John McCain's turn at the Saddleback Forum

We know the questions in advance now, but McCain doesn't because he was in a soundproof (and presumably, media proof) room.

The first question was who the 3 wisest people are that either candidate would rely on in their administration.

Obama: His wife, his grandma and Ted Kennedy.

McCain: General Petraeus, Congressman John Lewis and Meg Whitman, Ebay CEO.

THAT, my friends, is a study in contrasts.

Now, McCain is getting the moral failure question. And wow, what a brutally honest answer: "My failure in my first marriage." He appeared to come close to tearing up while answering it, then quickly went on to America's greatest moral failure, which in his eyes was: "Instead of telling Americans to go shopping after 9/11, not asking for more volunteerism, assistance to those who need it, etc." In short, sacrifice; a theme Obama also touched on, but in answer to another question.

I have to break from the commentary to note that McCain is surprisingly good in a setting like this. Obama maintained a very light touch, with a good bit of humor. McCain is using humor, but there is also a really low-key seriousness in his answers and a sort of soft intensity that is very becoming. The crowd likes him.

McCain just gave his present support for offshore drilling (Drill Here! Drill Now! ala Newt Gingrich) as an example of changing his mind from a policy that he held 10 years ago. He says he supports all types of energy, wind, solar, NUCLEAR!!!

McCain: "We now have a pro-American President of France, which shows if you live long enough, anything can happen!" (to raucous laughter from the crowd)

I have to get back to my papers!