Saddleback

Didn't watch, but some interesting commentaries this morning. GIven what I know of the evangelical movement and Rick Warren (better than Dobson, but it's all relative), I think Digby has the key observation:

I know it's a small sample, but as Warren points out, social conservatism is not just about religion, it's a"'worldview" and McCain is the one who shares it, not Obama.

And it's a worldview based on "Thou shalt not."

Andrew Sullivan also has reservations about Rick Warren:

When you have had the kind of Christianity that Bush represents in power for so long, maybe it's only inevitable you will end up with thinkers of the caliber of Warren actually holding debates for presidential candidates. And even worse: have presidential candidates who will agree to attend.

I think Sullivan misses the point here: the appeal of Warren is not that he represents anything new in the evangelical camp, except in the most shallow reading, but that he is an evangelical who is not Dobson, Wildmon, or any of the usual suspects -- in fact, they hate him and what he represents. So, it's a chance to appeal to the evangelical base without appearing to pander to the entrenched powers in that faction. That's his attraction, and probably the main reason both candidates agreed to participate.

Sullivan also live-blogged. Here's his commentary on Obama and on McCain:

Sullivan's readers weigh in.