If John McCain could afford to show by 2-hour commercial the contrast between himself and Barack Obama that emerged tonight at Rick Warren's "Civil Forum on the Presidency," he would win this election in a landslide! McCain was that strong and Obama was that weak.

If nothing else, Obama and the Democrats know that it will not be a cakewalk to the White House. On question after question, the contrast between McCain and Obama was beyond stark -- Obama slow, nuanced, halting in his answers, while John McCain was the picture of a leader - direct, concise, and bold. As we have said before here, when Obama is not behind a teleprompter giving a command performance at a rally, he is not a formidable candidate. John McCain can think on his feet, and he is not afraid to tell Americans what he believes. After seeing tonight's performances, we know why the Obama Campaign has been unwilling to join John McCain for Town Hall Meetings across America.

In summary, this night was beyond a "home run" for John McCain. He was in another universe compared to Barack Obama.