McCain, Obama: On faith at Saddleback

Obama lost our vote! he again was awful whens theres no pre-written script for him.....John Mccain made him look childish
The mainstream media has frankly put the security of our great country at risk with an Obama coronation media like CNN & MSNBC is the only way Obama managed to steal the Dem nom. It’s extremely concerning that so many Americans could care less about who their candidate really is?? simply amazing and frankly scarey.

PLEASE WATCH AND SHARE WITH EVERYONE ASAP

The Hon. James David Manning, PhD. The Last 100 Days" ...
www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html

www.dontvoteobama.net

...

The choice is even clearer; do we want eight more years of dumb pandering or can we stand to have an intelligent, articulate and honest man for president?

I watch the Q&A last night. And as I figured the Times liberal press has already distorted the facts.

Obama showed once again that he is person who is always thinking before acting and who will bring this country to a better place

John MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT PLEASE!

Interesting difference in styles. Obama spoke to the questions and Pastor Rick. McCain was on the campaign stump and told the audiance what they wanted to hear. I like both the Senators, I just think that Obama did a better job personalizing his answers. I hope to see more thoughtful questions provided to both candidates and that they continue to speak to the issues. No one wants to listen to an increasingly negative ad campaign.

Obama truly revealed himself to be a sincere and reflective Christian. By stark contrast, McCain's answers and the "Christianity" he espoused (at least pretended to embrace) have the depth of bad bumper stickers. We all know those kinds of poser McCain type "Christians," who tell everyone else they're "saved" and "forgiven," and go to church to punch their tickets; but who don't live a reflective and meaningful Christian life, who don't let the Christianity of the bible bear the least on their actions and choices. McCain's unreflective canned answers show him to be, at the very best, a ticket-punching bumper sticker "Christian" !

Obama is a smooth reader and uses big words - but why is he so slow at finding those words and take so much time to answer questions when his teleprompter is not available?

Would he have to carry it around to other countries as president?

And what's with the "above my pay grade" comment when it comes to when life starts? Duh, when does life END?? Shouldn't we be using the SAME facts (brainwaves)???

Maybe the presidency is above his "pay grade" also....

If John McCain can't bring himsel to disavow the smear job being done by his surrogates, I think it then becomes necessary to talk about his adultery with the beer heiress:

"McCain, who is about to become the GOP nominee, has made several statements about how he divorced Carol and married Hensley that conflict with the public record.

In his 2002 memoir, "Worth the Fighting For," McCain wrote that he had separated from Carol before he began dating Hensley. "I spent as much time with Cindy in Washington and Arizona as our jobs would allow," McCain wrote. "I was separated from Carol, but our divorce would not become final until February of 1980."

An examination of court documents tells a different story. McCain did not sue his wife for divorce until Feb. 19, 1980, and he wrote in his court petition that he and his wife had "cohabited" until Jan. 7 of that year -- or for the first nine months of his relationship with Hensley.

Although McCain suggested in his autobiography that months passed between his divorce and remarriage, the divorce was granted April 2, 1980, and he wed Hensley in a private ceremony five weeks later. McCain obtained an Arizona marriage license on March 6, 1980, while still legally married to his first wife.

Until McCain filed for divorce, the Reagans and their inner circle assumed he was happily married, and they were stunned to learn otherwise, according to several close aides.

"Everybody was upset with him," recalled Nancy Reynolds, a top aide to the former president who introduced him to McCain.

Obama answered clearly, honestly, and with a clear understanding of the issues. McCain recited stump lines and pandered. He followed the George Bush policy of not thinking. We don't need 4 more years of that. Obama blew McCain off the stage and when he used his "gates of hell" line, I felt sorry for McCain, poor guy.

It is fitting that the greatest scandal ever perpetrated on the human race, i.e .christianity, would be the launching point of the 2nd greatest scandal, that of democracy.

H.L. Mencken said it best:

"Democracy is also a form of worship. It is the worship of Jackals by Jackasses. "

I appreciated that Obama used this as a forum to express his faith and world view, as intended. McCain used it as a political debate. His short answers allowed him to continue quickly to pre-prepared stories and political talking points. This made it a political debate rather than a forum, and, as such, it became unconstitutional in my view as it created a religious litmus test for the office of president. If this becomes standard fare, how on earth does a non-Christian ever "have a prayer"of getting into office?

If you heard what I did during the forum with the candidates you heard McCain speak FIGHT, WAR, PAST WAR EXPERIENCE, MILITANT, TOUGH VOICE. Obama on the other hand was thoughtful, sincere, humble and honest. If the American people want more WAR and killing then McCain is the one. Kill in war just no abortion is his theme.

McCain probably came off better with Rev. Warren's audience. However, my take was that Obama listened to the questions being asked and responded to them honestly and clearly. By contrast, McCain's answers seemed to be canned portions of his campaign speech, which often only tangentially related to the question. I also felt that Obama showed great courage in offering opinions that differed from those Warren's audience wanted to hear, while McCain, as he usually does, sized up his audience and and said things they wanted to hear.

