A Civil Forum

Last night John McCain and Barack Obama each had an hour to answer the same questions posed by Rick Warren, pastor of the mega Saddleback Church in Southern California. This forum was the first dual appearance of the two presidential candidates to take place in the 2008 Presidential contest.

Mr. Warren emphasized that this was intended to be a civil forum, that is, a discussion conducted in a respectful and fair way.

It also had a decidedly religious and ethical emphasis, with character highlighted.

In my estimation the contrast between the two candidates was remarkable: Mr. Obama's thoughtful and nuanced answers directed to the host; Mr McCain's answers brief but often fortified by a personal anecdote from his storied past spoken to the audience/camera. In terms of getting the message out to the Evangelical audience in the Saddleback church as well as the country, Mr. McCain was effective.

What I found most salient was the nature of the forum itself: Evangelical, yes, but more, the new Evangelicalism Rick Warren represents, what he calls not "pro-life" rather "whole life," meaning a broader outlook than just abortion and gay marriage and narrowly American. In the Evangelical mix, an important component of the electorate, Mr. Warren co-opted Evangelical high ground with his world perspective and and emphasis on civility. In the culture wars of recent decades civility has been hijacked. Whether this tempers the Evangelical tone, remains to be seen; however Mr. Warren has positioned himself and outlook against an old guard.

As the face to face campaign began, it is noteworthy that it began in a Church, with an emphasis on civility.