(Part 9/10) 2008 Presidential Forum at Saddleback Church

[ionebananas]

say what you want but i think mccain would've been a great president. he had no chance, obviously. i DO think he might've been a little cocky but he would've made me happy as my president.

[ashleycraig]

can someone please explain why McCain appears here and states that life begins at conception, abortion is wrong etc (which is true), yet votes to pass bills for embryonic stem cell research, if he feels so strongly about it that is....... ?

[mcmiraclevalley]

I will vote for McCain-Palin to keep the nuts out:

[jovanloveless]

he actually sounds like his hero Ronnie Reagan

[charel1985]

When voting for a President,you should vote for someone that would do what YOU would do because they are representing YOU. If you are rich, not affected by the present economy, and agree with Bush vote for McCain. I am a 23, an African-American woman, student, and small business owner. I was raised in the ghetto of Compton, Ca. and now live in the suburbs of Arlington, Tx. Gas prices and the economy hurt me and I don't make 5 mil/year. Obama represents ME and everyone close to me !!!!

[otakujpop]

Yeah I would agree, but after watching this series, Obama looked like a baffled fool compared to McCain who had answers (energy, education AND gay marriage were all identical to Obama's) that were so much more concrete and delivered with more conviction. The economy will work itself out with either president and we will eventually be off oil.

[pimpjuice9304]

In the last part of your statement I completely agree...I think both candidates goals are absolutely the same, but they have completely different means of getting there...I simply think Obama's plans are better for the most part...I also think Mccain is a little too much into war...And with regards to who looks comfortable, I think Obama looked very comfortablee, but he was very professorial in his responses; Mccain had some very stupid simplistic answers

[otakujpop]

Sometimes I don't know, the recent fallout on Wall Street has me leaning towards Obama again because he was first to come up with a more clear list of necessary changes, but in regards to simplistic answers I actually admire that. It was something that was admirable about Bush (though I think he took it a bit too far) that he believed in what he said. It's both dangerous, but sometimes a good thing when in an executive position to act on belief rather than facts that may not be present.

[pimpjuice9304]

I agree with you in terms of people seem to like simplistic answers...but I think we can all agree, that the vast majority of problems require complicated solutions...So its not good enough to drop these little quips, as your solutions, you have to give us much more than that...Some examples of that were his response to the question of evil and how you deal with it, his response to teachers and what we do about education gaps...I think they were way too underthought

[freed345]

that is because McCain broke the "Cone of Silence"

[BigDumbNerd]

My father owns a small business and we live in the middle of nowhere Illinois. Obama wants to tax the people that supply us with ingredients so we can make our living. Gas is 4 bucks a gallon here too, and I don't make more than 15k a year.

Guess who I'm voting for? Sure isn't the guy who wants to hurt my family's business, that's for sure. No, I'm voting McCain.

[christopherduke]

McCain is obviously vastly more experienced, much more Presidential, and even more polished than Obama by far. The studdering on tough questions by Obama was an obvious sign of talking around the issues. Wonder why CNN, and MSNBC, ABC and CBS didn't air it hardly at all. Wake up America!

[fkafka123]

You people blinded by Obama call dancing around issues, having no position, and trying to disguise this as "nuanced" thought-substantial. McCain answers directly because he's thought through these issues in 20-odd years in Congress. Substance and purpose? Obama is a life-long Christian who can't state when he believes life begins.

[fkafka123]

You people blinded by Obama call dancing around issues, having no position, and trying to disguise this as "nuanced" thought. McCain answers directly because he's thought through these issues in 20-odd years in Congress. Substance and purpose? Obama is a life-long Christian who can't state when he believes life begins.

[vanlore]

Oh please Fred Astairr couldn't dance as good as McCain did dodging tough questions. And so help me if hear McCain one more time use his war stories to avoid answering a damn question I am going to be sick.

How about McCain actaully talks about what he plans to do if he should somehow trick the American people to vote the Repubs in office again for another four years, and stop giving us the war stories.

[crock703]

Its easy to like McCain in this.. He is decisive and confident and speaks with conviction. Obama paused more, talked about varied things, etc.

Here's problem. If I didn't have a very strong understanding about a lot of the topics, I wouldn't realize how wrong McCain was (Iraq is a victory? Churches should be able to collect fed money, AND hire on religious basis - Christians, how would you feel about a Muslim charity collecting fed money and refusing to hire Christians?)

[crock703]

Wiretapping/privacy, etc.

He seems to believe in HIMSELF more than his 'plans/solutions' for the topics. He speaks with conviction but doesn't explain why or how it works, and why a diff approach is flawed. He says you DEFEAT evil (APPLAUSE!) Who doesn't want 'evil' defeated. What is evil, where does it show its face, how do you subdue it? How do you DEFEAT child abuse?

He sounds righteous and speaks with conviction, but I don't see wisdom there.

