Live blogging Saddleback forum 1 August 16, 2008
Posted by Zack in California , trackbackObama is absolutely going to kill McCain in this Saddleback forum. He already has just in the first few minutes. He just threw out a phrase made popular by Rick Warren’s purpose driven life, “It’s not about me.” He did it naturally, just like he was on exactly the same wavelength as this mass of white suburban evangelicals who have ALL read Warren’s book.
In other words, he is culturally bonding with these folks easily and naturally just like Bush did.
In his campaign, McCain has already made clear that he has no idea who these people are. I’ve heard about a number of conservative evangelical leaders—even those who have endorsed McCain—who can not even get their calls returned by McCain campaign staffers let alone McCain himself. Meanwhile, Obama has met and spoken with many of the same leaders—yes, even those who have endorsed McCain. Obama staffers are actively seeking input from key evangelical leaders including those who have not endorsed.
OK — we’ll wait to see how McCain fares.
By the way. There has been a little criticism of this event. Why should we have to watch a church-sponsored debate? Why should it be televised? But this is a normal thing. In this campaign we will also be watching events sponsored by African-American groups, Latino groups, young people’s groups, etc… Warren is a leader of a large constituency. Some research says there are 100 million born again Christians in America. Why not let them have their event with the candidates?
Tags: barack obama, John McCain, Rick Warren
Comments»
Dude….
Mcain is crushing him. Stright answers….no fluff.
Obama has been exposed for the empty suit he is!!
Huge win for McCain. It’s impossible to engage in “cultural bonding” with a group when your platform rejects everything they believe in. People aren’t so stupid that they’ll vote for someone merely because he parrots some catchphrase from a book they read.
Raving: the fact is that Obama was perfectly queued up to bond with this constituency because they do agree with a ton of his views on broader “life” issues (heath care, peace, social programs, etc). He just failed to connect with this constituency. He failed, unfortunately, to simply be clear, direct and convicted about almost anything he talked about.
First, My thoughts… I thought Obama was going to KILL him… (key word…thought)
Second, Here is CNN’s take…
CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider
LAKE FOREST, California (CNN) — What’s interesting here is that Pastor Rick Warren is asking some of the most astute questions I’ve ever heard in a debate — and so far they’re not about religion and values. They’re very sharp political questions.
CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley
But overall, Barack Obama is getting a very warm reception. A lot of applause, and laughter. It will be interesting to see how the audience reacts to John McCain.
Now my conclusion… McCain got off to the rocky start I expected and then totally blew me away… Totally shocked. (Totally shocked)… He was very unexpected and at least for my two bits won the night.
It seems like McSame is pulling the same wool over the eyes of Christians that his good buddy Bush did. “Oh I’m pro-life” yet pro-death in Iraq. “I believe life begins at conception” then ends at 18 when I send you to die for oil, or bomb you to pieces. Obama’s answer on abortion, like many answers, were too nuanced and in depth for the IQ of the typical right-wing Christian. They want to hear things dumbed down like “bomb bomb evil, USA! USA! WAR HERO!” Obama’s answers were more based on the holistic message of the Bible, unlike McCain’s 1 or 2 issues that right wing Christians have decided to dumb the Bible down to. More wars and less jobs? McSame 08?