I actually feel sorry for him tonight.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Bert Rogan — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:36:11 GMT

Here's a big difference between the two candidates: Had Pastor Warren asked McCain and Obama, "If Jesus were on earth today, would he support a woman's right to choose abortion?"... McCain would clearly and confidently have answered "NO." Obama would not have answered the question. He would have come up with something else to talk about but he certainly would not have been so foolish as to answer "Yes." Yet that must be what he believes.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

REPUBLICAN FOR OBAMA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:36:16 GMT

HOW DID JOHN MCCAIN KNOW THERE WAS A QUESTION ABOUT SUPREME COURT JUSTICES. I THOUGHT THE CANDIDATES WERE NOT TOLD ABOUT THE QUESTIONS BEFORE HAND.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

newport — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:37:11 GMT

um, lake forest is the ghetto

McCain's back in the Saddleback

joseph marcucilli castaic ca. — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:37:37 GMT

Since we presently have a president who let us say is challenged intellectually I would like to try one who has a brain.McCain graduated at the bottom of his class and seems proud of it.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Obama dude from NJ — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:37:49 GMT

Chuck Todd,
you always impress me with your fairness, respectfulness, and astuteness, regardless of whose side the commentary favors. I'm writing because you got this one right, and I am an ardent Obama supporter.

intellectually, he hit it out of the park, destroyed mccain. politically, he dropped the ball. he did. I'm sorry but he just did. my real, true self was enjoying and appreciating the nuance and intellectualism. my political self, my independent-voter-vicarious self if you will, was wanting to slap him silly for withholding a fiery, aggressive passion about his values and policy prescriptions. when you point out that stuff's not free, sound intense about it. tie it to national sacrifice. explain why printing money out of thin air to fund a deficit increases the price of everything, not just oil. explain that we are taking out loans from china to fund tax cuts for millionaires, while the interest is paid by everyone else. don't say things like "I understand that there are folks makin more than 250,000 who are havin trouble" or however he put it. that's like asking to lose the debate. that's just one example--there are tons more.

to the Obama campaign person or persons that monitor this blog, PLEASE relay chuck's post, this comment, and other comments like mine to Senator Obama. if this happens at the debates, he will lose them. badly. and don't tell me mccain wasn't there to argue with. obama wasn't there to argue with when mccain was up either. it's a matter of exuding gut-level passion in what you believe in without emanating an apologetic tone. and it's exactly what democrats have lacked in recent history. is obama better than gore in this respect? sure, but it's not enough so far. is there a fine line between an apologetic tone and a respectful one, between a passionate tone and an angry one? yes. it's a tightrope walk. but that's what you signed up for when you decided to run. it's the big leagues.

PLEASE GET THIS TO HIM! and fellow obama supporters, don't do to me what the republicans do to us. when we criticize the country, we do so because we love it and want it to meet its potential. the same is true here with regard to my criticism of barack.

McCain's back in the Saddleback

REPUBLICAN FOR OBAMA — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:38:05 GMT

DID ANYONE NOTICE THAT MCCAN ASKED THE PASTOR IF QUESTIONS ABOUT SUPREME COURT JUSTICES WERE YET TO BE ASKED. WAS THERE A LEAK?

McCain's back in the Saddleback

Reid Holloway, Torrington, CT — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:38:19 GMT

I was stunned by McCain's crispness, which in my view catapulted him way upward vs. the "Obama the supreme orator" expectations. Given the recent controversy surrounding the new Corsi book, McCain seems to have put in a performance that changes the prevalent question of "Who is the real Barack Obama?" to "Here is the real John McCain," much to the benefit of McCain among heretofore disaffected Republicans and Independents. Depending on the ratings and the extent of the news coverage (especially considering the Olympic Games), I'd bet this leads to a boost in the polls for the Republican.