There must have been some misunderstanding last night. Obama thought it was a forum for an honest conversation. McBush thought it was another stump speech.

I was undecided until last night and despite being an Arizona resident I actually do not like John McCain. I've been very annoyed that we had no better choices than Obama or McCain. After last night there is no doubt I cannot put my children and grandchildren's future in the hands of Obama and his cohorts. John McCain proved experience counts! Oh, and how can you claim to believe in God and still say its OK to "play" God by legalizing the murder of innocent babies? Wake up Obama, abortion has given us teen mothers who flush their newborns down the toilet. What a society condones it will reap.

Once again,and obviously forever more, Obama cannot answer straight, to the point questions. The thought of this man dealing and negotiating with foreign leaders is chilling. The media continues to make him the "saviour" for our times and it's equally chilling to see the thousands of grape juice drinkers buying the pr and never looking at who the real person is they are putting in charge of our country. Case in point, simple question who are top people you would rely on....."my wife and grandmother"/// OMG, how can anyone even fathom this man is presidential material at such a vulnerable time in our country. Yipes!!!!!

I will not use the litmus test (abortion rights) of the Christian right to decide my vote, although I am a born again Christian. I will choose based on which man, on the whole, best embodies those characteristics this country needs, must have, in it's next President.

I'd say that Obama was right theologically. The only near reference is "Do not murder!" Some postulate that Moses' permission to murder a person "in pursuit" of another, might apply to abortions. Or possibly the different compensations he allows for the killing of a woman or of a fetus. The Church and Talmudic "fathers" of the early centuries are also generally obscure. The nearest reference is when it is permitted to execute a woman convicted of criminal offense. The first give a stay until the child is born. The second permit immediate execution.
My read is that the situation is very circumstantial -- nearest to the mainline Protestant and Halackhic views that abortion is not a whimsy prerogative, but depends on two things: concrete material circumstances, and whether the mass of contemporary society feels that to abort a particularly fetus constitutes murder.

So the Bams is right. But mainly because he passively accepts liberal (libertine?) views and hasn't really given it serious thought. Equally, I feel that the only thought that McCain gives to such questions, is based on political polls, not on spiritual quests. I think that Samuel's denunciation of bad politicians applies to both persons, and am currently speculating whether the Bams still has enough intellectual, spiritual and moral plasticity to delve further into such basic questions.

@gareette

What are you talking about? Obama never had your vote. It's not like he did something so awful that you were a big supporter and now you're not.

I disagree with talking heads at MSNBC who stated that McCain was clear and direct in his answers. McCain was simplistic; he didn't answer questions fully. For example, asked about evil and what to do about it, he answered "defeat it" and the only evil he mentioned was Al Qaeda; whereas Obama responded "confront it" and talked about many different evils, some which cannot be defeated. Overall, I found Obama's to be more thoughtful and intelligent responses.

While I thought the format was good, and we all have opinions of how the candidates did, the forum was basically aimed towards the evangelicals and I think Obama lost it on abortion. "Above my pay grade", I would have respected him more if he would have just been honest instead of dodging the question - it was his big gaff of the night. He is a liberal and no one would have been so surprised of is stance on his issue, instead he looked weak and afraid to take a stand.

So when is anyone going to start talking about the economy? I really don't care about moral failings unless they directly contradict the candidate's message. For example, when McCain talks about morality and family values, it's idiotic since he had an affair while still married to his first, ill wife, whom he subsequently dumped. McCain has no respect for women, so anything he has to say about abortion is totally self-serving. McCain has no economic plan other than more of the same garbage we've had for the last 8 years.

If he did have an economic plan, he should be talking about IT since so many Americans are in financial dire straits, instead of talking about Britney and Paris.

While I thought the format was good, and we all have opinions of how the candidates did, the forum was basically aimed towards the evangelicals and I think Obama lost it on abortion. "Above my pay grade", I would have respected him more if he would have just been honest instead of dodging the question - it was his big gaff of the night. He is a liberal and no one would have been so surprised of his stance on his issue, instead he looked weak and afraid to take a stand.

Objective fact. McCain opposes abortion but supports the sacrifice of our young men and women in war. Obama supports abortion but opposes the sacrifice of our young men and women in war. McCain will act mechanically (just like Bush) if elected President and Obama will be a thinking man. It is time to give a thinking man a chance.

There is no faking an amoral person who will divorce his religion mandated life-partner;choosing to marry an heiress younger, pretty, and ready to do whatever it took to get a career politician the money and backing needed to win.

