The Saddleback event may not have persuaded undecided voters either way. But it did do something very important for John McCain. It energized republicans, conservatives, Christians, heck. It energized McCain's own campaign workers! Until Saturday I think it's safe to say that every republican pretty much said "eh...." when John McCain was mentioned. We have some issues with him to say the least. But the malaise was deeper than that. Behind the scenes even workers on the campaign who I would speak to were lack luster to say the least, about their candidate. Even as I sat with campaign workers in the Saddleback Church we were all telling each other that we KNEW this was a huge mistake for McCain. We didn't know why he would agree to this event because Obama would be so much more engaging and eloquent. McCain would be...old. Besides, what WAS McCain's religious/philosophical position on anything?

And then McCain began to speak. He owned the issues. I know there's been talk about pandering on the side of both candidates. I disagree. I think both were very sincere. It's just that John McCain simply OWNS it. He doesn't just "get" the issues of marriage, war, abortion, poverty, and faith. He comprehended them all on a level Obama just can't achieve! And he delivered the message with a passion that left even the McCain staffers admitting they would finally put a lawn sign out!! McCain might not have wooed a lot of undecideds, I don't know. But he inspired me and energized republicans who had the blahs.

I encourage republicans to watch the exchange with both candidates. You'll still have issues with John McCain. But you'll definately move over from the "anybody but Obama" category to the "hey I think this McCain guy could be good" category.