I thought McCain was fantastic, while Obama showed his inexperience and unsureness of his answes. Obama keeps calling for a change  in the way elections are run by stopping the attacking of each opponent. yet he is the one doing all the attacking. I have heard McCain many times give Obama respect, yet when Obama heard he did not do well at this forum, he accused McCain of cheating...now who ils playing the old game of politics....I think Obama showed his true colors this time...and one more thing...Obama made a remark about private owned planes....doesn't he have one himself.

I tend to agree. The debates with loaded questions and 60 second answers are ineffective in helping us learn about the candidate.

To me, what set the Saddleback forum apart was that each candidate answered the same questions without the benefit of hearing the other one's answer.

While the Saddleback questions focused on faith, community and social issues, it would be just as interesting if questions about foreign policy, the environment, energy, etc. were asked.  

It was also no different because only McCain and Obama were invited.  Barr wanted to attend but he was denied.  I simply can't respect any debate that doesn't respect the fact that there are more than two parties in this country.

That's ok.  I dont respect any of the debate either.

Ya, true the spin is awful, but that goes to the media and not the forum itself.

If I'm not mistaken, the Saddleback forum was on cable only...and it took a while for the MSM to get their spin going on Obama. His comments on abortion and SJ Clarence Thomas really showed his true colors, imo.

Good point. Anyone who makes the ballot should be allowed in the debates.

Barbarat - I have heard McCain many times give Obama respect, yet when Obama heard he did not do well at this forum, he accused McCain of cheating...now who ils playing the old game of politics..

I agree - it's the officer and a gentleman background. McCain is more about the issues.

Thank you for your thoughts - this is my first little blog.

Lulapilgrim - what set the Saddleback forum apart was that each candidate answered the same questions without the benefit of hearing the other one's answer.   

it would be just as interesting if questions about foreign policy, the environment, energy, etc. were asked.  

I would like to see more using this format. I want to hear what they think. I can decide for myself.

Thank you for your response 

AH yes - the spinners. Let's give them some wool - maybe we'll get a sweater out of the deal.

Doc, Thank you for reading & replying. I've been reading more than commenting lately. You had invited me to join and I thank you for making me feel like one of the "Joe's"

El-Duderino - It was also no different because only McCain and Obama were invited.  Barr wanted to attend but he was denied.  I simply can't respect any debate that doesn't respect the fact that there are more than two parties in this country.[/quote]

Good point - way back when weren't hte Dems & Repubs the 3rd Parties? What ever happened to the Whigs?

Thank you too for your comments

Like what?

You should post more, when you can.  Glad you are writing!

Well Duh!  The host is a minister.  While the accusations flew after the fact, I still think the format is worth pursuing in the future.  The League of Women Voters (or whatever there name is that usually sponsors ones) should look into it.

true , a Protestant minister of what denomination I don't know. Even so, I'm blanking out....how was religion brought into it?

Obama mentioned the passage of St.Matthew concerning what we do to the least of my brethren you do unto Me! (which I found totally empty considering the baby in the womb is the least of our brethren and he's racked up a 100% pro-abortion voting record.

Oh, and one of the MSM counted how many times he said Jesus and Christian, etc. It was more times than McCain.