Please elect Senator McCain for three major reasons. 1. The failed socialism of so many countries like its extreme of communism, which sounds so attractive, will NOT serve us well if Obama is elected. Millions have run from it and now live in America because it failed when it comes to opportunity. Without risk there is no opportunity AND with government control, opportunity will be gone with the wind. 2. Ideas such as socialized government controlled health care will only substitute the abuse of private insurance companies with the abuse of government controlled medicine. You can take legal action against the private sector but try taking legal action against the government! We need deeper thinking on this issue than we are getting with the simple answers. 3. Keep our constitutional republic alive by supporting the prime purpose of the federal government which is national defense. Elect McCain who is a COMMANDER AND CHIEF who knows the price of freedom and its cost.

There was nothing honest in the "answers" given by McCain. His answers were either dodges or the same old repeated lines. If you want a president who, like Bush, doesn't have enough respect for Americans to speak to address them respectfully, and who, like Bush, will let his ego guide our country into darkness and lie about it, then go ahead and vote for McCain. Just don't blame anyone else when we're in another unethical and ungodly war, our economy is completely ruined, and our poisoned environment kills our children.

It seemed that Obama understood the context of the occasion much more than McCain. Obama was real, conversational, funny, intelligent and I appreciated the fact that he did not compromise his views, but showed genuine respect for those who had opposing views. Whereas McCain was intense and always trying to stay in control. I personally don't want a president from a generation that does not know how to be real. I deeply admire his stories about Vietnam, but it seems like he is "blowing his own trumpet" - I would rather have read about his noble act of bravery (which he apparently talks about wherever he goes) from another source, instead of hearing him tell it, knowing that he was using it to get the emotional pull - isn't that compromising integrity?
I also though Barack had a very good point about the abortion issue. He wants to try and work towards reducing the number of abortions from a more holistic perspective. Bush and McCain say what the Evang. voters want them to say, but abortions have not dropped after eight year of the republican rhetoric.
Wake up America! We desperately need a new type of leader.

So McSame again panders to his audience. There is no telling at all what he really thinks, just that he can reel out the knee-jerk responses.

Let's hope these alleged 67% are doing the same: knee-jerk response to a pollster, maybe actual thought at the polls.

Unless Mr. Zook and others really want to make the potential first ladies the issue and thereby create a deep probe into the background and life of Michelle Obama, I suggest they lay off Cindy McCain. These ladies are not seeking office and they do not deserve to have their reputations besmirched by hate-filled people who are too dense to discuss the issues in the campaign, of which there are many and on which the candidates have differing opinions. But leave the wives out of it!!!!

McCain is pitiful. He lacks any sense of thoughtful, reflective decision making skills. He portrays an immature, bullish, patronizing, imperialistic, fear mongering approach to foreign & domestic issues. Like Bush, McCain lacks the intellectual ability to truly inspire and lead our country away from the self-absorbed, consumer driven, destructive path we've been on since his "hero" Reagan took office. My biggest fear is voters will elect McCain president and watch him don a cowboy hat and ride into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Obama '08

Sharilyn, no one wants "WAR and killing". Thanks to President George Bush, who is thoughtful, sincere, humble, and honest, we have not had war and killing on our home front. I do not agree with John McCain on certain issues, but I know he can continue to keep the war off our land. A true man of humility doesn't speak of his humility.

I didn't get to see it last night... but based on what I've read in articles which all seem to take a middle ground on this dabate and not pick sides as to who came out on top, it seemed pretty tame and nothing new was learned, we knew where they stood on these issues. In the end people still hear what they want to hear. Just reading some of these comments.... one person says he sounded articulate and intelligent, while someone else states he stumbled through it and McCain made him look foolish. You hear what you want to hear and see what you want to see. My opinion is that McCain is a constant panderer dropping one liners and fake smiles. If I could count with fingers and toes how many times he flashes that ridiculous grin with a thumbs up after he spouts out another GOP talking point.... I mean come on, he looks like a puppet.

Not to let Obama off the hook... he does stumble with his words sometimes when its not scripted. But you're going to knock him for that??? Look at who we have in office right now? John Kerry destroyed Bush in every debate... but that didn't make a lick of difference because Kerry came off as a jerk for making the dumb kid look dumber. The guy has spent the last 8 years making up words, and now you right wingers are going to jump on Obama for a few um's and uh's during a debate?? Double standard people... but as we all know, you conservatives are masters at the double standard, do any of you own mirrors????

Moderator: "What would you do, Barack, if Russia invaded Georgia?"

Obama: "Um, Georgia is one of our 57 states so we would probably need to defend it."

Moderator: "No Barack, Georgia the country, part of the old USSR""

Obama: "Um, in that case, that question is above my pay grade."

It's strange and sad how libs will scream about war and how wrong it is, but as far as babies go, kill em.

That's all. Just kill em. And vote for a man who doesn't even know when life begins. The fuzzier that line is, the better.

Above his pay grade, indeed. Will he use that excuse a lot in the future? Dispute with Russia? Above his pay grade. Dealing with Muslim extremists? Above his pay grade. Cutting spending? Above his pay grade.

Sickening.

I thought Obama was honest, open and complex in his answers.

Mccain never said anything different than his stump speech. Short quick answers with no elaboration and no thought process.

You can judge for yourself.

