Not withstanding my other thread, I think this event was a gain for Obama.

[Bicoastal]

Why?

Because this audience, this demographic , this CHRUCH was in McCain's pocket. Only the Fundiest of Fundies needed convincing that McCain was one of them. It has been said several times that if Obama wins over a small percentage of the people in this demographic, he'll be doing very well indeed--and I tend to agree with that.

When Pat Buchanan says McCain won decisively, he means McCain won the Evangelical vote decisively--and come on, Buchanan would have been right at home with the folks in the audience tonight. But the viewers at home, listening to Obama's answers in the first hour? Moderates, indies, and people like you and me? Comparing them to Bush's regular blather? Comparing them to the stump speech phrases McCain kept tossing out, often with zero explanation or reasoning? They'd say that Obama won hands down.

Anyway, Obama did well by anyone's standards. I can't think of anyone who couldn't admire Obama's intellect and style after hearing speak in the first hour. He was the right man for the viewers at home, but the wrong man for the Evangelicals in the room. McCain was their man.

Just bear in mind which group is more numerous....:)