Rick Warren on Today’s Forum, Mormonism and His Fave Bible Verse

America is turning into a theocracy and in 20 years it will be hard to distinguish America from Iran.Why is it that some big mouth evangelist con artist is hosting a presidential campaign event?We had Fallwell and thankfully we are all mortal and now we have a supposedly new and improved version of a another Oral Roberts.I believe in free speech but let us put a limit on preachers setting the political agenda of an election or we are all doomed.

Frankly this looks to be more about Rick Warren , whoever he is, than it is about MCain and Obama.
I doubt that I’ll be watching, and somehow I do not think many will.

I think Peter, (if you are an evangelical GOPer) you might just have to accept that, for this cycle, the GOP has chosen to go in another direction from the religious right. To be fair, as someone who has no feeling at all for the GOP, I think they have nominated the one candidate who could win in November. With due respect ot any candidate who would have been more acceptable to the right, messrs Huckabee and Thompson I am thinking of in particular, I don’t think they wuold have stood much chance in bringing in any independents. I think with the GOP in such unpopular state right now, they had to go for someone with independent appeal, not so tied to the party as others might have seemed.

Among other things, Mormons do not believe that The Son is eternal. That’s completely contrary to the historic definition of the Trinity. Who, if anyone, is right is a completely different question… but to say Mormons accept the Trinity is incorrect.

In the small moments of the morning,do you be really believe in the bric-a-brac of your religion? Why not give the Mormons a chance? Do you not brandish the King
James VERSION as the ultimate authority,whether the direct or inspired word of god. Did not the Caroline Divines have a very political agenda?Replace one doddering old fool in Rome with a clutch of Oxfordian nit pickers. Would that I have the eloquence of Thomas Ingersoll!

“I’m Christian and also LDS. Same thing. I believe in the Old and New Testament.”
What Warren said is that the LDS church believes in those two plus ANOTHER testament.
And, gotta remember, one system teaches that people must follow the ‘way’… do, do, do. The other teaches Jesus is the way, not an example, but a sin-bearer. Big difference.

All religions are cults by definition.
Religions seek to control other people’s actions and especially onerous, other people’s thoughts.
Religion poisons everything.

First, there is no “cone of silence” on Family Feud (at least not the original version). Second, it’s not “ACT 13:36,” it’s “Acts 13:36″ (plural, short for “Acts (or ‘Deeds’) of the Apostles”). Third, for the comments, a “Trinity” is, by definition, the UNITY of THREE persons in ONE God; if you do not believe that the Three are One, you are not a Trinitarian.

“It is not a good thing to mix religion and politics. The catholics are the reason why our economy is in a bad shape…”
Um, ok. Anyway, if a person votes they must vote based on convictions. Convictions are the things we hold most dear. Whether those are derived throuh observing nature or through human experience or through revealed truth – I’d suggest all are valid means for aquiring convictions. As a result, religious beliefs shouold inform one’s voting.

“But getting a direct answer to a direct question is not easy when dealing with politicians”
Agreed – I’m very curious to see how he’s going to handle this.

“The battle of imaginary friends continues.”
Hhhmmm, interesting point. However, one must ask if there are sound reasons for believing in any faith – that is, is there evidence, facts… is it reasonable. Millions of people suggest there is something about religious truth claims that correspond to what they find to be true in the world and in their heart – the real question is, which does the best job of answering our big questions …. origins, purpose, morality, destiny.

IMHO Mormons are a sect of Christianity because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins. To me, that’s the mark of a Christian (I am not Christian btw). However, Mormons do believe a lot of other weird stuff, much of which is heretical to mainstream Christian sects and has been swept under the rug recently. For example, there’s an old Mormon quote, “As man is, God once was. As God is, man may become.” Fascinating if you’re an anthropologist or theologian. Probably heretical if you consider yourself a mainstream Christian.

While I don’t usually condone this type of forum, Rick Warren is one of the few preachers that looks at the BIGGER picture. Do a little research and you’ll see. He’s not about only religion but what the heck is going on with the economy, health care etc. No I don’t follow him and I’m a bit adverse to organized religion. I like the fact that the questions will be the same without anyone knowing in advance. Before you condem, give it a chance.

“IMHO Mormons are a sect of Christianity because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins. To me, that’s the mark of a Christian (I am not Christian btw). ”
The real question is what do they believe about Him? That is, who was he and what did he do?
See, just becuase someone says, ‘I believe in Jesus’ doesn’t mean they’re believing in the one you may think they are. When you ask a question of clarification – listen carefully.

It really cracks me up how these fundamentalists are now trying to call themselves evangelicals. Warren is marginally better than the other modern day pharisees, but thats only because he’s pulling in all that faith-based church welfare from the government.

Jared – thanks for your clarification – I’m in agreement with everything you just said.

Im interested in how CNN is going to handle this, especially after their disturbing use of the angry yelling black guy from ‘left behind’ to depict Obama. Even McCain has enough integrity not to pull that kind of slime.

Who in the hell is this guy that he is so important to get a personal interview with the candidates and that his influence means more than mine to them? Religion has no role in government beccause we do not all belong to the same or possibly any religion. It is an individual choice and if it is a sole reason why you would vote or not vote for someone, that makes you by definition a bigot.

