Warren explained the groundules after a brief promo video on faith in America.
QUESTIONS ON LEADERSHIP
WARREN: Quoted some verses on listening and wisdom. Asked Obama for the three wisest people he relies upon.
OBAMA: Mentioned family, Sam Nunn, Tom Coburn. Importance of diversity in advisors.
WARREN: What is your greatest moral failure, and that of America?
OBAMA: Drug and alcohol use, and selfishness. Said Amercia still does not abide by Jesus’ teaching of doing for the least of these what you would do unto Jesus.
WARREN: Asked about the common ground or the common good. Asked for an example of putting America ahead of self-interest and public policy.
OBAMA: Campaign ethics reform. It was probably not in my interest or that of Senator McCain. Also, not approving the war in Iraq in 2004.
WARREN: “What’s the biggest change in policy position that Obama has made from 10 years ago?”
OBAMA: Welfare reform. I didn’t think the bill President Clinton signed would work as well as it has. Need to have work as a center piece of any social policy. There is an intrinsic value of work.
WARREN: “What’s the most gut wrenching decision you’ve ever had to make? And how did you process it?”
OBAMA: The decisions about supporting and/or funding Iraq. I gathered advice from many people and asked questions.