By Jaketapper

Aug 17, 2008 2:07am

McCain’s War Stories

To hear the crowd at Saddleback Church tell it, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., definitely had a good night.

One of the reasons cited by parishioners had to do with McCain telling his personal story. A

sked the most gut wrenching decision he’s ever had to make, for instance, McCain said, “It was long ago and far away in a prison camp in North Vietnam. My father was a high ranking admiral. The Vietnamese came and said that I could leave prison early. And we had a code of conduct that said you only leave by order of capture. I also had a dear and beloved friend who was from California by the name Ed Alvarez who had been shot down and captured a couple years before me…

“So I said no. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m very happy I didn’t know the war was going to last for another three years or so. but I said no and I’ll never forget sitting in my last answer and the high ranking officer who offered it slammed the door and the interrogator said go back to your cell it’s going to be very tough on you now. And it was. But not only the toughest decision I ever made but I’m most happy about that decision than any decision I’ve ever made in my life.

"Can I finally say? It took a lot of prayer, it took a lot of prayer.”

He also told the Christmas story.

On other issues — abortion, judges, faith-based organizations’ hiring, bad teachers’ firing — McCain gave the conservative answers that the crowd seemed to want. But beyond that, reviews seem to indicate it was one of the best — if not the very best — of McCain’s speaking performances in this election cycle.

- jpt

User Comments

From what I hear it was a blowout. Obama may have just blown the election. No wonder he hates debates or townhalls with McCain. There is no comparison in the two.

Posted by: Jo | August 17, 2008, 2:24 am 2:24 am

It has been well researched that voters usually vote by emotions instead of logical reasoning.
The Republicans are champions at using fear to win elections.

Posted by: Julie | August 17, 2008, 2:30 am 2:30 am

I heard every word by both candidates….I needed nodoze to endure Obama’s answers, but McCain was passionate and clear, not afraid to answer a question without tippytoeing around. I knew some of McCain’s answers but loved hearing them again and seeing him connect with Warren and audience. He should be good at this, he goes out almost everyday to town hall meetings to meet with as many as he can and really connect. The big stage rock star venue doesn’t seem to be working for Obama anymore….he really should have taken McCain up on 10 small town meetings (Obama once said he’d meet McCain anywhere, anytime…right). From the postings I’ve read tonight…..McCain won this forum, hands down. Even CNN pundits (always in the tank for BO) were heaping the compliments McCain’s way.
Obviously, FOX was too. Sunday morning political shows should be interesting.
I love McCain and agree with him on 80% (I agree with Obama on abortion), but tonight was McCain’s night!

Posted by: Debra | August 17, 2008, 2:35 am 2:35 am

This election will be generational…young, naive, inexperienced or rich liberal going for Obama and McCain getting centrists, middle aged, middle American on up. It will be interesting, but I will lay my head on my pillow at night feeling more secure in EVERY way with President McCain at the helm. I hope he picks a good VP; glad it’s after Obama’s big week in Denver.
McCain ’08/Hillary ’12

Posted by: Debra | August 17, 2008, 2:40 am 2:40 am

OK, help me out here. I missed the debate, but I am reading that when Obama was asked the same question, about his most gut wrenching decision, that he answered it was when he “voted” against the Iraq war. Alright….now PLEASE tell me Obama did indeed say that, so that it would proof positive once and for all that this man is a fraud and a liar, to say that he “voted” when he wasn’t even in the Senate, and to claim such an important decision when he wasn’t even involved! Can someone fill me in and this lunacy? thank you!

Posted by: decentAmerican | August 17, 2008, 2:42 am 2:42 am

This was no blowout. McCain avoided answering the questions and recycled most of his stump speech. Who believes that the wisest people he knows is General Petraeus and the CEO of EBay?

Posted by: doug | August 17, 2008, 2:45 am 2:45 am

There goes the claim of the ‘journalists’ that McCain is ‘reluctant’ to talk about his experiences. His POW-status is his only shot at the presidency and he rehashes it over and over again. Just like my grandfather did when he grew older. Couldn’t stop telling the same stories over and over again.

Posted by: Willem van Oranje | August 17, 2008, 2:50 am 2:50 am

Debra, I just don’t understand you. McCain views/policies are almost completely (90-95%) different from Hillary. Hillary and Obama almost (90%) has the same view. You are willing to vote for McCain because he has experience over Obama that are very similar to Hillary. Last Time I check, 3 out 4 Presidents that are on Mount Rushmore had no experience but made good judgment decision in making America great.