[crock703]

I'm not an Obama enthusiast (he's a good guy and I'll probably vote for him over a 3rd party candidate), but he seemed to grasp things better & tried to actually teach more than McCain. It didn't sound as pretty, but it has substance and purpose. If you think Obama is superficial, watch the first part again and think hard. Think about which of these interviews has real depth.

Which girl do you want to marry and raise your kids, and which just pleases you with superficial comforts?

[khulmar]

crock 703 doesn't seem to understand that not only Christian faith based programs are the ones getting federal money...all faiths have faith based organizations...

[crock703]

..I don't think you understood my comment.

My point was that any organization shouldn't be allowed to take federal money, & then use it to discriminate against people (i.e. hiring only Christians for a Christian charity.)

Because Christians are such big supporters of taking fed money for faith-based programs but don't want to abide by federal equal opportunity employment standards, I used the example of a Muslims charity to illustrate to Christians what it would feel like from the other side.

[crock703]

If you didn't want to demand that faith-based groups abide by EE standards, then you'd have to keep it fair/equal some how. Give each type of "religion" an equal share of grants for their faith-based orgs?

So then the Catholic Church gets the same amount as the Scientologists, the 7th Day Adventists, etc. What Muslims that don't have a centralized church structure, is each church its own religion? Does only one Mosque get the money set aside of "Islam's" use.

[crock703]

Its all ridiculous.

Churches are already tax-free organizations, so they shouldn't come asking for money. It shouldn't be an issue. If you want people to help you do a good thing for others, it shouldn't matter what religion they are.

I'm sick of the sanctimonious exemption religions groups & individuals want for the 'rules/expectations' that apply to everyone else. Getting a free pass to say fanatical ignorant nonsense in the media.. want fed $ AND the right to fire over religious affiliation

[newnature]

He talks about the 3,000,000 spent to study bear dna....yet neglect the 2,000,000,000,000 spent on Iraq (just thought I'd try to illustrate the order of magnitude difference between million and TRILLION) Yeah, lets cut the science budget ...that's the out of control spending, John.

[ferricdonkey]

the difference is between studying bears and securing freedom. see if you can write out an order of magnitude difference for that.

[brassington2]

He was making a point, but obviously it went right over your head Newnature.

[XLBigRichard]

And you forget that we spend more a year on illegal immigrants than we do on the war on terrorism. Whats more important dumbass? Keep these illegal spics out we need a fence, gaurd towers, and mine fields.

[Amiel912]

I love you John Mccain!

[penguinbreath]

McCain: pay no taxes + hand down a prosperous America.

Obama does not want to raise taxes, either. But Obama realizes there are tough choices to be made, unlike McCain who is ordering off a menu without prices: 7,000$ child tax credit. 5,000 refundable voucher to pay for healthcare, unlimited u.s. military commitment. Where is the money coming from?

Trim the budget by eliminating double dipping from the U.S. Treasury. McCain can have his military pension or his Senate salary, but not both.

[brassington2]

Penquin... you understand right.. that if he went into every detail this segment would be a day long. You tear apart what he says cause he didnt do that? The funding would come from eliminating the stupid spending he mentioned earlier. Please put a little thought into it before you speak.

[wheeZy42O]

put a little thought into what your beloved McCain says. He never answered the question about defining the rich besides his $5 million comment. McCain likes to talk about how he wants to decrease taxes, well "my friends" McCain is going to increase taxes on the poor and middle class making under $250,000 a year and decrease taxes for the rich making over $250,000 a year. Try not to step in the McCain bullshit please, your shoe might start to stink

[XLBigRichard]

Is that what McCain said? pay attention dumbass. You stupid liberal pieces of shit want everyone to rely on the government. Get a job you worthless hippie!

[wheeZy42O]

Thoughtful comment. I have a job thanks for the advice though. Yes McCain said he defines rich as earning $5 million or more. On his tax plan he will decrease the taxes on the wealthy by $45,000. Obamas plan will give the middle class a $1000 tax break. Although I have a job I am not rich and would very much like a $1000 tax break. Peace and love.

[XLBigRichard]

Hey fuck face. Are you retarded? get a tax book from 1999 and then get one from 2007. (1999 = Clinton tax policys, 2007 after Bush's tax cuts) Look at any income!!! Off hand I know that someone making $31K in 99' paid 8K in federal taxes/ in 07' they paid 4K in taxes. The figures don't lie!

[penguinbreath]

Bear research: 3,000,000 (3 million)

Refundable voucher for healthcare per family:5,000 * 115,000,000 households in the U.S. (projected 2010 by census) 575,000,000,000

(575 billion)

Cut 200,000 bear type programs and you get to his healthcare proposal.

The bear spending is dubious and I believe in affordable healthcare for all. But I will not be sucked in by a Ron Reagan ``Morning in America'' candidate filled with pretty stories.