I am surprised and disappointed that Swamp would allow unproven comments about adultery to be used in reader responses. The only thing anyone other than the McCains know is that he MET his wife a year before he and his first wife divorced. Democrats are in the gutter citing as fact something they do not and cannot know. By doing so, they seek to besmirch a woman who has done tremendous charitable work throughout the world. And by doing so, they will make it open season on Michelle Obama, which would be a sad occurrence. Leave the wives alone and Swamp editors, do your duty!

In my opinion, McCain easily won. Obama can't even speak without saying "uh uh uh uh uh" 20 million times. For crying out loud, you're running for the President of the United States of America. Speak clearly.

Pam, the rules and regulations for political activity in a tax exempt organization are within the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Based on what I have observed in this forum, there was nothing unconstitutional, nor did the chuch violate the IRC. Nevertheless, whether the group of listeners are Christian or non-Christian, NAACP, NOW, Gay Rights Activist, or any other audience, they have a right to hear what the candiates have to say and decide under our constitution who will be elected President. If this is not "standard fare" then we have lost our right to free speech.

The choice we are offered is clearly defined now: Do we want a borrow and spend warmonger, or a responsible man who values peace to lead us?

Moderator: "No Barack, Georgia the country, part of the old USSR""

Obama: "Um, in that case, that question is above my pay grade."

Posted by: Tony T | August 17, 2008 9:24 AM

It seems honesty is above your pay grade.

"Obama lost our vote! he again was awful whens theres no pre-written script for him.....John Mccain made him look childish" Posted by: gareette

Gareette, can you read how dumb you are! Obama might have lost your vote but not mine and thousands more. You sound like a paid online mercenary for the republicans!

I am republican though, but the young man Obama is intelligent and more comfortable with what he says unlike McCain.

Saying I am "pro-life" does not make one Christian! Read what Obama says -- I trust Obama more and McCain is too risky for this nation.

You may go ahead and vote him but please do not mislead the people by saying "Our votes" -- it is your vote FOR Mccain and not mine.

I will Vote OBAMA 08

Senator McCain won my vote!! He showed he had strong convictions and beliefs on every issue, and he never skirted the issues or tried to give a vague or broad answer to try to please everyone (unlike Obama!). I totally lost respect for Obama with his blatant refusal to give a straight answer on issues like abortion. I believe the presidency should be "above his pay grade"!!

Obama accomplished One major thing
12% of the population thought he was a muslim. Good job

And by doing so, they will make it open season on Michelle Obama, which would be a sad occurrence. Leave the wives alone and Swamp editors, do your duty!

Posted by: Derrick | August 17, 2008 9:29 AM

Where the hell you been son? Out of the country? The rabid have been out for months after her.

MCaCain might know when life begins but he very well knows how to terminate innocent lives in a senseless war that he supported and cost millions of lives.

MCCAIN is a hypocrite. Jesus warns, "Woe to you, hypocrites!"

There is innocent blood in McCain's hands!!!!!!

I am republican but my vote will go to OBAMA 08

Obama stutted and paused the entire time. The man is not a quick thinker like we need in Washington. He danced around most subjects, never really giving a concise answer other than the couple religious answers he had prepared due to presuming those would be questions.

I've never been more impressed with Senator McCain, who spoke with confidence, intelligence, without hesitation, friendliness, and an unwaivering position of protecting and loving our country.

McCain is a good, good man.

I hope everyone is intelligent enough to see that.

His answer to "what is rich" is spot on. How dare Obama determine what is enough money for someone? How dare he, over and over, say, "the rich people don't need their money anyway?"

How dare he.

Those who earn it have the right to keep it, spend it, donate it WHERE they want and not where Obama deems necessary.

Think about it -- even if everyone paid the same PERCENTAGE (which we don't), the rich people pay far more than anyone else ... dollar amount. Someone making $250k is likely paying at least $75k to $90k in taxes.

On top of that, they likely buy a more expensive car. Tag the sales tax on a $100k car, and there's another $8k in taxes.

License tags on the expensive car? Likely another $2500 to $3500 a year in plates, yet another form of tax.

Likely their house is more expensive, so they're probably paying $15k to $50k in property taxes, so all the "poor" people can drive around on well maintained streets.

There is absolutely NO need to burden the successful people in this country anymore.

As John McCain brilliantly said, I don't see any reason to redistribute the wealth. I want EVERYONE to get rich.

EVERYONE has that opportunity because this is America. Obama had that opportunity, but this isn't good enough?

Go John Go..... I look forward to meeting you as President John McCain.

AMEN.

I thought both candidates came off pretty well but I would tip the scale a bit to McCain for quickness. Obama does like to ramble. Here is a thought for the day to remind us that politics, like death and taxes, has always been inevitable.

"A politician is a man who understands government and it takes a politician to run a government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead ten or fifteen years." --Harry S. Truman

Things are hopping over at the realtime online poll at http://www.bop-o-rama.com
McCain's Bop count is on the move!
Obama's has topped 312,000!