Posted by: chris | August 17, 2008, 2:53 am 2:53 am

Why is it necessary to declare a winner? This was not a debate, it was a forum. That said, I’ll take the candidate that actually responds to the questions asked rather than the one that has his stump speech stories down pat for quick answers every time.
We have very serious, very complicated problems facing this nation which deserve leadership that is thoughtful and intellectually curious. We won’t survive another 4 years of kneejerk, militaristic rapid responses.
McCain wants to punch everyone all around the world in the nose. Obama is interested in all angles to all the problems that all 300 million of us face every day.
Hopefully there are more thinking people in this country than not.

Posted by: G Davis | August 17, 2008, 2:54 am 2:54 am

DecentAmerican, please watch the show (not a debate) and stop making false assumption.

Posted by: chris | August 17, 2008, 2:56 am 2:56 am

decentAmerican: “that he answered it was when he “voted” against the Iraq war”
Well, I can tell you that the people who are telling you he said ‘vote’ are liars.
He didn’t say he ‘voted’ against the war. He said he “agonized” over his opposition to the Iraq war. You can oppose something without being in the Senate or having to vote on it.
Maybe you should stop listening to people who are lying to you. How can you trust them in the future?

Posted by: Willem van Oranje | August 17, 2008, 3:00 am 3:00 am

So….what was that about McCain being reluctant to advertise his war record?

Posted by: Brian | August 17, 2008, 3:11 am 3:11 am

Obama wasn’t in a roomful of his supporters and he probably accomplished what he had hoped to achieve here and that would be to diminish some of the fear factor in regards to him. He was thoughtful and answered the questions as they were asked . He needs to bring his game up though when he goes to debate McCain because whether one likes McCain or not his experience was apparent and he appeared more confident and Presidential. When Obama was asked at the beginning about his bipartisan work he cited two examples and one included McCain. Then he went on to point out that not only had he (Obama)
stuck up to his party but so had McCain.
Then you have McCain on who coudlv’e spent about 15 minutes talking about his bipartisan work on major issues.
Obama needs to watch that in the debates. I wouldn’t give McCain too much of anything because McCain is a stronger contender then the Obama supporters seem to appreciate.

Posted by: alpaig52 | August 17, 2008, 3:15 am 3:15 am

McCain will have lost every moderate in the country with his position on the Judges for the Supreme Court.
The Obama campaign will have a lot of opportunity to explain to voters what kind of judges McCain favors: judges who think they have a right to legislate from the bench and intrude into your personal life and even into your bedroom.
And who will favor businesses instead of individuals. Individual rights will be thrown out of the window with more judges in the mold of Alito, Scalia and Roberts.

Posted by: Willem van Oranje | August 17, 2008, 3:19 am 3:19 am

McCain’s years of service are a part of who he is and very relevant. I don’t know what has had a big impact on Obama…he still seems so elusive. I know he was “abandoned” by parents and went to some good schools, played basketball and did drugs. He was a “community organizer” before Senator for 143 days….he still falls short in my Presidential column.
McCAIN ALL THE WAY TO THE WH! He was clearly the winner tonight.

Posted by: Debra | August 17, 2008, 3:22 am 3:22 am

war stories are a part of mccains american story-just like obama’s is being the product of a single parent, and being multi cultural. that is their story! i respect both of them for sharing these emotions, and what must have been very painful experiences, especially for mccain.

Posted by: sonia trevino | August 17, 2008, 3:35 am 3:35 am

This is about PLATFORMS and ISSUES and NOT about the candidates, I could careless if they put a PARROT to run for the DEMS in November.
You vote for ISSUES and PLATFORM and NOT the CANDIDATE.
Many i remember said they vote for Bush because he look like the guy you can have a BEER with…WHAT!!!!!.
Well that turn out to be one expensive beer.. that now have America in a position they are in …COSTLY WAR . BROKEN HEALTHCARE, UNDERFUNDED SCHOOLS, IGNORE of the ENVIRONMENT.
Like i said gimme the PARROT who can sign off on BILLS to fix America and HELP the AMERICAN PEOPLE.
Barcack campaign have to keep pumping the ISSUES to remind people what the Dems party is all about,And dont get sidetrack.
McCain PLATFORM and Issues.. well they have NONE.

Posted by: mike | August 17, 2008, 4:14 am 4:14 am

I don’t think either McCain or Obama did badly. I think Obama’s biggest mistake was bringing up the Iraq war as his most gut wrenching decision, I don’t particularly see why it was gut wrenching for him if the only consequence he would face was political, it’s not like the lives of anyone was in his hands at that moment. I think people would have rather heard something more personal. McCain’s biggest mistake was naming Petraeus as someone whose judgment he would trust. People already think he is a warmonger and that will just confirm it for them, but knowing McCain’s history he naturally puts a lot of faith in military. When McCain hit it out the part was when he said he voted against sending troops to Lebanon. That showed not only was he not always willing to go to war but also he was going against his party and it was a stand he took while he was actually in the senate and a jr. senator at that.