So much venim against anything religious! But remember, any opinion you have is ultimately based on a leap of faith (i.e. If you think it wrong to give voice to religion in a political debate, then you must base that belief on something beyond your self.) In the end, if you have an opinion on these matters, then you base if on some belief (aka “religion”). So let the preacher ask questions. Let us hear the answers. If you don’t like it, ignore it. The consititution provides freedom OF religion, no freedom FROM religion. And it is a good thing, because you will never be free of your own faith system…unless you have no opionions at all.

By definition, a Christian is a follower of Christ. So the question becomes, do Mormons follow the Christ, or do they follow a different version of him. Joseph Smith and Bringham young completely changed who Jesus is; therefore, in my opinion, Mormons; are not Christians as normally defined.

Who is this guy

the only foundation of your political views should be your interpretation of the US Constitution. That is it, once you take public office you become accountable and responsible to ALL of the people regardless of religion. The Constitution should be the first and last document you should consult when making those decisions. This is why it exists. To provide a framing outside of any particular dogma.

Oh man, questions with no wiggle room for Barack? His head is going to explode.
McCain ’08

Louis, your interpretation of the US Constitution depends on your views of the words the Constitution uses. For example, what is justice? What is the general welfare? Religious views provide the foundation for views on justice, etc. Also, nobody ever claimed that a candidate was to discriminate according to religion. Of course the candidate is responsible to all constituents. As for whether the constitution is first and last, consider that it is full of dogmas, and to espouse a “Sola Constitution” view is also dogmatic. However, as for whether the constitution is sufficient, please tell me what justice is. Or what is peace? What is liberty, and what are its blessings?

Voting based on race or religion is just plain wrong. I would prefer a president who prays but how those prayers are said is between him and God. It’s none of my business.
Asking candidates the same questions is a unique idea. ALL debates should be conducted that way. During the primaries of both parties, only a couple of candidates were asked questions in each debate and those questions were tailored to that candidate. Seemed like those people who were hosting the debates had already picked which candidates to spotlight.

What’s a Rick Warren?

Why do so many…. zealously and vocificerously try to SEPARATE ‘Religious’ beliefs from all ‘Other’ beliefs (Knowledge and Experience)?
Can you…Do you evaluate every (any)choice in your life with each ‘set’ of your ‘beliefs?’ Of course you do not!
All mortal values are inextricably interwoven with all ‘Spiritual’ values anyone may have…. And you know that!
Do not tolerate the hypocrites who incessantly attempt to demean Christian ‘Religion’ by ‘separating’ it from our living.
Those who ‘combine’ these two ‘beliefs’ in their living are always the better person…The Christian beliving-thingking-acting person will always be the better leader…
Jesus is the proof.

I’d vote for a Mormon over a Black Liberation Theology candidate. I and many others, will not forget Trinity Church, Rev. Wright and hateful sermons against, whites/jews/our country and the performances of Wright (particulary offencsive simulating sex from the pulpit in referance to Bill Clinton). BO throwing Wright and Trinity under the bus was TOO LITTLE TOO LATE for millions of informed voters. I do think seperation of church and state should be observed, tho and don’t think the forum tonight is a good idea…however, I will be tuned in.
McCAIN ALL THE WAY!
please leave this post up, it’s valid

The article didn’t clarify that Mormons do believe in the Trinity, it’s just that they define it as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost existing as three seperate beings not the same being as “traditional” Christian’s believe.
They also didn’t clarify that Mormons believe in the Old and New Testaments and use them regularly in Sunday School. Mormons (nickname) or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints do believe that God continues to reveal his will to mankind through living prophets. When they speak the will of God (as they did in former days) that word becomes scripture.
Additionally, Mormons convert nearly 300,000 people each year. Who are they? Mostly evangelicals who believe God is still revealing his will to men.

McCain has brought in Ralph Reed the corrupt bigot and founder of the extreme right wing Christian Coalition. What is in this game for Obama? Does he believe he can outflank McCain on the religious right? That is a complete waste of time and money and an insult to his more progressive supporters. Religion has no place in politics in a country founded upon separation of church and state. Beliefs should remain personal and private they are not a badge of morality. We live in a world where continuous death and destruction is reigned down on the innocent by religious fanatics who believe they have God on their side. Enough already.

Terri, what does religion has to with politics? This has become a sideshow for haters on this blog.

In an ideal world, one’s religious choice would be made as to where one would grow the most spiritually. Instead of judging an individual on words that they may use to answer questions, look back on their lives and look at the choices they made and how they treated “the least of ours”. These actions will speak to the content of their characters louder than any words that either one may use.

Rick Warren? Is he related to Warren DiCaprio, the guitarist from Quiet Menace? Religious or not, those dudes rock.

Please, leave religion bashing or seperation of church rants out of this. Yes, you are totally correct that there isn’t a religious test for the Presidency. However, it’s also very clear (as in absent) that voters can make their decision from any reason they so choose. If it’s not a forum you like, don’t watch it. This in no way is putting religion into governance; this is still a campaign. Will I vote off of hot button issues? No. But who are you to tell someone else what’s important in their vote and what should and should not be considered? I’m more interested in seeing the questions on leadership and America’s role, myself, but I would never tell someone how to vote. Ideology is a personal conviction and is important to most people’s vote, yet should we leave that out? This is not religion in governance, it’s simply a forum that will help some people make their decision, be that be value reasons, or, like me, global view and leadership questions.

I think it is important for all Americans to know what these candidates personnally think how about domestic and international issues – putting aside they’re running for the presidency, they are human just like us and therefore must have their own opinions. I’m hoping Rick’s questions are focused on what the candidates think about the issues rather than what they would do. The point is for the voters to better understand their character.