No Obama thinks before he talks but he think he is talking to an audience of morons-

Surprised he didn't make a better show with his multi reglious background-

McCain 2000 would not vote for McCain 2008. Bob Barr should have been allowed to participate in the forum. You see what a simple minded man who only look at things in black and white. McCain if you would have made that famous speech on the senate floor about following Bin laden into the gates of hell before we invaded Iraq you would have a leg to stand on. So please stop with the tuff guy talk and take ownership of that.

This is real simple. Mccain talked about georgia with a whole lot of experience. He was confident with his answers. Obama didnt look like he was THINKING. He looked like he didnt know what he is talking about. Mccain also talked about russia and the other little nations that supported Georgia. He also talked about the president of Georgia who he knows. Obama doesnt know anyone outside the u.s. . When he spoke about the Georgian controversy a few days ago at a press confrence he had to keep obsessively looking at his notes in front of him. Its almost like he had no clue where georgia was on the map. IM not going to vote for a absolute baffooon. Its not senator. Its junior senator. freakin rookie. Just trying to go for the gold way before his time.

This is the nonsense that will pass for debate, if the good Senator from Illinois agrees to appear with Senator " Questionable Conduct ". Senator Obama answered each question with a thoughtful response, while Senator McCain appeared more like a " Chatty Cathy " doll, with someone pulling a string and hearing pre-recorded messages, meaningless ones, at that. Senator Obama spoke in details, while Senator McCain spoke in generalities and platitudes. The smart choice, is very obvious, Senator Obama, if nothing else, will be honest and straight-forward with America, while Senator McCain has proven in the past, with the " Keating Five ", that he can't be honest and straight-forward !! It is not only, that simple, but that important, Senator McCain has shown, in his past, that he is not a trustworthy candidate !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THE M HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Liberals and Democrats who are undecided about Sen. Obama, please watch this video before it is too late:

http://www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html

Ask yourself, "What Mr. Martin Luther King think about Obama?" See the video for answer...

Thank you.

I second patmac's comments about the contrast between Obama's reflective Christianity and McCain's lack of debt. Only God knows their individual hearts, but you can see the Holy Spirit's work in people through their words and actions. A key verse that all Christians should be challenged by is "take capture your thoughts and make them obedient to Christ". Obama demonstrated reflection & McCain didn't. I want new leadership that has a personal relationship with God, not a canned speech about I'm saved & sanctified. Too many "Christians' say they are but are no different in actions than nonbelievers and don't demo the fruits of the Spirit. God's people will know you are saved & forgiven by your actions daily.

My vote for McCain.
He made Obama look like a fool . He can not speak without a scrip & telepropter- a lack of experience & knowledge of the subject is noted.
I believe our country will be in big trouble if OB & his advisors, wife ,grandma & Ted K. runs America.
Please spare us....

What silliness. Next time, let's have an atheist ask the questions..

John McCain doesn't have the character or temperament to be president

First he had an adulterous affair with the beer heiress before he kicked Carol McCain to the curb. He lied that he was seperated from Carol, when the record shows he wasn't.

Then there's hothead McCain:

"But the Arizona Republic, which endorsed McCain for each of his five congressional races but has not yet made an endorsement in the presidential race, was direct.

It declared in an editorial:

"If McCain is truly a serious contender for the presidency, it is time the rest of the nation learned about the John McCain we know in Arizona. There is also reason to seriously question whether he has the temperament, and the political approach and skills, we want in the next president of the United States."

Lastly, there's McCain's lady-of-the-night moment of taking money from Karl Rove. John McCain believes that Karl Rove did a smear anf fear job on him in South Carolina in 2000. McCain believes Karl Rove was the author of the push-poll about McCain fathering an out-of-wedlock BLACK baby. (The black baby being the baby the McCain's adopted from Bangladesh.) The smear was McCain's belief that Rove spread a rumor that McCain was a whack job hothead due to having been a former POW.

McCain believes to this day that Rove did the smear job on him and his family - yet he takes Rove's money.

There was once a music critic who criticized President Truman's daughter's music ability. Truman threatened to punch the guy in the nose. John McCain gets his family slandered and takes money from the man he believes did it.

John McCain doesn't have the character or temperament to be president.

Mccain talked about georgia with a whole lot of experience.
Posted by: leo palacios | August 17, 2008 10:24 AM

I would hope he does. His top foreign adviser is a payed lobbyist for Georgia. Funny that you would like to have our government ruled by those on another countries payroll.

Obama, as usual, dances around questions with lofty rhetoric. Too funny.,He is a Christian but listens to 20 years of hate filled sermons and even nods his head in agreement at some of them. You arent fooling many of us now Mr Obama - and the polls are showing it. We always knew you were a Pied Piper and with 2 1/2 more months until the election we will have plenty of time to convince some of your robots that they need to be "deprogrammed and see reality !! Also why is Obama praising grandma now when he dissed her in the past and tlaked lovngly about his dead beat , alcoholic black father who deserted him and fathered 7 other children with other women. Now he wants to praise grandma ???? - for the audience of course. Its always another performance by Obama !! Too funny !!

John McCain easily won that debate. He had the crowd near 100% of the time.

Obama stunk, having this format for a debate really showed how well they both answer direct questions.

Obama is selling himself as being a religious man as a good selling point, but up against McCain you could see some SERIOUS hemming hawing and avoiding answering any questions from a religious leader. You walk away not knowing anything more about Obama's stance other than the usual sense that he's hiding a LOT from the public!

Why do Obama followers make up lies about McCain's first marriage? First- Carol McCain was and is not disfigured or ailing. She is disabled because they had to cut out the shattered bone in her legs from the car crash. With therapy learned to walk again although with a limp. She also looks very good and has a successful career. Notably, McCain himself is also disabled. But both people are successful and should be admired for not letting their disabilities hold them back.

In 1979 Carol moved to California to live with the Edward Meese family and work as Nancy Reagan's assistant. She helped plan the 1980 GOP convention. She worked in the Reagan White House for almost the full two terms. And most importantly, she is friendly with John McCain and supports him for President.

Also note that when McCain met and married Cindy, that six years had passed since he returned home from Hanoi Hilton.

Carol did not want a divorce, but finally agreed (ergo 1980 date). She had already been divorced from one of McCain's Navy Academy classmates. She then hooked up with McCain who adopted her two boys, who are now in high positions in Cindy's corporation.

Bottom line, the extended McCain family is integrated and doing well, and Obama followers are trying to tear them apart just because they want to denigrate John McCain. Really disgusting.

McCain reminded me of Ronald Reagan last night. He obviously has put alot of thought into these issues that is why he answered these questions so quickly. The comment from Obama regarding abortion "that is above my pay-grade" made him come off as wimp. He said that women do not take the decision to have abortion likely. I've know women who have had multiple abortion, their mind-set on having abortion is just like buying another pair of shoes. It's just sickening. Those babies have absolutely no rights. I can't understand how anyone who calls themselves Christian can justify the killing of innocent babies. Another thing I can't understand is how Obama can call himself Christian when he attended a so-called chruch that preached nothing but hate. Then again all those drinking the kool-aid will forgive all his sins, no questions asked.

Well, after watching this event, I must lean toward Obama at this point. I agree with those posters who stated that the junior senator's responses were thoughtful and addressed the questions posed to him, whereas the senior senator's answers were canned responses. I am looking forward to more direct comparisons prior to making my final decision.

Obama's performance was not great. The best the news people could say was that he "nuanced." That is another way of saying he did not talk on point but rather around it. Personally, I have a kink in my neck watching Obama's tipped head (to the right). What was all that about?

McCain was refreshing with his straightforward answers. He got people energized and emotional (even Pastor Rick who is pretty energetic and emotional on his own).

The CNN analyst David Gergen who leans Obama said that McCain has now shown that he will not be a push-over in any debate. And another CNN analyst who is pro-Obama (his name escapes me but he is black radio talk show host) said that Obama needs to drop the lengthy rhetoric and speak more directly. I agree. Obama can "nuance" all he wants and appear thoughtful, but that does not work very well. Obama needs to drop his lawyer-speak and do better campaign-speak.

By the way, from my observation-- Both Obama and McCain had some idea about what the questions were going to be. No one had the advantage there. Also Obama had the advantage of an interview with CBN while McCain was with Rick Warren. That clip was played during the CNN after Warren's venue ended. Obama really blew it there. His soft-spoken Christian manner was replaced with anger at a Christian group, even calling them liars. How dumb is this guy anyway?

There is a u tube that has Obama saying that Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is so radical that even our Defense Dept would have difficulty handling it's implications. It is said with disdain for Jesus.
Obama is not a Christian. In an interview with the New York Times he recited the Islamic call to prayer and called it the prettiest sound on Earth. Enough said.

I agree Nomaba was as calm and intelligent as a cucumber. But who wants a vegitable for president?

The presidential race should have nothing to do with religion. Decisions should be made on logic and evidence alone. This is ridiculous!!

Obama must think very hard before answering. He has to try to remember what he said the last time he was asked. It has nothing to do with what he thinks or how he feels, it has to do with saying what ever it takes to get him the job. This guy was a Muslim as a child and "upgraded" to a hate filled racist church as an adult. This is his spiritual back ground. Like his leadership ability, his faith has never been tested.

"Liberals and Democrats who are undecided about Sen. Obama, please watch this video before it is too late:

http://www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html

Ask yourself, "What Mr. Martin Luther King think about Obama?" See the video for answer...

Thank you.

Posted by: JJL | August 17, 2008 10:24 AM "

Well, I saw it. Now I am more in Obama's camp. If that idiot is against Obama, then I am for him.

