Let's face it. Saddleback was a tough audience.

[sharesunited]

In a way, it was a no-win venue for a candidate who wants to draw a bright line between the law of man and the law of God.

Any evangelical audience is going to have a significant number of dominionists in it.

How does a Democratic candidate tactfully tell such an audience that YOUR beliefs about how God wants us govern ourselves cannot be the final word on how society is going to be governed?

They sure don't want to hear it and he doesn't want to offend them by saying it.

[gateley]

1. Yes, but even so, Obama managed to connect with them and touch them

several times during his interview.

I'm guessing a lot of people liked him more than they thought they would. Probably won't vote for him, but may have kinder thoughts toward him now.

He did an excellent job.

[sharesunited]

2. And I absolutely support his decision to participate. Needs those folks to see him.

[TomClash]

3. Barrack wasn't really talking to them

He was talking to religious swing voters, some socially moderate/conservative Hillary supporters, independents and "our" Evangelicals - the 20% who vote Dem. It was a TV event.

[OHdem10]

4. You make some good points. I would like to add an additional

thought or two.

There are some times when a candidate should have as his goal
-- to help the audience understand who he is and that he is not
some "scary' person.

I am now going to offer this bit of observation. If we are honest
Obama performed pretty much as he did in debates. It was easier
when competing with Democrats. In fairness, Hilary almost always
won the debates. Why??? She came in in a take charge manner
exuding confidence. She did not hesitate to show passion.

This is not to demean Obama but a sincere effort to make
our party recognize a weakness.

Obama comes across as cool, thoughtful and deliberating, which
are excellent qualities but if not used in conjunction with
an "I am in charge " attitude--can be interpreted by an audience
and lacking confidence. Showing some passions assures an audience
one has some core beliefs and will fight for them.

The GOP discovered this long ago and use it to their advantage.
McCain had been prepped with the GOP play book and he did what
Republicans do to win. Certitude with a religious audience.
Pure and simple--McCain came across as I know what I am doing
and can provide leadership. Take charge, be humorous and
tell stories to humanize oneself.

Go back to 2004 Debates. Kerry won every debate on the points
and substance; but Bush won the Debates having a hard time
stringing a sentence together. Bush exuded Confidence in himself
and used humor to his advantage. The polls on the Debates always
gave Bush the bounce.

Yes, Obama is thoughtful, very smart. Right now his style
appeals to upper echelon. McCain's style appeals to the masses.

Obama can correct. This is submitted with respect and hope
it is received well.

[sharesunited]

5. Risk offending an audience while attempting to convey one's kindest regards.

Like when McCain stood before the NAACP.

[Old and In the Way]

6. So when will John McCain do a similar Q&A with the ACLU, moderated by Norman Lear?

Why isn't there a similar venue on our side that gets to ask questions of McCain and Obama? Other than the fact that McCain would avoid it like the plague.

Still, we should be making a hi-profile attempt to make it happen, just to get McCain's refusal on the record.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

7. So he had nothing to lose.

And plenty to gain.

:shrug: