Warren: "We do not believe in the separation of faith and politics"

Early in the Saddleback Civil Forum, Barack Obama is outlining the differences between his and John McCain’s positions and strengths. On two occasions, Obama referred to his stance against the Iraq war as a tough decision that turned out just and correct.

At the outset, Rick Warren asked Obama, “what is the America’s greatest moral failure?” Obama quoted Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers you do unto me.” Obama clarified, stating that America’s collective apathy toward poverty, class systems and racism are among them.

OBAMA STEPS THROUGH MORAL LAND MINES WITH GRACE
Obama is showing great strength and fortitude on the tough issues. He handled Warren’s questions on abortion, gay marriage and stem cell funding perfectly. Bravo to him for not pandering to the church crowd. Continually, Warren attempted to transition off of the topics, while Obama pressed forward on each uncomfortable
issue.

NO LOVE FOR CLARENCE THOMAS
After a few nervous, shaky early moments, Sen. Obama has really hit a stride. He is demonstrating a great balance in commitment to position and articulating his faith. I enjoyed his thoughts on Justices Thomas, Scalia and Roberts.

OBAMA THE CLEAR 'ROAD TEAM'
I am surprised by how sharply partisan the crowd seems to be. Obama’s points and positions are generating only sporadic applause. During these times, its easier to spot the Obama supporters. There seems to be a hesitance to accept his answers on faith. It will be interesting to compare the responses when McCain takes the stage. The biggest ovation of the night was after Obama complimented President Bush's position on AIDS.

"THE AMERICAN DREAM IS SLIPPING AWAY"
Obama’s line, “the American dream is slipping away” was perfect for the moment. He clearly communicated why he wants to be President without tying McCain to the Bush years with words.

McCAIN IN THE HOUSE!
I can’t go back and compare quite yet, but the ovation for John McCain was noticeably more intense. I’m anxious to see how the crowd responds to his positions on the war and poverty.

McCAIN JUMPS INTO THE DEEP END
McCain jumps right into the Iraq issue and the church explodes in applause. But General Patreaus?! Strange choice considering how divisive the war is.

"A LITTLE PANDERING"
At least John McCain told us he was pandering. The reference to Rwanda (Rick Warren's pet project) was shameful. Now onto Reagan! He really knows how to play this room!

PUTTY IN HIS HANDS
The balance of the crowd is not even remotely close. The 95% ticket distribution to his church members is giving McCain and enthusiastic and supportive crowd. McCain has chosen his words and how emphatic he uses them with his audience in mind.

McCAIN REDEFINES HIS OWN SCOUTING REPORT
This has been a great look into what this fall’s debates might look like. John McCain’s ability to appeal to anyone seeking buzzwords and gimmicks should not be underestimated. The debate season will almost certainly narrow this race in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. You can hear the race tightening.

BREEZING THROUGH!
Clearly, McCain’s ability to stay concise in his message has worked to his advantage. He has already breezed through nearly all of the questions Obama answered with almost twenty minutes left.

COLD WAR PART II
Is McCain really rebuilding the Soviet empire? Fear is the Republicans’ biggest, most powerful weapon. He very gently suggested that Russia is moving back toward world dominance. The rest of what he said was reasonable, but he very clearly initiated the idea. He also dropped the name, Reagan a few more times.

GAME ON!
For me the very clear and big take-away is that John McCain will be a worthy adversary on the campaign trail and in debates. He is intimately familiar with what Americans want to hear and perhaps most importantly, what they don’t and how to use that effectively.