Any sincere and honest born again believer who viewed the exchanges between Pastor Rick Warren and Senators Obama and McCain knows that there was no Jesus in the McCain stump speech nor in his demeanor.
That man would have our children forever involved in armed conflict; of course only in those places where we had some "economic" interest, while we sat on our hands when confronted with real incidents of genocide or folk perishing due to lack and famine. As a born again believer I do not want John McCain voted into the presidency because my fellow evangelicals are too focused on only two of what they think are the highest moral sins.

Shame on white evangelicals for voting on nothing but race and not Jesus.

Looks like the obamanites are out in full force with their talking points... shows you how bad obama looked last night.

It's clear, to anyone with eyes, that obama is empty... he doesn't have true convictions of any kind, beyond gaining power.

Might have known the unfathomable ethical issue of abortion will be used again by the right as a lynchpin in this election. To the oh so erudite cons complaining about Obama's reflective pauses, mute stupidity hasn't bothered you the last eight years. It's called being reflective and thoughtful as opposed to mouthing the same brain numbing "my friends" tape.

Both have 'moral' issues, both say what 'we' want to hear...
I believe that abortion is WRONG, I also know that this 'evil' war is wrong, 'that region' it's been @ it since the Book of GENESIS! don't u get it? is all about 'power' let GOD and let GO, trust in JESUS trust what the BIBLE says...there will be no Peace, unitl the 'Prince of Peace' comes to judge the quick & the dead, wonder why these Politicians don't talk about that? Mr. Bush? Mr. RUSH? ect ect. . . hypocrites!

sorry i did not get to read all of your comments seems like a lot of you have no idea what you are talking about, and Deana you said it best. How can you call John Mccain a war monger? Because he does not believe in the collapse of western civilization because we do not follow Shakria Law? I too, love how the ones who cry about war usually never will fight one and are all for killing children with abortion. Barack Obama did not support a bill in his state senate to prevent doctors from starving surviving partial-birth aborted babies, disgusting. I am an atheist and I love Mccain and think his morals are what this country needs. The religious right are not the only ones who will support the righteous.

Senator Barack Obama did not have access to the questions ahead of time and was constantly admonished by Rick Warren not to use his stump speech; however John McCain was allowed to do BOTH. It was crystal clear. How else can questions be answered before they are asked? McCain is no Einstein in any stretch of the imagination and could not have magically known what the questions were without prior knowledge.

Without being repetitious Doug Zook has correctly noted that McCain has neither the temperament nor the character to be President of the United States. He is sleeping in Rove's and Abramoff's camp and the camps of many other curious characters. McCain will sleep with anyone to get where he wants. His mother was speaking the truth about him but she has been thrown in the closet and gagged.

It would have been GREAT if Rick Warren had conducted an above-board forum. Senator Obama outdistances McCain in intelligence, character, and the understanding that he is not God himself. So I guess Rick Warren had no other choice but to satisfy the devils in his bed.

It is so sad that the McCain campers (McCain and Supporters) believe that he is omnipotent; an example is the belief that he can stamp out evil across the world. Of course, that is the reason they have no evil in their houses and backyards. They do not care -- power is what they seek. AND for those who do not analyze much or any of what they hear, I wish you could have a real dose of the McCain nonsense for just a month to get a true sense of the person and policies that you think are so wonderful.

I have no doubt now as to who I will vote for; John McCain. Why?; nuclear power, terror, economy, taxes. Need I go further? The bloggers who do not understand what this election is about need to get an education and add some of thier own intelligence into the mix.

The Obama trolls go after opponents' divorces - again. I was going to see if Obama could wage a campaign without going there, but I'm not surprised that he has. Thanks Bill R. and Doug Zook for cementing this image for us: Obama really is an empty suit filled with nothing but hate and divisivenss masked by a media-built image. Obama trolls may be fooled, but thinking Americans who haven't gotten drunk on the hopium laced kool-aid aren't going for this con-man. Obama has nothing to offer but racism, misogyny, age-ism, intimidation, shallow soundbites and cheap shots. Nobama. Never.

I do not care how clear or concise Mccain sounded. He was simply wrong, his stances are very hateful harmful stances. He did nothing but give stump speech. Tonight Senator Mccain energized me to do work for he Obama campaign

Whoever posted the comment "you do not have to be a Christian to be pro-life' is absolutely right. I am an independent voter. This single issue, though important, is what the Republicans have used to win their elections since Reagan. Why can't these white evangelicans see that the abortion industry has only gotten stronger. We were promised that Roe vs Wade would be overturned if we voted Rebpulican, because those elected would fight for it. It "ain't no where near being overturned." How do we keep getting duped every 4 years. The Evangelicals have to share some responsibility for the condition that this country is in because of their lack of true Christian spiritual direction. These 'religious' individuals have since Reagan selected party over hearing the real voice of the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob - maybe they cannot hear Him because they are have seemingly been serving two masters. If that be the case then that explains their voting patterns. I will never allow another evangelical leader, or any 'religious' leader tell me how to vote again.