The “separation of church and state” is not in the Bill of Rights read for yourself: Amendment I, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I have no problem with the candidates addressing this group. Candidates address every kind of voting bloc.
I hope to see what they say. If a candidate sucks up to these superstitious people, I will be less likely to vote for him.

So much for separation of church and state. both parties are fighting for the religious right. dont worry, they will be fighting for the religious wrong too; tomorrow. dean is an idi o t and a typical liberal democrat using race as a political tactic. loser

VultureTX said
IMHO Mormons are a sect of Christianity because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins. To me, that’s the mark of a Christian
However, it is not however the fact. They believe Jesus got GTF’s (God the Father’s) forgiveness for human sin in the Garden. Did not need to die.

Surprised by this whole thing on two counts… 1) McCain is okay with a guy that’s obviously a celebrity-type religious leader after his anti-celebrity attacks. 2) Rick Warren has publicly said he’d never endorse an adulterer – disqualifying Mr McCain before the dance even starts. Should be an interesting show and the spin after by the McCain camp will be dizzying.

Todd,
I am sorry but you are wrong. This country was not found on judeo christian values. It was found on the ideas of the elightenment. The declaration of independence and the constitution is pretty much piecework of the most influential enlightenment writings.
Many of the founding fathers were not Christian. Many including Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Adams, and Paine were actually deists.
So I am sorry but there is such thing as the first amendment and this is not a judeo-christian nation. This is a nation that has no established religion. The pilgrims that fled England left because of religous persecution and wished for a land where no government could create an established religion.
Next time read up on some history.

When the road to the White House goes through some moronic evangelical we’re in serious trouble.

Problem when others bring up religion they think that there’s is better and that is what causes war, I’m all for religion but there are many idiots all over the world who don’t understand the reality the truth and Love that comes with it and more htan half of them are on the media and TV’s screens

Just saw the real reason for this “forum”: ad for “A Purpose Driven Life” between segments.

I’m surprised Barack is even showing up to this one. He refuses to participate in the Google Debates, the Fort Hood Debate, and ten townhall meetings with McCain. He will ONLY participate in THREE corporate-sponsored debates. Ralph Nader and Bob Barr would eat this guy alive. It’s ridiculous. Regardless of whether you agree with Barr or Nader on the issues, to say that Obama would come out on top at the end of the debate, would be a lie.

Well it looks like Obama is looking for a tele-prompter. So far 10min. in and he is empty.
******************************************************
McCain is tickled pink. Someone just gave him a brand
new Laptop to try it out on his tele-prompter!!! Hmmmm how does a 2 prong electrical
plug fit into a 3 prong receptacle?? Cindy!!! Cindy !!!

The Devine Purpose

Watching this “spititual” debate and I’m still not mesmerized by Mr. Teleprompter….my husband is getting frustrated by Warren finishing Obamas answers….looks like Rick is impatient with BO’s stammering. Commercial breaks are “A Purpose Driven Life”…how expected.
GO McCAIN!

*spiritual, sorry

Rick is having to finish his own questions to Obama’s stuttering..what a farse.

That was one wasted hour on nothing.

Thank You Senetor McCain for answering the first question! unlike Obama’s answer of nothing.

Obamas just got blown away! Obama that last hour just showed how empty he was.

Is it me or is McCain FULL of more vim and vigor/enthusiasm than the layed back liberal Nobama? Wow, debates between Hillary and McCain would have been something to see, but McCain is much stronger than Nobama, and I see now why his handlers only want him doing THREE debates. McCain wanted 10 town halls, Fort Hood and internet debates…..BUT OBAMA RUNS SCARED.
McCAIN ALL THE WAY!

Didn’t see the whole Obama interview, taped it. Watching McCain. Seems he is just spouting his “stump speech” … same stuff we hear everytime he talks. No thought required. Just give them the usual pablum. Too bad that seems to be what many want.
What about all the innocents killed in Iraq? or Vietnam, for that matter? or Darfur as Rick tried to steer him into.

is it me or has this “forum” just confirmed what I’ve been saying all along……………. we have been handed the worst of the bunch in both of these so-called candidates?

Applause meter…..McCain got 3 to 1!
Obama really should be out doing the town halls and boning up on debate tactics.
President John Sydney McCain….our 44th!

I really liked what Rick Warren said at the beginning and the end of the program: that we need (not his exact words) civil debate in this country — that we need to be able to disagree without resorting to personal attacks — that we need to bring civility back into the debate.
How many of us, on both sides of the issues, can agree to be more civil in our debates? For example, in comments sections like this? I for one believe that this would really raise the level of our conversations.
I would love to be able to debate rationally, without a bunch of nastiness, with people who have different points of view.

I’m a Christian and even i agree that there is separation between church and state for a reason. I’ve never heard of a debate solely on religious issues ever before in a presidential campaign… what is going on and why isn’t anyone disturbed by this?

Hey dk, maybe we should get the Rev. Wright to moderate, but I think the Obama camp has him bound and tied until November 5. He’s pretty liberal don’t you think?

you two are funny. So you think a conservative moderator in a conservative forum was “fair” yet disagree with doing the same exact forum on the other side of the fence? No hypocricy there.

Regarding separation of church and state: As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (for the past 18 years) I can say that every November all members of the LDS church are reminded that it is their duty to vote and are reminded that the LDS church DOES NOT endorse any candidates and that meeting houses are not to be used as polling places. Regarding the Trinity: As a former evangelical I never understood the 3 people in one person. It just doesn’t make sense to me.

