Barack Obama and John McCain Address Forum on Faith

Rick Warren hosted the Saturday night's forum on faith. He invited Barack Obama and John McCain to answer tough questions.

I have to honestly to say that I thought the forum was going to be more about faith questions. I was deeply impressed with the forum and its host. The forum by far was the best I've seen yet.

The forum was hosted by pastor Rick Warren and held at Saddleback Church in southern California. Warren is also author of the best-selling book "The Purpose-Driven Life."

Senators John McCain and Barack Obama were both interviewed for one hour each. The candidates did appear briefly onstage together while shaking hands and posing with Warren.

Many of the questions asked by Warren were focused on leadership, taxes and foreign policy. Some questions were personal, such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Obama said he wants to reduce the number of abortions in the country, while supporting pro-choice and Row v. Wade.

"On this particular issue, if you believe that life begins at conception, and you are consistent, then I can't argue with you on that," Obama said. "What I can do is say, 'are there ways we can work together to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies?' "

When Warren asked to define marriage, the Illinois senator said, "It's a union between a man and a woman."

However, Obama added that he will support same-sex marriages, "I can afford those civil rights to others even if I don't have that view," he said.

McCain answered the same questions and seemed more direct. The Arizona senator said he supports pro-life and that life begins at conception. McCain also favors anti-abortion policies.

"I have a 25-year pro-life record in the Congress, in the Senate; and as president of the United States, I will be a pro-life president, and this presidency will have pro-life policies," McCain said.

Critics believe that John McCain did extremely well, while Obama gained ground with skeptical Christians.

Rick Warren said he won't endorse either candidate so that his church followers could make up their own minds.