Posted by: pennsylvaniavoter | August 17, 2008, 4:17 am 4:17 am

I forgot to say I thought it took some courage for Obama to admit his past drug use and drinking. At least he was honest about it as opposed to Clinton’s I did it but I didn’t inhale. Although times are different now and it is not as politically risky but it is still risky so it was nice to see some honesty for a change on that subject.

Posted by: pennsylvaniavoter | August 17, 2008, 4:30 am 4:30 am

“Saturday night, he cited the role of faith in his decision to stay in a Vietnamese prison camp after he was offered release because his father was a high-ranking naval officer.”
In fact McCain was required to denounce the United States’ involvement in the Vietnamese war in order to obtain “early release”. I doubt that his North Vietnamese captors (who used little children as “suicide bombers”) gave any deference to the fact that his father was a “high-ranking naval officer”.

Posted by: Dogcatcher | August 17, 2008, 5:33 am 5:33 am

McCain-08

Posted by: alex | August 17, 2008, 7:03 am 7:03 am

Dear Presidential candidates;
I will give serious consideration to the candidate who says – IF ELECTED, I WILL PROMPTLY ISSUE A PRESIDENTIAL DECREE ORDERING THAT ALL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS SHALL PROMPTLY POST, IN LARGE BOLD LETTERS, IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES “IN GOD WE TRUST” and ONE NATION UNDER GOD”
Never mind consulting Congress – they can’t agree on anything except taking long holidays and giving theirselves added benefits and pay raises.
Thank You – Gordon Johnson

Posted by: Gordon Johnson | August 17, 2008, 7:53 am 7:53 am

The beginning of the end for Obama.
No wonder Obama is afraid to debate McCain.
Democrats – we have one more chance- vote for Hillary at the Democratic Convention!

Posted by: Sally J. | August 17, 2008, 7:54 am 7:54 am

I did think in some ways McCain had a good night, but at the same time as I have said on another thread, I did feel he was answering questions as a politician. Obama was answering questions as a human being.
I’d be interested to know what independents thought of the forum. Is it going to affect there vote? Where they even watching? As an Obama supporter I would agree that McCain spoke better, but I do wonder if its going to help the Obama campaign, in a more partisan setting, make the ‘McBush’ argument? And I would also say that Obama gave more of himself as a person, rather than just reiterating his stump positions.

Posted by: markymark | August 17, 2008, 8:08 am 8:08 am

Wasn’t it the Soviets who originally called someone a liar who did not agree with the Soviet party line. Seems appropriate to mention that here.

Posted by: Manitu | August 17, 2008, 8:19 am 8:19 am

McCain definitely was very Presidential last night. I see him taking over the lead in the polls and never looking back! Obama is toast!

Posted by: david from texas | August 17, 2008, 8:33 am 8:33 am

Posted by: anne | August 17, 2008, 8:36 am 8:36 am

I think John McCain is a liar regarding his POW experiences. He made 32 propaganda tapes for the communist, and I for one would like to see them. My uncle who was a POW in Viet Nam says McCain is a liar and will not vote for him.

Posted by: Sue | August 17, 2008, 8:37 am 8:37 am

Jo, I watched it with some folks in my Sunday school class. Most of us felt that McCain came across as a deranged war monger.

Posted by: Tim | August 17, 2008, 8:41 am 8:41 am

markymark,
My sense was McCain had a political answer a good majority of the questions. I loved the war stories and it gave me a better sense of whom McCain really is. I almost cried after hearing the “cross” story between him and a fellow captives. But at the same time I wondered if there’s anything beyond war for McCain. My view is McCain was trying to please the audience and reassure that he is a conservative. But when he went into the talks of Supreme Court Justices I believe he losted the independent vote.
I also thought Obama response for his reasoning of running for the presidency was by far better then McCains response.
I still think McCain won the night. But it depends on whom you ask. Obama was more genuwine and honest. McCain spoke better and was too political in his responses.

Posted by: Vanessa | August 17, 2008, 8:41 am 8:41 am

McCain connected with America:
Obama did not!
McCain was the POTUS:
Obama was still in Chicago!
Welcome, President John McCain!

Posted by: Jackie | August 17, 2008, 8:44 am 8:44 am

markymark
“I did think in some ways McCain had a good night, but at the same time as I have said on another thread, I did feel he was answering questions as a politician. Obama was answering questions as a human being.”
That was exactly my take on it, too. Obama was thoughtful in his answers and McCain seemed rehearsed — giving half-truths and saying whatever would get applause.