Obama:
Uhhhh..ummmmm..er..ahhh..eghh…ahh..I.. ahhhh…
HopechangeprogressHopechangeprogress…

hate is preached in every church in America in it’s own subtle way. All you have to do is open your ears and listen. Pat Robertson and James Dobson are the kings of hate.

Obama’s not ready for that 3 A.M. phone call.

Mary,
Obama will NEVER be ready for that 3 am phone call. When push comes to shove you had better be able to make a good decision in a heartbeat. There is no time to hhhhh..ummmmm..er..ahhh..eghh…ahh..I.. ahhhh.., and consult your wife, grand mother and 301 advisers.
Good and decisive decision making requires that you have a good moral foundation and a whole lot of spine. McCain does. Obama never will. You could see that clearly tonight in their respective responses.

McCain says that he wants all Americans to be rich and that he doesn’t want to raise anyone’s taxes. That sounds great to a lot of people. But spend some time on the East and West coasts where a lot of people are mind-blowingly rich, and think about it. Was it really fair for Bush to lower the taxes of people who have yachts and private planes and multi-million dollar homes, and at the same time, start a war that the rest of us have to pay for?
McCain wants to keep those tax cuts, but he also wants to keep the troops in Iraq. When you realize how phenomenally rich some people in this country are, I think it becomes clear that they can afford to help out a little more.

“I’m a Christian and even i agree that there is separation between church and state for a reason. I’ve never heard of a debate solely on religious issues ever before in a presidential campaign… what is going on and why isn’t anyone disturbed by this?”
Um….did you even watch the forum (not debate, btw), Helen? I for one didn’t hear any questions about Doctrine so this sure wasn’t about “religious” issues. Questions regarding taxes could only have been considered religious if you take St. Paul into consideration. As Saul he was a tax collector but as Paul he became the greatest evangelical in the history of the Christian Church. Abortion has been made into a “religious” issue and that can only be a good thing. Let’s see, what other “religious” issues were discussed? Who would you take off the Supreme Court? No. Who would you have for advisers? Again, no.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Helen, what you call separation of Church and State is in the Constitution as a protection FOR the religious community in this country from a tyrannical Government. Modern Supreme Court jurists put their own interpretation on this very simple-to-understand statement for their own personal reasons thus bastardizing the US Constitution. But, from all the whining going on it sounds to me as if a lot of you are seriously all for tyranny.

McCain will demolish Obama in a debate, its clear, after tonite. Obama, cannot even answer a question directly….
and…for those of you saying is couldnt answer because he was on vacation…he new WELL in advance about this forum to prepare…..thats no excuse! Obama lost this one, and lost it BIG!
McCain 08!

When John McCain told the story of the cross being drawn in the sand by the Vietnamese guard and said for a minute two Christians shared their faith…it ripped my heart out, especially, seeing Mr. McCain choked up in remembering this event. He won the evangelical vote and the Presidency tonite.
Obama’s answers were elusive, and not on the content of the question. After the Convention next week, Hillary could very well be the new nominee after seeing Obama fail so terribly tonite!

McCain’s response about his “failed marriage” was clever. He avoided mentioning his many affairs while married, when he divorced his first wife after an accident and at 42 married a 24 year old heiress to a fortune. That was really good. Also, his answer about “evil” focused on getting Bin Laden, which we probably could have done by now if it hadn’t been for the war in Iraq, which McCain supported, which diverted our military focus from Afghanistan and Tora Bora where Bin Laden was hiding. In short, McCain “won” by talking in simplistic sound bites just like George W. Bush did. The formula is clear: Talk Tough. Scare the public. Demonize your opponent. It worked for W. It might work for McCain unless the American people can see through the smoke screen that the GOP has thrown up for the past eight years.

Obama confirmed tonight that the Presidency is above Obama’s “pay grade”

Obama confirmed tonight that the Presidency is above Obama’s “pay grade”
Posted by: sally | Aug 16, 2008 10:51:08 PM
I could not believe he EVEN allured to that! That right there shows that he feels he’s not ready for the Presidency!
Did you notice how much applause McCain got, over and over again? Obama, if and when he got a little applause, it didn’t last. Sorry Obama, you can’t fool the Christians with your empty rhetoric!

Obama made clear tonight that he has no effective plan for resolving our energy problems and bringing the price of gas down, will raise the taxes of small businesses earning over $250,000 thus causing great loss of jobs, will increase government spending thus the deficit, is proud of the fact he will be responsible for losing the war in Iraq and handing Iraq over to Al Qaeda.
In contrast, McCain will do everything it takes to resolve our energy problems and bring the price of gas down, will not raise taxes and thus help the small business owner grow and create more jobs, will reduce government spending on useless programs, will win the war in Iraq and not let Al Qaeda take Iraq over .

Obama was painful to watch. If this is a preview of things to come, Obama is in trouble, he didn’t have a teleprompter. I also noticed, Obama changes his stance depending on the audience. I have seen Obama give different answers than he did tonight. This was a Christian audience so he was more conservative and afraid to give his real answers and liberal views.

Obama was painful to watch. If this is a preview of things to come, Obama is in trouble, he didn’t have a teleprompter. I also noticed, Obama changes his stance depending on the audience. I have seen Obama give different answers than he did tonight. This was a Christian audience so he was more conservative and afraid to give his real answers and liberal views.
Posted by: S Adams | Aug 16, 2008 11:05:21 PM
I agree!