[penguinbreath]

sorry. in 1999 a single person paid .15 on the first 25,750 of income and .28 on income between 25,750 and 62,450. Your 1999 tax bill was 5332.50. NOT 8,000. Please undertand marginal tax rates. Single, your 2007 tax bill was 4258.75. Yes, with Bush's tax policies you saved some money, but not 4000. Also remember that the budget was balanced in 1999. Our current deficit effects on the value of the dollar, our economic security (chinese lending) and how much we pay for oil.

[brassington2]

Nice try, I could have posted the same. Thing is I know it goes way beyond that. I believe you do to, but yet you put up such a stupid post trying to prove your point. Might work on a kid in middle school. You attack me as if Mcain is my man, fact is I like neither. I believe Obama though is far less trustworthy. All you people act as if there is only 2 candidates because the news only covers them. Which is sad, since Bob Barr is prob a far better choice. He has a youtube page, watch his videos.

[penguinbreath]

Fair enough brassington... Explain how the president has any control over congressional earmarks (bear reseach, funding bridges to nowhere, etc.) Yes, he could veto whole bills, but the president is nearly powerless against congressional pork. Presidents use congressional pork to manufacture votes for their agendas. Mr. McCain suggesting that a President has control over congressional earmarks is wrong and that notion should have been challenged by the moderator.

[brassington2]

Yes good points. Another reason I support Barr, he addresses those issues in some of his videos. I truly beleive that for a fair system, all candidates must have equal coverage from the press. Which obviously isnt happening now. To many people feel that have to follow tradition and vote their party. Those days are over "my friend", neither of the main parties are what they used to be. People need to realize this and start researching on their own, rather than waiting for it to be fed to them.

[XLBigRichard]

from not wasting tax money on bear research and illegal immigrants stupid!

[linuxlord01]

McCain you are such a fuck!

[linuxlord01]

He is fake fuck!

[doctorturbo]

Another loss for Mc Lame

Look at the rateings you can't distort that.

hahahahahaha

CHOKE !!!!

[tylikesmuffins]

WRONG!

[bhz]

Hey Devvon, Rich is relative and often determined by where you live. 100,000 in the SF Bay area is just making it. the same in many midwest towns would buy you a large house with acreage but those jobs are few and far between. The question is just not that easy to answer with just a number. BTW , Mc Cain said 5,000,000.00 at 1:45

[washmytoes]

agree with him on taxes. he killed it in this segment

[nitsu19]

He is right again John is on point.

[spurly315]

John McCain won the night!

[DevvonDangerr]

He did his stump speach like a script and even on this rich question, he never gave a number and its an easy question.

[sag1101]

I dont support him, but I have to say he did. Although I think the venue was home turf for him...

[pjohs100]

Jeffrey, thanks for blessing us with your completely meaningless banter. As we can all see, this issue of wealth is entirely black and white to you, so do us all a favor and make sure our fries stay hot.

[DevvonDangerr]

Jeffrey is actualy right pj but its easy to be a bit vicious about it. Dont you think the top 5percent is considered rich? Thats where 250k lands you.

[spurly315]

"I don't want to take any money from the rich, I want everybody to get rich. I don't believe in class warfare or redistribution of the wealth." -- Great quote from John Mccain in this segment.

[anamanaguchi]

It doesn't work that way!

[chickenlight]

It can work that way! Why do people left of center think if someone gets money, someone else loses? As long as the economy isn't completely stagnant or dwindling, it's expanding and EVERYONE can get more money. You only lose money in a growing economy if YOU make poor decisions. It is NOT the responsibility of everyone else to prop-up your sorry ass if you're too lazy, unwilling, or stupid to work smart &/or hard.

[anamanaguchi]

McCain wants to give a 200,000 dollar tax break to people with an income of $2.9 million. Explain how that makes sense? Why are we giving the rich tax breaks when we are trillions of dollars in debt?

[chickenlight]

If you were "rich"; let's say you owned a business. The purpose of a business is to make money. That's it. Make profit for yourself and shareholders. If you had a high tax rate, you pay the tax and keep the rest. Lower the taxes, you & the shareholders keep the same amount of money AND you have money left to re-invest in your business (raises/more employees, etc). Why spend this money instead of keeping the extra? Simple. By investing it into the business, you end up making MORE money.

[chickenlight]

Look, the less business' pay in taxes, the more people you can hire and the more you can pay them to help make your business more profitable. More people employed, employed people will make more, business makes more, everybody wins.

[struwwwell]

How noble of him! But how can everybody get rich without some getting poorer in the process?

Perhaps by printing more money and let the inflation do the rest? Oh shit, when the additional money finally trickles down to the economically unfortunate it's not worth the devaluation of what they had before.

[glsnj]

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." Thomas Jefferson

[JeffreyMelendrez]

Any household with a combined income of over 250k is rich in my book. Mccain married into his wealth so it doesn't know what its like to struggle through the economic chain.