Posted by: Common Sense | August 17, 2008, 8:45 am 8:45 am

I think Obama supporters, and from the news analysts on ALL major networks, realize that John McCain can connect with America a lot better than Obama.
I was shocked to see CNN and even MSNBC (Obama’s networks) report over and over again how much BETTER McCain was in this forum than Obama.
McCain answered the questions directly, without hesitation. Obama, stuttered and stammered and seemed like he couldn’t collect his thoughts at times. In the debates, McCain will shred Obama and now Obama supporters realize what has always been said…Obama cannot speak without a teleprompter.
McCain touched the hearts of Americans last night, and as a schoolteacher, he blew Obama away on his education platform.
I agree, John McCain won the Presidency last night! I was still trying to make my mind up, now I have done it…I will vote for John McCain in November.
McCain 08!

Posted by: DeniseJ | August 17, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am

John McCain is what I would like to think America is all about — working together, achieving results. John does not need a teleprompter, he can communicate and show that he is in command of his thoughts. Obama cannot communicate as well without a teleprompter and written speeches. He does not commit to anything in any definite manner—always leaves a margin to change his answer. Maybe Obama’s wife gives good advice as Obama’s answer to the question of the three wise people he might take counsel from was his wife and his grandmother were on top of the list and then again to cover his bases…with no people’s names just many advisers…he couldn’t think of even one name?!!!!!!

Posted by: Ann | August 17, 2008, 8:53 am 8:53 am

I think Obama will not go on O’Reilly because he can’t answer questions. Obama proved last night that he can’t think when asked the most unpressured questions as in the forum.
OReilly would drill Obama and thats why his camp don’t want him there. It would be catastrophic for Obama. Bill would rip him to pieces and Obama would be a total embarrassment and disgrace.
Regardless, McCain did look, act, and talk like the next President of the United States! A job well, done, President McCain!

Posted by: david from texas | August 17, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am

I didn’t know someone could win a conversation. Neither did good. McCain was political trying to please his base. Obama stammered. I do think Obama opened up a bit but at times he seems he didn’t want to tell the audience what he really thought on certain issues not wanting to offend.
McCain made a political issue of all the questions. The drill here drill now. The abortion issue and his “administration”. The Justices. Evil in the world. Everything was war this and war that.
McCain did a better job for his base. Obama did a better job for the independent vote.
Overall I didn’t learn anything new about either candidate.

Posted by: Ilya | August 17, 2008, 9:07 am 9:07 am

Like Phelps who broke the record for gold last night, so did John McCain!
McCain was the victor and won gold last night in the hearts of Americans!
McCain 08!

Posted by: Tommy | August 17, 2008, 9:08 am 9:08 am

McCain did nothing last night to ease the worries I have of him. You can’t undo 26 years of voting against issue close to heart in just a year of campaigning. Unless McCain choses a very social conservative republican this conservative and many others are staying home.

Posted by: Karen | August 17, 2008, 9:21 am 9:21 am

“whole life”
Obama 08!

Posted by: Common Sense | August 17, 2008, 9:26 am 9:26 am

Watching all of Obama’s debate tells me an Obama’s Presidency will be full of prepared speeches, reading off a teleprompter or memorizing the words the night before. When thinking live on his feet, Obama is directionless.

Posted by: young_voter | August 17, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am

Remember THE GREAT SOCIETY under Pres. Johnson? same stuff – different era. Wasn’t all Johnson’s fault, but the 60s started our down-slide with crime, drugs, corruption, morality, etc. I am not a particularly religious person, but any fool can follow our down-slide as a society. An Obama presidency would just speed it along. Not all Obama’s fault either – BUT OBAMA IS CAUGHT UP IN THAT COUNTER CULTURE THAT IS INFECTING THIS NATION!!! GO MCCAIN.

Posted by: Temagami | August 17, 2008, 9:36 am 9:36 am

Though exaggerated, McCain’s war stories are based on actual events. His trip down memory lane did no harm, and it provided insight into the man’s character. Many who did not serve are loyal citizens, and military service doesn’t qualify anyone for public office, but consider the last two presidents. They chose to sit out the Viet Nam War, and the contrast between their character and McCain’s is striking. I don’t think Putin and various terrorist groups, want to see McCain elected. That’s enough to help me decide.

Posted by: independent | August 17, 2008, 10:09 am 10:09 am

General Wesley Clark said that mccain does not have any real on-the-ground military experience. My question is this: Is it common for a pilot to crash 4 planes or was mccain allowed to keep going up because his father and grandfather were admirals???

Posted by: pt | August 17, 2008, 10:17 am 10:17 am

When McCain said he goes to places where he know they won’t vote for him–because he wants to be the president of all the people. I believed he meant it.
Obama supporters can make cruel jokes about McCain’s teeth, his arms, his cheeks, his senior moments,etc.
But McCain was sharp, confident, and decisive with his answers.
Obama stuttered, and stammered, and tried to find his words. He goes on forever and you never really get a direct answer.
Obama wants to make history, satisfy his ambition and ego. He said it best when he described his earlier days as being “all about him”. It still is.
McCain was fantastic. I was so proud of him.