Obama was his usual effete, collectivist ignorant self. The difference tonight tonight is, McCain exposed a deep and injured part of himself by recounting two very private moments as a POW in Hanoi. McCain grabbed everyone by the guts and twisted. He became more than a politician to many people in those two stories. He became a hero.
Nobody could survive that comparison. Most especially somebody that cut his teeth nailing flyers to telephone pole.

Obama says he would not have nominated Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court because Clarence Thomas was too inexperienced for the job. What does that say about Obama’s lack of experience for the job of President of the United States. What a fool.

Obama said abortions have increased, where, they have actually decreased.
Obama said Clarence Thomas was too inexperienced to be on the Supreme Court…I think Obama got confused, he was actually talking about himself for POTUS!
McCain was very “Presidential” tonite….Obama, the same ole, same ole, empty rhetoric with no substance!

“My friends”"My friends” oh please… McCain’s main frame of reference is Vietnam. Period. Obama spoke with an understanding that issues have nuances that go beyond black & white. McCain is lacking this, my friends.

Sorry Rick, I must have watched a different debate. The Obama I saw, and believe me it was painful to watch, barely got his point across between, uh, uh, um, and and and, uh. McCain was like a breathe of fresh air, he was witty, spoke eloquently, articulated much better than Obama and had a clearer understanding of the questions. Obama, the empty suit, has shown that he is not the great speaker he has been made out to be unless he has a speech writer and a teleprompter.

John McCain is a hypocrite!!! John McCain is an adulterer, and a liar!!
John McCain NEVER answered the question about what faith means to him, a cross being drawn in the dirt is NOT an answer ?
John McCain NEVER answered the question about his greatest failing. John McCain should have been honest, he should have admitted that he cheated on his first wife.
AND as usual John McCain tried to manipulate the public with his Vietman stories. I will remind John McCain that there were over 300 US soldiers who were also in Vietnam prisons!!! The difference is that these other soldiers HAVE integrity, and DO NOT go out of their way like John McCain does, to exploit their experience as a means of getting what they want.
When you know that there were over 300 US soldiers who were also held in Vietnam prison camps, it really shows you how much John McCain has really gone OUT OF HIS WAY, to exploit his Vietanam experience for political purposes. Notice that these other Vietnam prisoners are not using their prison experience as a means to get ahead. John McCain on the other hand, has been using his Vietnam story to get a head in life since he returned home.
I would remind John McCian that the wife he cheated on, and dumped when he returned from Vietnam, suffered a whole lot more injuries than he ever did, when she, CAROL McCAIN, got into her car accident while John McCain was in Vietnam. This woman, CAROL McCAIN dumped like garbage, this woman suffered horrendous injuries for which she had to have 20 operations for after her car accident. None of the pain she endured mattered to John McCain, she was no longer good enough for him, and John McCain started cheating on her immediately, degrading her, and humiliating her before finally dumping her like she was trash.
That is who John McCain really is, he is a man with NO integrity, John McCain liar, and a phony!!!!

Obama was thoughtful in his response. He knew some of his positions would not be all Jeff Warren would be in agreement with; however, Obama was respectful and thoughtful in his answers. His eyes were not looking for any prompting, but searching his mind for information as to previous statements. We all do that. I thought he did well. McCain did well, he jumped a little too strong on “EVIL” and only put it in context of the middle east, an not what Russia was doing. Both candidates need to refine a little “My friend” is getting tiresome, and may bother world leaders in conversations. Humm… well some thought could be done to that, most people do that while forming thoughts.

Cathy — John McCain could not answer one single question without inserting his rehearse campaign talking points, and speeches which he has been giving for the past 2 years, and which John McCain has memorized.
All John McCain did tonight is say the same garbage he has been saying in every town hall meeting for the past 2 years, including his whole Vietnam bit, which is really getting old!!!
Yawn, boring, phony!!!
John McCain CANNOT think on his feet, he is a dunce, idiot, who was just repeating the same rehearsed garbage he has been saying everyday in his lame town hall meetings.
Everthing John McCain said tonight I have heard 100 time before, everything he said about Vietnam I have heard 100 times before, I have also already heard the drill, drill, drill garbage. Even the following Bin laden to the gates of hell I have also heard before (although he should have included that he has also said that he would not follow him into Pakistan though – John McCain is an idiot!!!)
From John McCain is was the same old rehearsed garbage.
What John McCain showed today that he cannot think, or speak without his campaign talking points.
Even the lame jokes John McCain told about France I have also heard before.
John McCain is a moron, he is insincere, John McCain showed today that he is at the very bottom of the intellect scale.

Why did Obama look so uncomfortable during the interview? His head was laying to the right and he looked like he had a crick in his neck. He usually appears to be so cool, but during that interview he looked strange and stuttered alot. What’s wrong Barak? Gosh, i was really disappointed in his appearance. I expected more from him.

Rick_vt,
I know this is the obvious answer, but from your comment it looks like you did not think of this, so I will highlight it for you. In some cases War protects sanctity of life from aggressors who are taking the lives of defenseless people. SO, during WW2 going to war against Nazi Germany was an effort to protect the sanctity of the lives of the Jews, French, Polish, British, and others.

McCain looked nervous tonight and had to pull out forty-year-old war stories every two minutes instead of directly answering the questions.
He may impress himself when he practices in front of his mirror, but if I hear one more rehearsed war story from this guy I’m gonna puke.

