The forum Rick Warren hosted at Saddleback Church this weekend was pretty interesting. I wanted to make a few points about it. I’ll try not to get into the policies of the guys too much. We pretty much know where they stand already.
First, there are charges from the left that McCain cheated. That he knew what was coming and this is why his answers were quicker and more succinct. I’m not much of a conspiracy theorist and I don’t buy this one. I think what we saw is what you have seen me post about here twice before. If it is not a planned speech, Obama has great trouble talking and getting his points across. He hems and haws and stutters and many times ends up contradicting himself in the same paragraph, if not same sentence. For those who don’t believe this, let’s just watch the 3 debates that are coming up.
McCain was very impressive with his quick, short and to the point answers. As one who supported Ron Paul, it was familiar and welcomed. If you ask him for a yes or no answer, Paul is one of the only politicians I've ever seen actually answer yes or no.
Second, many evangelicals are up in arms because Warren would give Obama a forum in his church. It’s just more of the same from hardcore right wing evangelicals and we should all just start ignoring them. Just find something to boycott and leave the rest of us alone. They have played themselves out, been hoodwinked by King Bush, and are going to lose power no matter which of these candidates wins. And this is a good thing. It’s good for our country and it’s good for Christians in this country who do not identify with this group of people.
I actually applaud Warren and Saddleback for doing something that liberal mainline, black, and politically active evangelical churches would never do. Be non-partisan.
Third, I was very impressed with Rick Warren. He did an awesome job as moderator/interviewer and came off as neutral in this forum. Apparently, he gave the two candidates advance warning on some things he would ask that would have to answered with “commitments”. That is very fair. He also gave the both the first 2 questions ahead of time. Again, very fair.
Fourth, how funny was it seeing Obama catch himself as he criticized Clarence Thomas as not being experienced enough when he was nominated? He actually catches himself in the middle of the word experienced and cuts it off early! OOPS! Don’t want to point out one of your biggest liabilities!
Lastly, and you may accuse me of being partisan since I do t least lean right, McCain’s answers said much more that Obama’s. Obama used his speech giving tools of bromides and platitude, and that won’t be taken as a positive by many people. Most people assume, because he does give such wonderful speeches, that Obama connects better with people than McCain does. I don’t buy it. With all of his faults, Bush was very good at connecting with more people than his opponents. Otherwise, how does the guy get elected twice? I think McCain may carry on that tradition.
Again, very interesting event. I may come back with a part two on this.
Link: A day after forum, Obama has harsh words for McCain - CNN.com.
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