Some will argue that I never had anything to be concerned about, but given what his record has been when it comes to this political/faith intersection, I was more than pessimistic about the quality of what was going to happen with the candidates last night.

Moreover Warren's previously unrepentant "fan-ness" of Obama going so far as to serve as a private adviser of Obama - I questioned whether the goals of the forum were going to be met.

At the end of the night... I have to admit - I was not just surprised, I was shocked.

Warren's line of questioning was surprisingly consistent and precise to both candidates. Tuning in initially during Obama's portion I was peeved that Warren did not press on the follow ups - but at the conclusion of McCain's time slot I felt nothing but agreement with Charles Krauthammer on FNC - it was the finest forum of the election thus far.

Rick Warren has given America significant reasons to be concerned about his involvement in the political debate. Not critiquing Obama's gospel of condoms at his AIDS conference two years ago still standing out as the most predominant example.

But that being said - Warren corrected a good deal of that perception last night. And interestingly enough - after promising a grilling over "non-asked questions" about poverty, AIDS, etc. He actually really did ask about the most important issues to evangelicals - the definition of life, the definition of marriage, religious freedom/liberty, and of course biggies like taxes and national security.

For my pre-forum pessimism Pastor Warren, please accept this cynic's sincere apology...

More on my assessment of Mr. Obama's underwhelming performance tomorrow in my syndicated column.