Alex Chediak

WARREN: The three wisest people that you would listen to. McCAIN: General David Petraus. John Lewis. Meg Whitman (CEO of eBAY). In these economically challenging times, we need to call on folks like Whitman. WARREN: What's been your greatest moral failure, and that of America? McCAIN: My greatest moral failure, that of my first marriage. America: We don't always do what's best for the world (though we do that very well). We don't always serve causes greater than our own self-interest. WARREN: A lot of good legislation dies because of partisanship. An example of when you led … [Read more...] about Saddleback Civil Forum: McCain – Leadership

WARREN: What's worth fighting for? OBAMA: Our freedom.... WARREN: Genocide? OBAMA: There is no hard and fast line. But in cases where ethnic cleansing is taking place, we should take action. WARREN: 148 million orphans in the world. They don't need to be in an orphanage, they need to be in families. How about a President's emergency plan for orphans. OBAMA: A great idea. Need to work with NGOs and put something together. WARREN: Religious persecution. OBAMA: We need to speak out and not pretend that it is taking place. We need to manage our relationship with countries like China … [Read more...] about Saddleback Civil Forum: Obama – America’s Role in the World

Since the transcript will soon available, I may restrict my comments here to reflections on how the interviews are going. I believe Obama is struggling to give concise answers, and Warren seems to continually prod him to keep moving. I believe Obama twisted the truth when he said that he did not support gay marriages, but only civil unions (I've posted on this before). OK, they're back. Update: Here's a letter that Obama wrote to Alice B. Toklas Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Democratic Club's Pride Breakfast (scroll down a bit to find it). Though the letter is not dated, note … [Read more...] about Saddleback Civil Forum: Comments on Obama

WARREN: Belief in Jesus Christ. Tell us about it. OBAMA: I believe Jesus is my personal Savior, who died for my sins. It imposes a sense of obligation to think about the "least of these", acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly. My faith gives me the confidence to try things. WARREN: Abortion. 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. At what point does a baby get human rights? OBAMA: I cannot answer that; "it is above my pay grade." There is a moral and ethical element to this issue. Anyone who denies them is not paying attention. I am pro-choice, I believe in Roe v. Wade. … [Read more...] about Saddleback Civil Forum: Obama – Worldview

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 … [Read more...] about Saddleback Civil Forum: Obama – Leadership

The media papers we were given note that, to the best of their knowledge, this is the first time a church pastor has ever moderated an event featuring the two major candidates for President. To avoid bias, the questions to both candidates will be identical, although the follow-up questions may differ. To ensure fairness, Senator McCain will not hear the questions during the first hour (not sure how that can be guaranteed, given that he is here with a rather large entourage). A few details on the question categories: STEWARDSHIP - The constitution, the role of government, education, and … [Read more...] about Saddleback Civil Forum: A Few Highlights (in Anticipation)