Obama = Communism
Liberals = Brainwashed wannabe Communists

Mccain=American Courage

It was plain to see last night

Doug Zook- How can you make a stateemnt like that with Obam's Chicgo backgroud in wheel and dealing-

Here we are the day after the interviews last night and after reading numerous blog comments, it still amazes me how in love certain Americans are with Obama. It doesn't matter that he never answered a direct question with a direct answer. It doesn't matter that he didn't tell the truth about the bi-partisan issue. Even though he answered the faith question seemly scripted, he failed to mention his mentor, Rev. Wright, and the influence he had on his life. Still, after an hour of an interview, there is still very little he revealed about himself.
I've read critical comments about McCain in that he used the opportunity to make a stump speech. Wasn't the point of the interviews was to get to know the candidates better? To know what they want to do once they are president?
I am not a big fan of Rick Warren, but I must admit that the format for these interviews was genius. No spin allowed. No wasting time going off task. Clear and to the point questions asked identically to both candidates. Questions that people wanted to know so they could make a very important decision on who will be our next president.
I know I feel more informed now. Many of the questions I had about the candidates have been answered. I look forward to the next weeks and what effects these interviews have on peoples opinions of these men.
I have no doubt that much more is yet to come.

** Super-size me Jesus! **

Junk-food faith for a fat-head nation!

● Obama wants to reach out to fundies? Casting pearls before the swinish, he's already carried obligatory politico-religious hypocrisy too far. The "Rev" Rick should be seen for the lying fraud that he is. McCain was correct in 2000 about maggots at the GOP's core.

● A nation overwhelmingly god-fearing also overwhelmingly rejects science. My fellow country-persons lack the critical intelligence to evaluate the garbage they put in their brains.

● The US is an aberration among developed nations in its affinity for xian enthusiasms and in its failure to accept now elementary basic truths like evolution via natural selection.

● America the free? Nonsense. I am an atheist, an *anti-supernaturalist* to be precise. Therefore, I belong to the most despised minority in the US. Why according to GHW Bush, I'm not fit to be a citizen.

● I'll tolerate fundies only when everyone's "freedom of conscience" under the US Constitution is restored and respected. The US is still (barely) a secular state which has the misfortune of selective amnesia towards the political ideology of christo-fascism, dominionism. If you haven’t read Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid's Tale” do it before election day.

● The US has been a secular state from its inception. It is *not* one nation under a non-existent god. Not under child molesting priests, not under fanatical tax-dodging televangelists, not under cabals of delusional fundies seeking to overthrow the Republic. The people are sovereign.

● bipolar2 © 2008

As a mature Christian I see both McCain and Obama both as "Babes in Christ" if at all. It's apparent that neither really have a clue though I sincerely think they believe they are. McCain is better skilled at saying what the audience wants to hear and Obama seem seems to be painfully honest even when his opinion is unpopular with his audience. An authentic Christian would have professed his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and explained why.I don't think either man knew the definition of a Christian or they'd have expressed it explicitely to this audience. MCCains considering Tom Ridge for V.P. negates all the rhetoric about his pro life stance. Obama (as does his wife) is Pro Choice and is at least honest about it. MCCain is professing to be Pro Life because he is running as a Republican....and has to. Just as Obama has to run as Pro Choice as a Democrat. When the whole story is fully exposed about McCain abandoning his first wife after she was in a car accident and thrown through the windshield leaving her 3 inches shorter and overweight. much differnt from the model he remembered he as before he left for the war, his patina is going to slowly tarnish.. When the reporters print how he called his current wife a trollup and a cunt in front of everyone present just because she teased him about his thinning hair...his patina will loose its shine. When people read in his book how he applied for marriage license to Cindy before his divorce form the first wife...his patina will begin to dull. Neither of thes emen are perfect and I doubt either are more than babes in Christ (if at all) but at least one is open and honest about who he is and what he stands for. McCainmay kiss you first,,,but I think you'll still be screwed in the end.

Did anyone else catch Obama lying his hiney off on the Born Alive Infant Protection Act?

He still denies its the same legislation that he voted against at the state level despite the facts.

http://nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/ObamaCoverup.html

I loved this format. It enabled the viewer to put both candidates up against eachother in sharp contrast. No, I'm not talking so much on ideas, I'm talking about Obama's struggle in not answering the questions straight forward as McCain did. He just did not appear to be comfortable in his own skin with his own beliefs, maybe because he is in front of some voters who he could use the support from that he knows would never go along with him if he stated HIS positions straight forwardly. Yes, he answered questions but one would have to sift thru on the polical BS to decipher his answers. That is where he will always be hurt in this election. If you have to hide you ideas that deep in poop, you are obviously not appealing to the MAIN STREAM with them.

McCain was terrific, he had no problem answering. He didn't seemed ashamed of his beliefs or sneaky as if he's hiding things. He can clearly define himself.....Obama never will be able to, and MANY of us know why after looking into his background.