Not only did Obama present himself and look terrible tonight, that constant “whistle” in his voice and the stammering are things that I hope we don’t have to listen to for four years.
My first choice is Hillary Clinton for President, but McCain will get my vote unless the delegates at the Dem convention come to their senses and nominate the best person for the POTUS job – Hillary Clinton!

McCain did a good job. Obama was a big disappointment.

I thought Obama was thoughtful and honest. I felt that he was having a conversation. Some of the things he said didn’t go over big with the God crowd but he was being truthful. When they were talking about faith based programs using federal money but hiring only people of similar faith, Obama didn’t cater to the crowd. He said there were problems with that. Only George Bush’s justice department would get away with that. McCain I felt was campaigning…how many times did he say my friend? Probably as many times as he mentioned the hanoi hilton. He just says what will get him sympathy or what is popular. No taxes for anyone. The government just won’t spend any money. Right.

Obama panders away. He has the position of the Dems party, which he represents even in a crowd goes the other way. However, when asked what HE THINKS a panderer like Obama not only delivers the party position on the matter of abortion, Obama blows the answer away with a “cool” remark about this being above his pay grade. I am sorry Obama, but you didn’t answer the question.

Obama was extremely weak with many of his responses. McCain was very clear and concise with his responses, so much that I wonder if he was over prepared with his responses. At one point he was answering the question about abortions, he asked if they were going to go back to supreme court justices. At that point supreme court justices had not come up yet. I think it’s a possibility someone got their hands on the questions in advance for McCain.
The worst response of the night for Obama… He would not have appointed Clarence Thomas because of lack of experience. What was he thinking?

McCain looked strong, but seemed to either have been prepped, or have unwilling to listen to the complete question. He came across as strong and clear, but also as the I-Know-The-Answer and I-Am-Right, type of person. He treated it like a political speech. Obama was more conversational and thoughtful, but didn’t come across as strong. The forum was billed as a conversational forum on faith, but Rick Warren quickly let it devolve into another political debate on the issues, many of which did had little to do with faith. I though Pastor Warren did a poor job for somone so versed in teh scriptures. He didn’t ask about Israel, the 10 commandments, the teachings of Christ, prayer, raising children, a whole host of important issues. He allowed McCain to give his rehearsed speeches, and Obama to answer questions in non-specific ways. Warren was the failure here, not the candidates.

American picks their future President based on poor debates performances and not knowing the answers. Remember, Bush and Al Gore debates, Bush and Kerry debates. Bush performed poorly on all of his debates. Also the 2008 primary, Hillary and Obama debates, Obama look and sounds the same as last night format. Candidates that are not prepared and do poorly win the White House. As a democrat, I hate to say it but Obama is another Bush.

Because Obama looked bad last night and would not answer most of the questions, now Obama’s supporters are claiming that Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Church is a cheater. Pastor Rick Warren had given the questions to McCain before hand. It shows how much Obama’s supporters know their man. Obama never do well in debates or interviews. Look at his past debates and interview with Hillary. What help him in some of the Hillary’s debates was Hillary’s answering the questions first and Obama agreeing with her.

I believe that Obama looked like a stuttering idiot and did not answer the questions like a professional unlike Mccain who was concise and who looked extremely presidential. I am a democrat who supported Hillary but I have kept an open mind about Obama and he has totally disappointed me and he is absolutely a dangerous man because there are people in the world who will ignore his shortcomings and vote for him anyway because of one thing or another but just like the same people voted for a second Bush term they should be cautious and think about what they are sacrificing in going for Obama. Remember when asked the question who would you rather have a beer with and the answer was George Bush and he was elected and reelected. This presidency is too important to waste on trivial answers that don’t matter.

What a bunch of SOFTBALL questions!!! What is marriage? Stem cell research? Abortion? Come on! What about the ten commandments? What about tithing? What about prayer? What about lying? Adultery? The Golden Rule? The new testament church? The are questions on faith. It’s no wonder Warren has sold so many books. He’s not challenging anyone on the tourch questions about faith and the teaching of Christ.

I think they were both great but different in their approach. I am a Obama supporter. McCain was outstanding and showed no sign of old age. However he is all about older in your face type
politics. He also seemed to me to be scary in that he would pull the trigger in a second. He also seemed to campaine rather than let the public get to know the real inner McCain. On the other hand Obama, and I know some say he cant answer without a cue card, seemed to give each question deep thought before answering. I think he really wanted Americans to get to know him and the way he thinks. I think its a good thing that he gives the question thought before answering. Shows intelligence when making the right decision and not jumpng the gun. Obama was having a discussion and McCain was campaining. I certainly think Obama would be better for our economy and makes a good point that if we are going to deal with a war, heath care, education etc, it got to be paid for and the money has to come from somewhere. McCain doesnt know about economics and would continue with Bush polocies, economics and military. McCain did a better job of talking to peoples emotions with his war stories, but emotions are not going to fix our broken country. Two different styles but Obama is what this country needs now or in 4 plus years we will find ourselves in the same position or worse.
Quick draw vs thought and reasoning.

Who cares Phelps won his 8th gold medal of the 08 Olympics 14 gold overall and 16th medal; thats news!