Posted by: riley | August 17, 2008, 10:19 am 10:19 am

I can see why Obama needs 300 advisors.

Posted by: cindy in nc | August 17, 2008, 10:22 am 10:22 am

McCain told a story about how a “Vietnamese soldier drew a cross on the ground outside his cell…” I said, Oh boy here he goes again playing with people’s emotions.
Here’s something I found written by Mary C. Crowley,”In the Russian prison where Solzhenitsyn was, no one was allowed to speak. There was nothing to read, and no encouragementof any kind to sustain life. He knew that if he tried to escape he would be shot, but he thought, “At least, that will be the end of that!”
His faith would not allow him to do that, though. When a break in the work day came, he sat under a tree. Just then a shadow came across the grass. He looked up into the eyes of the new man who had recently come as a prisoner. As their eyes locked in silence, the prisoner took a step forward and drew a cross on the with a stick….”
Now you tell me, did the Vietnamese soldier read “Devotional Thought on Hope” By Mary C. Crowley ? Or did McCain add his twist ?

Posted by: Willie | August 17, 2008, 10:29 am 10:29 am

Obama is going to enlist in the Military and turn himself into a hostile country as a POW so McCain cannot use his Military service or POW status against him anymore

Posted by: nicloe | August 17, 2008, 10:29 am 10:29 am

It was more evidence for me that Obama really needs Hillary on the ticket. When push comes to shove the religious conservatives will get behind McCain. To win in November, Obama urgently needs to merge the 35 million voters who came out for himself and Hillary.

Posted by: hopesprings52 | August 17, 2008, 10:36 am 10:36 am

I think if Willie’s post is true…
that is really sad. but it seems he is getting called on these stories all the time…if he wasn’t running for the Presidency we would chalk it up to him needing to color his war stories…
it is sad that his aggressive angry stance that matches Cheney’s …that was so outwardly expressed is out shone by
war stories.

Posted by: dl | August 17, 2008, 10:40 am 10:40 am

Just confirms what I knew all along … Obama just CANNOT deliver without a teleprompter … even a MISS UNIVERSE would do better than Obama.

Posted by: VPSteak | August 17, 2008, 10:44 am 10:44 am

MOVEON.ORG was very upset with Obama last night.

Posted by: ram hog | August 17, 2008, 10:45 am 10:45 am

Give Obama a few more such appearances … and I’d VERY keen to see what the POLL numbers are going to show …
enough for today … going back to read the last few chapters of OBAMA NATION

Posted by: VPSteak | August 17, 2008, 10:49 am 10:49 am

The first name out of McCain’s mouth last night was General David Patraeus? This was the theme for his entire platform. War War War! All of his rapid fire responses showed exactly the kind of thinking that got us into Iraq. There is absolutely nothing presidential about him. Just 2 days ago he stated that Tom Ridge who is pro choice would not be excluded from consideration from a VP pick. Last night he jumps right in and panders with a hard line stance against this. So much for straight talk. Those of you who were touched by his war stories are exactly the kind of simps he was trying to appeal to. How the hell does that translate to the problems we are facing today? He is by far the worst presidential candidate in history. A mealy mouthed tiny little man. It’s clear why he graduated 5th from the bottom of his class. Obama is going to crush this bug!
Obama 08

Posted by: roxanne | August 17, 2008, 10:53 am 10:53 am

Obama camp in total disaray, McCain make Obama look inexperienced. Media Stunned!!!

Posted by: Hilly-Billy | August 17, 2008, 11:00 am 11:00 am

I did not get to see the interview with the two candidates. This article does not tell me what Senator McCain’s answers were to the same questions posed to Obama. Did the Senator only relate stories? How did he stand on the same issues of his relationship to God, abortion, appointment to Suspreme Court and definition of marriage? This article at face value appears a little bias.
Mamie

Posted by: Mamie Marie Teagle | August 17, 2008, 11:03 am 11:03 am

Obama’s performance was a one-on-one fireside chat, his responses thoughtful and sincere. McCain thought he was performing on Saturday Night Live again.
It was obvious that McCain was spewing market researched talking points that had been drilled in his brain by his handlers. Can’t you just hear them coaching him on handling his adultery? “Just one sentence….you’re penitent….then move on to another subject immediately.”
More….”If you can’t answer a question, make a joke out of it,” “Get your POW story in as often as you can….it’ll work with this demographic.”
All in all, neither of them lost any of their “base” last night, but Obama’s sincerity may have won him some fence sitters.

Posted by: ES | August 17, 2008, 11:04 am 11:04 am

did Obama think he was at Miss Teen America last night?… MEDIA spinning Obamas answers now.

Posted by: Hilly-Billy | August 17, 2008, 11:05 am 11:05 am

“Obama camp in total disaray, McCain make Obama look inexperienced. Media Stunned!!!”
Media will be stunned – because the TRUTH is out there for the voters to see. Their (Media’s) cover-up for so long failed.

