McCain, Obama to Share Megachurch Stage

Even in a non-debate, pundits still find a way to label somebody a winner

(NEWSER) - Pastor Rick stressed that last night's Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency wasn't a debate, but that won't stop the pundits from deciding who came out ahead:

• Byron York, of the National Review, sees the night as a big win for McCain, who's had a "much bigger life."

Warrren's examination of candidates' faith was absolutely un-American

(NEWSER) - Discussion of whether John McCain or Barack Obama "won" Saturday’s Saddleback inquisition misses the point, Kathleen Parker writes in the Washington Post. When the presidential candidates are publicly interrogated on their beliefs by a minister, even one as exemplary as Rick Warren, the only winner is the minister—and the biggest loser is America. More»

Answers match personal wealth, tax proposals

(NEWSER) - If there was a "gotcha" question in Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren's interviews with the presidential candidates Saturday, it was asking them each to take a shot at defining "rich." Barack Obama said people making more than $250,000 per year. John McCain went with $5 million—a figure he immediately regretted—"I'm sure that comment will be distorted," he added—and his campaign later claimed was a joke. More»

Saddleback showdown leaves divergent impressions

(NEWSER) - John McCain seemed personal, clear, and passionate. Barack Obama seemed nuanced, composed, and competent. So who won? Dueling Washington Post op-eds come down on either side. Consummate Washington insider Sally Quinn argues that Rick Warren's serial interviews weren't a debate, meaning there can't be a winner. But the candidates presented dueling visions of the world. More»

They no longer automatically claim Republican mantle

(NEWSER) - When Barack Obama and John McCain meet with pastor Rick Warren tomorrow, they’ll be fighting for the future of an increasingly split evangelical voting block, the Washington Post reports. Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, is at the forefront of a movement rippling through young evangelicals and prompting them to focus on issues outside the normal Republican purview, like AIDS, poverty, and climate change. More»