I liked the format very much. I was impressed with some of Obamas answers. I was blown away with McCains.
McCain was very good and engaging. Obama at times seemed to be answering like he rehearsed the answers.
Truth be known this was not Obamas base. However it was played to the nation and it gave us a look at the candidates we have not seen as of yet.
This should shut up the “McSame” haters on quite a few blog blasts.
McCain clearly was the winner. We will see a bump in the polls midweek.
I would like to see this format going forward instead of the debates. It is much more intimate and revealing.

Love the debate that was not a debate. This type of forum should be done more often. For the first time, the two men got a chance to speak and deliver their positions without having to be forced into a sentationalized nonsense boxing match that really only benefit the networks. I’m happy warren set a new standard for the up coming debates. I learned much more about these candidates after the forum. I must say, they are very different and america do have a real choice in November. I am so anxious to see what this country will come to. I believe both Obama and Mccain did well….just different. If you like the analytical, nuiance and not so certain positions on thing…as some say..the gray position on most issues then Obama is your man. However, if you perceive Mccain’s direct, concise to the point answers as a result of a life lived, lessons learned and experience then Mccain is your man. Two distinct flavors to choose from. Fascinating election!

I think its just 2 different ways of seeing the canidates. Rep. will see McCain as the best and Dem will see Obama as the best. If nothing else on issues and policies alone. It comes down as to what someone thinks a leader should be and what kind of leader this country needs. Not that McCain wouldnt be a leader, and certainly not 100 percent the same as Bush but I feel he would lead like Bush and make decisions on the fly without regard to the big picture and the future. He seems he would make decisions based on his emotions instead of being thought out and what that descision might mean for us and our welfare down the road.Obama seems to be more a thinker in that he would weigh all sides of the situation before jumping to a decision. I feel he would lead the country more like a business manager and gather as much info from all sides before making a decision. An educated, thought out decision if you know what I mean. Sure McCain has more experiance than Obama but is that the end of all ends? We have dealt with Presidents that come to office with preconceived ideas like George bush. You cant sway them and they really dont care what the public thinks nor wants. Obama would be better at taking in a situation, doing his home work, looking at all the facts, consulting with the experianced men and women he will surround himseld with, looking at what his decision will mean, not only for today but what it will mean for tomorrow and even 10 years from now and for our kids and their future. I am afraid the McCain will keep us at war in one place or another for a long time and might jump the gun to quickly when dealing with international problems like Russia and Iran.For lack of better terms. McCain is a military type person and Obama is more a business type person. Experiance isnt everything as we have seen but the ability to make good well weighed decisions is, when you are making a decision that will effect millions or billions of people. Obama 08

Just wanted to add something. The other issue with McCain style politics and beliefs is I am afraid he will be like Bush in this area. He will devote so much attention and american resources to war, that he will let things like the economy, border security, unemployment, the food and drug administration, health care, crime, prisons, rehabiltation, eduacation, etc fall into the back seat like G. Bush. If I have to call one more customer service rep and get someone in India or another visa worker. We are out sourcing all our jobs. Small and big businesses are closing their doors and our economy is sliding and unemployment is going up. People are loosing their homes because of loosing their jobs. On and On. Im scared McCain would keep us on this road. Everything he referrs to is back to his POW or military experiance with no real ideas on our economy and what we are dealing with on a daily basis. Sure he likes to use buzz terms like off shore drilling because he knows that will hit a soft spot with Americans. But if Americans do not have a job, are loosing their home, are loosing their car or truck because they cant make payments, cant get rehired because no one is hiring and small businesses hanging on by a thread, then off shore drilling doesnt do much for us. There are so many concerns and problems right now at home we cant put all the resources and the Presidents attention in to just one area like Iraq. And we cant fix the problems and put in new programs or fix the ones we have without paying for it and Obama is honest on that issue. I am a Master Chief in the Navy on my 29th year. One year to go!! I probabaly will have to open a business or get a job once I am retired. Navy pension is great but givin our current situation its just not enough. Givin our situation it would be hard to open a business when people are scrared to death and are not spending money and businesses are not hiring. I usually vote Rep. but it is time for a different aproach. Obama 08

Obama charms with empty frases while thinking through eeh, ahhs and fruitless answers. I was not impressed with Obama answer on who influences him; family Michelle and grandmother were hollow answers to buy time, and when moving over to the administration part he simply was weak.

Obama’s answers were lengthy because he had to think to answer them. Which lets me know it was coming from a good place. The fact that McCain breezed through them and like others have said related a lot of it to war is disturbing. He didn’t give substantive answers and he talked about Bush negatively, but still wants to institute a lot of the same policies. Repulicans say they don’t want big government, but they have FISA, Patriot Act, trying to define marriage, trying to end abortion, Iraq War, and numerous other policies. Yes, Obama voted for the second FISA, because it is wartime right now and he notices that there is a need for it. If the war never began we wouldn’t need FISA or the Patriot Act that promotes illegal search and seizures and racial profiling. People deserve their privacy and the choice to do what they please. Obama 2008!

Whatever happened to separation of church and state? On Dec. 12, 2002, President George W. Bush issued two executive orders putting into place his controversial “faith-based” initiative “In his State of the Union address, Bush renewed a call for Congress to make permanent his faith-based proposals that would allow religious organizations to compete for more government contracts and grants”. “By studying Bush White House press releases and the White House web site, Daniel Zwerdling found that religious groups could apply to more than a hundred federal programs that gave out more than $65 billion. In addition, religious groups could apply for more money through state-administered programs”. Do a Google search on “bush faith-based charities” and gain a little knowledge. July 1,08 taking a page from President Bush, Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday he wants to expand White House efforts to steer social service dollars to religious groups, risking protests in his own party with his latest aggressive reach for voters who usually vote Republican.