Posted by: JKan | August 17, 2008, 11:06 am 11:06 am

When McCain told the Christmas story. I have seen that scene starring Charlton Heston as Judah Ben Hur in the movie Ben Hur in 1959. When I heard that story it is hard for me to believe that McCain is honest. Because he skirted around the question. He did that with most questions. I have my doubts and that makes me skeptical about McCain. Obama answered all of the questions as asked and did not skirt around the questions with stories. He answered the question about abortion honestly. Many men, women and children will be killed to war in the thousands and that is mass murder. War brings destruction, it separates families causes homelessness, famine and disease. So, what is the differnce between war and abortion? It is still murder, no matter how you see it. I do not believe that McCain is the man to lead. McCain has a trigger finger. Whether it is war or abortion it is murder.

Posted by: mary | August 17, 2008, 11:15 am 11:15 am

The stage was set for a lying, pandering McCain and that’s the performance he delivered. The christian right supports him at 67% – they were all there last night, but that’s not a good enough percentage to make that voting block decisive. Obama has chipped away at what is usually an 80% majority among this group. So, he may not have seemed too appealing from their point of view, but McCain’s support has definitely eroded.

Posted by: Butch Dillon | August 17, 2008, 11:22 am 11:22 am

It should be obvious to anybody that watched last night, that Barak just cannot think on his feet. He is a typical overeducated idiot like the rest of the liberals. After 40 years in the retail business, I found that I had to make many split second decisions. I do believe the presidency woud be ten times harder than a retail manager. However, I don’t see where Barak can make those quick decisions. I don’t really want my health and safety put in his hands.

Posted by: sidfishn | August 17, 2008, 11:55 am 11:55 am

Too bad the Political Punch is just like the rest of the liberal media, slanted towards Obama. You can see that from the four headlines Obama has to McCain’s two and yet it was decisive. McCCAIN WON THIS ROUND, and when the rest of voting America tunes in for the measly 3 debates Obama agreed to (God knows he runs scared from Town Halls and debates because of his apparent speech impediment). I don’t want a rock star President with only speeches/teleprompter talent (although Obama’s long winded, dramatic readings put me to sleep). I’d listen to any story from McCain….Obama makes me yawn!
McCAIN ALL THE WAY TO THE WH!!!!

Posted by: Debra | August 17, 2008, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm

If people truly believe that McCain gave better answers yesterday then it shows why as a nation we are screwed.
He really did not answer any questions. He gave canned answers that he forced into answers to the questions. For example, on the hundred million orphan question, he provided no answer. He said he adopted a child and that is good but is he proposing we increase the population of the US by 100 million adoptees?

Posted by: Mr. Coffee | August 17, 2008, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm

McCain had a pretty good night because everything he said was from his stump speeches. The room was also full of his support base so it wasnt suprising to hear a lot of cheers. He did not get personal.
Obama was more thoughtful and adressed the questions in a more intelligent way. Obama won more independents yesterday.
Conclusion:
McCain strengthens his base and Obama wins more independents.

Posted by: Kenny | August 17, 2008, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm

He was NOT tortured!!! He broke his arms when he didn’t tuck them in during his ejection. I say again he was NOT tortured, he was so scared of being tortured that he gave them everything they wanted to know and that info was used to kill or capture more American pilots!!! And for this he deserves the Presidency!!!

Posted by: ick! | August 17, 2008, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm

McCain came in with prepared answers from his stump speeches and avoided all the questions. He cannot think on his feet. He played politics all along.
Obama was more thoughtful, intelligent and personal. He won the day because of moderates and independents who will decide this election..

Posted by: Keith | August 17, 2008, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm

Two words sum McCain: duty, character.

Posted by: hype bites | August 17, 2008, 12:41 pm 12:41 pm

Penn of Penn and Teller said the other day that the Republicans are the party of fear and the Democrats are the party of hate. I see a lot of what I would classify as hate speech here today from people knocking McCain’s performance.
As a thoughtful voter, one has to say that in this forum McCain’s virtues played well. He came across as a principled and sincere leader.
I think Obama also came across well as a reasoned if some what nuanced parser of the questions. I liked his dodge of the question “that is above my pay grade”, but I realize it was not a good answer.

Posted by: disambiguates | August 17, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm

David Gergen, who has been around the political block and who is no conservative partisan, also believes McCain was surprisingly good. The Democrats are underestimating John McCain. Anyone who watched McCain last night had to have been impressed or, if they oppose him, afraid. McCain was solid. You can’t spin it any other way.

Posted by: Mandelay3 | August 17, 2008, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm

“David Gergen, who has been around the political block and who is no conservative partisan, also believes McCain was surprisingly good”
McCain has a unique edge. He doesn’t have to misrepresent his positions to try to trick the public into thinking he loves his country and wants the best for it.

Posted by: notafool | August 17, 2008, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm

Keith:Have you punched out of an A-4?How would you know if he broke his arms upon eject or in camp?did you read the afteraction on his shootdown.How much combat time do you have? Ever flown up north? Ever gone “downtown”..didn’t think so..you might want to keep your mouth shut….If you have talked ato any of them(obviously not) they all gave it up…

Posted by: ken | August 17, 2008, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm

So McCaint knows WAR, has much experience with WAR? lol
McCaint needs to know PEACE for a change!
That is why McCaint-Bush started an UNPROVOKED war in Iraq, while Afghanistan-Pakistan war UNFINISHED.
And that is why McCaint-Bush sent Georgians to poke and prod the Russians into yet ANOTHER WAR, while wars are still raging in Afghanistan-Pakistan and Iraq, and war threatening in Iran!
A world of WARS is what McCaint and his apologists care for. And they do care for these witless WARS because they have no LOVED ONES losing lives and limbs in those wars.
With McCaint-Bush and their apologists, it is FOUR MORE WARS!

Posted by: Patriot | August 17, 2008, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm

It was a blow out alright – When asked about taxes and the rich, McCain responded that he didn’t want to tax anyone because he wants everyone to be rich. Of course, only in McSame’s fantasy land can everyone be rich. Further, we heard from McSame that Bush was wrong in telling everyone to go out and spend and have a good time after 9/11. According to McSame, Bush should have told everyone we would have to sacrifice by volunteering for the Peace Corps, and Americorps, and doing other such things to pull together. Of course, there was no mention from McSame as to how we would pay for the continuing war against al-Qaeda with the enactment of Bush’s tax cuts before 9/11 occurred, tax cuts that McSame wants to make permanent. He also gave no clue whatever as to how he would pay for the pursuit against Osama Bin Laden, which he stated would go to the ends of the Earth. Simply stated, like Bush McSame lives in a fantasy world that is destroying our country.

Posted by: caliguy55 | August 17, 2008, 1:55 pm 1:55 pm

I’m really not a John McCain fan, but I thought he smeared Obami big time at that debate last night! One of the aabove bloggers wrote that McCain must have made up the story about the Vietnam Gun Guard marking a cross in the dirt in front of him on Christmas day – guess what???? That actually happened to my US Army brother in 1961 (therabouts) when he was in Germany standing guard at the Berlin Wall – both he and the German Guard had orders to shoot if provoked -and they had to pass each other face to face at one point. This was Christmas Day and upon passing my brother, the German Guard mouthed “Merry Christmas” and my brother smiled at him. So, what makes the above blogger think that McCain “made up” that story? Were they there? Another blogger said that McCain wasn’t tortured – well, anytime you are held, beat up and starved to me is the same as torture. Bet that blogger couldn’t/wouldn’t endure that kind of treatment. McCain is a true patriot – Obami is an empty suit. McCain called the Russians bullies and Obamma wants to sing kumbaya. What a moroon! (thanks to Bugs Bunny for that statement)

Posted by: Fran Griffin | August 17, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm

I have no dog in this fight, but Obama seemed to really damage his November chances last night. McCain will appeal to more independents than Bush – everyone knows this. Obama needs to chip away a large number of Republicans or right leaning moderates in order to win. Last night he pretty much lost any evangelical that cares about abortion or the safety of America from evil, such as Al Qaeda. Obama never even mentioned terrorism in connection with evil. Instead he chose to focus on domestic crime and the blame America first argument – VERY WEAK STUFF.
Too many beers on vacation in Hawaii, I suppose.
In my opinion, Obama is an empty suit and his lack of life experiences was really on display. He is likeable – enough – but clearly not smart and/or experienced enough to be President. He is just not ready.

Posted by: Aaron Burr | August 17, 2008, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm

Religious conservatives who don’t vote for McCain as a form of protest have no idea what a possible Obama victory can cost this nation. Wake up. Waiting for an Obama presidency to crash and burn so that another Ronald Regan can come riding to the rescue is totally unrealistic.

Posted by: Temagami | August 17, 2008, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm

Aaron,
It bothers me greatly that this was a heartwrenching and difficult decision for John McCain to make. It was the only honorable AND legal AND frankly, political acceptable decision he could ahve made. Had he made any other what exactly would the US government and military say to the people they were drafting to fight that war, we bring home the Admiral’s son but leave yours dying in prison camps?
Why wasn’t leaving a crippled wife who had waited for you to return from war and your children with her for a rich cocialite half your age the most gut wrenching choice. Yeah, well I know real character when I see it and I know manufactured character too. So please, go and support McCain because every country gets the leader it deserves. My view is we deserved Bush and ALL the suffering he brings and if we let it happen we will deserved McCain and the final fall will happen. It will be fast and far and you and yours will be at teh BOTTOM of the heap. Yeah, someplace you have never been in America.
Why do people liek you an Lou Dobbs LIE…yes…LIE and say you have no dog in this fight. You fool (maybe) yourself and no one else because I know if you don’t that you would **** your pants when you see that black guy take the Office of President of These (once your) United States.

Posted by: shellgirl | August 17, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm

” My view is we deserved Bush and ALL the suffering he brings ”
What suffering? The GNP continues to expand. No terrorist attacks since 9/11. Average home ownership and home size continues to expand. Average family now has multiple computers, Ipods, DVD players, multiple cars/SUVs. Life span continues to increase. People flock to this country. Some die trying to get in. People who can’t get health care in other countries come here. This country continues to create 90% of new life-saving medications.
You must be reading the newspapers instead of paying attention to how people live.

Posted by: notafool | August 17, 2008, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm

Mandelaybay3 said: “Anyone who watched McCain last night had to have been impressed or, if they oppose him, afraid.” I am VERY AFRAID!
Actually, anyone who watched McCain last night got the impression he had advance knowledge of the questions! Half the time he didn’t even wait until the whole question was asked before he jumped in.
Also, for someone who claims he doesn’t like talking about his POW years, you’d never know it by watching him last night. He pandered shamelessly.
Look, John McCain has a compelling life story that cannot be disputed, but being a POW really doesn’t qualify him for the office of POTUS. Nor do his proclamations of being pro-life, when he relishes all the trappings of war which – hello! – involves killing actual living, breathing human beings!
No, last night John McCain was able to make the same talking points he does on the stump, while Sen Obama was told repeatedly not to use “stump speech” points in his answers.
But, on the whole, I thought Rick Warren’s Forum was Fair and Balanced -
just like FOX News is!

Posted by: mrspeel | August 17, 2008, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm

One of the better descriptions of Obama’s performance was from a MSM talking head who described it as nuanced.
Nuance here being code for he was blowing smoke ———!

Posted by: Robert P | August 17, 2008, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm

Tim & Jeanie, I thought I was one of the few that had picked up on that! Wonder IF the MSM will catch on, or does someone need to draw them a picture?

Posted by: Trish | August 17, 2008, 6:28 pm 6:28 pm

If McCain wasn’t in the “cone of silence” Rick Warren should have come clean last night. What a disgrace and a slap in the face to people that put trust in him to keep this meeting above board.

Posted by: Tim | August 17, 2008, 6:48 pm 6:48 pm

I thought it was transparent last night that McCain had already had the answers before the questions was asked.

Posted by: Trish | August 17, 2008, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm

McCain’s new friend Saakashvili
would make a good running mate
for him.
Two misguided, erratic hotheads.

Posted by: anon | August 17, 2008, 8:54 pm 8:54 pm

notafool,
“What suffering? The GNP continues to expand. No terrorist attacks since 9/11. Average home ownership and home size continues to expand.”
Foreclosures. What world do you live in? Oh, Bush isn’t special regarding the 9/11 attacks EXCEPT that he was the president when it happened. There weren’t any terrorist attacks on the U.S. BEFORE 9/11 either, you know. That covers a lot of former presidents that kept us safer than Bush.

Posted by: Common Sense | August 17, 2008, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm

this cone of silence accusastion against McCain is absurd. Whassa matter, you’re embarrassed that your Obama went first, and didn’t have Hillary to copy off of like in other debates? “…..uhh, what she said…”
If you want to talk about desperate unfair cheating, how about Obama handing out a booklet about his “Christian Journey” to all members of the congregation as they streamed in? talk about desperate, he wants to make sure everyone knows he is Christian!

Posted by: decentAmerican | August 17, 2008, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm

McCain’s Christmas story about the cross in the dirt is touching. Like the account of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s, a Russian author he has professed to admire. Solzhentisyn released a novel in 1973 about his experience as a prisoner in the Gulag of Siberia, and it contains a very similar recollection of a cross drawn surreptitiously in the dirt. Recently, there was concern about McCain plagiarizing the Wikepedia on Georgia. Then earlier there was a problem with Cindy McCain plagiarizing cookies from Nestle. There’s a pronounced pattern here of a lack of originality.

Posted by: kat | August 18, 2008, 2:30 am 2:30 am

The Suit — Tuesday Newswhip!

Dreams of my Father: Is Obama a Progressive or a Closet Authoritarian? We may be finding out! Kelly Bulkeley, who wrote American Dreamers, would be an interesting person to talk to. Abraham Katsman and Kory Bardash of the Jerusalem Post

Posted by: Liberty Peak Lodge | August 19, 2008, 3:01 am 3:01 am

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