Obama would agree with those faith-based initiatives since he is a Christian who went to a church that had many different social programs. He saw how much good Trinity did outside of the Pastor of the church, and that they would need that kind of support to continue their work. Also, we all know most communities revolve around churches so it would be a good idea to utilize them as a first line of defense for many of the issues we face today.

Obama and his stuttering, with Rick leading him with his answers..Obama never once finsished the question he was asked after the aha uhh ahh you know ahh dah..McCain looked and sounded SO PRESIDENTIAL thats whay he will be our next President

I am sure that many evangelical scholars have realized that Obama, in the last night’s interview with pastor Warren, presented a broad vision in contrast to the narrow outlook based on calculations for immediated political gain as presented by McCain. For example, to the question on 3 wise men. McCain Came up with the name of Patreus first. Nobody denies that Patreus is a war hero with a great strategy on war front. But, do you take his advice on matters whether you go for a war with a country or whethet you need to build a better rapport with your European allies? Second, on the question on stem cell research, McCain was hoping that the problem (conflict with prolife ideology) will go away once the research direction with skin cells shapes up. You need to face challenges, not wish them go away. Didn’t Galileo stand up to the persecution of Christian Fathers who were against his theory that earth moves around the sun? Next, on the question about the approach one need to take regarding evil, McCain came up with the obvious name of Bin Laden as evil personified, and took the opportunity for political pandering. Obama, on the other hand, presented a broader vision presenting maby examples of evil wihich are both subtle and obvious, both internal and external. His approach is more from a moralistic perspective because he said we need to act with utmost humility here because sometimes we, in the name of fighting evil, tend to take the evil role ourselves. However, intellectuals only understand these differences. For the general masses, McCain’s political pandering only matters.

Obama on the abortion issue is “above his pay grade” .
Obama finally speaks the truth! He is not qualified to answer a simple & direct question on a national and moral issue. If the abortion issue is above his pay grade, then the office of President, is absolutely above his qualifications and judgment.

Obama on the abortion issue is “above his pay grade” .
Obama finally speaks the truth! He is not qualified to answer a simple & direct question on a national and moral issue. If the abortion issue is above his pay grade, then the office of President, is absolutely above his qualifications and judgment. ————Thats one way to look at it. Personaly I think it was good answer. Instead od pretending to be mister know it all and not claiming to be God and have all the answers he is honest and undertands it is not a black and white world and there is plenty of Grey. We already have a President that puts himself on a pedestal and makes decisions without regard to American interest and the American wants and needs. Where politicians like McCain and Bush have concrete preconceived ideas with very little room for change of thought, Obama says honestly where he is and admits he doesnt have an answer to everything. Gosh, welcome to being human. I would much rather have a president that comes to office humble and open to all aspects as to one that thinks he knows all answers when it fact he doenst. We already have one of those.

willie———-First of all a lot of us do not think Obama did bad last night. I think he was more honest. He wanted prople to learn about him and how he thinks. He didnt campaine like McCain which is what that forum was supposed to be like. McCain di great also but they aproach it in different ways. I do not think McCain or anyone else cheated and I am a Obama supporter.
How come when you read one or two post you lump all Obama supporters in to one lot. Back to the old ideas that everything is either this saide or that side. Back to black and white with no room for grey.

Some people are so shallow. Just because McCain was quick to answer and spoke directly to the crowd doesnt make him right. Just because Obama thought about his answers and spoke more directly to the Paster doesnt make him wrong. Some of the best can lie and con while looking directly in to your eyes.Its called being experianced in politics. You have to look beyond the showmanship and fast replys that by the way sounded rehearsed and typical of a 72 year old republican canidate and look to the answers and what they meant deep down inside. Nobody won and nobody lost. Just two different men with different ways of reaching a goal. Two different men with two different backgrounds and beliefs and personalities. Not a black and white country or world.

I have heard rick warren put down other religions or churches even when what he was saying wasn’t right meaning he really didn’t know and still say those things. what kind of rev. or christian leader are you? Im not part of any major denomination but i have good friends from different churches that are very honest and are very kind people. mr warren thinks the flds and the lds are the same. I may not be a member but i can tell you he is as bad as warren jeffs himself by saying these things when he is supposed to be an EXAMPLE. lets play wheel of fortune the category is before and after _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ = rick warren jeffs lol let him open his mouth and say these wrong things but that will mean less respect for him

According to CNN, McCain’s motorcade did not arrive at Saddleback until a half-hour into Obama’s questions. It does raise questions! Obama did fine: his answers were nuanced and careful. McCain’s answers, although colorful, came off as a rushed, knee-jerk stump speech. I would prefer a president who took his time to truly think and answer, whether liberal or conservative.

It looks like the tide is turning, not only in the battelfied of Iraq, but also in the race for the white house–in McCain’s favor! McCain’s answers were consistently in line with what you would hear in most sermons. Obama’s answers, on the other hand, made me wonder which church he’s been attending, if any. Hey, can you tell the difference as to who’s the shepperd and who’s Golliad? Please pray before you vote :) You might need some spiritually guidance!

We don’t need your ramblings, justrighttoo…
Just say “Ditto, Rush!” and we’ll know where you’re coming from.

The fundamental difference between Mormonism to the rest of the Christian world is not Christian history but more specifically the history after the church of Christ fell into apostasy.
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rosesmith