This evening I had the privilege of of attending the John McCain town hall in Saint Paul, Minnesota’s historic Landmark Center which is just 2 blocks from the Xcel Energy Center where Senator McCain will accept the Republican nomination for president later this summer.

As a blogger, I was afforded all the privileges of any MSM member.  Immediately to my left was The Note’s Mark Halperin.  To my right, literally and figuratively, was my friend Michael Brodkorb of Minnesota Democrats Exposed — the blog that has been tormenting Al Franken so much the last few months.  In front of me was another long-time blogging acquaintenace, Ed Morrissey of Hot Air.

Governor Pawlenty gave a brief introduction to an audience that was billed as “undecided” but which was populated by many friendly faces, several of whom I recognized as long time Republicans. 

Senator McCain had returned from touring flood-ravaged areas of Iowa earlier in the day and spoke movingly of efforts to stave off the rising waters.  Turning to the political, McCain made much of Senator Obama’s announcement to opt out of public financing for the general election pointing out that Obama will be the first nominee to do so since the Watergate electoral reforms.  He also read a damning quote from Obama where the junior senator from Illinois pleged less than a year ago to “aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to commit to public financing of the general election.”  McCain concluded his opening remarks by commiting to 1 town hall event between now and the conventions — and he clearly hoped Sen. Obama would join him in these venues.

McCain spoke broadly of “reform, prosperity and peace” as the benchmarks by which his presidency would be measured.  He struck a broadly non-partisan tone that was well-received by the audience.  Highlights included a commitment to entitlement reform, elimination of earmarks, independence from foreign oil, increased off shore oil exploration and victory in Iraq.

On the subject of Iraq, McCain outlined the criteria for being able to declare victory.  The benchmarks would be a “stable and democratic” government, reduction or elimination of Iranian incluence and Iraq becoming a model for the region. 

One questioner spoke of a debilitating and expensive illness with which her son was afflicted.  McCain encouraged people who advocate government-run health care to first go to Great Britain or Canada before embracing it.  He then turned over the microphone to a well-spoken (if not a bit technocratic) Governor Pawlenty who offered his thoughts on the reforms Minnesota has embraced.

On the topic of energy, McCain said that one of Jimmy Carter’s worst decisions was an unwillingness to reprocess nuclear fuel.  While conservatives may have misgivings with our nominee’s fixation on global warming, it is clear he will be a friend to nuclear energy.  He repeated his call for dozens of new nuclear plants.  He also celebrated the soon-to-be-released Chevy Volt plug-in car.

One of McCain’s most well-received lines was his commitment to “secure our borders” when asked about a guest worker program.

McCain embraced charter and home schooling and any other educational vehicle that encourages choice and competition. 

One questioner challenged McCain’s “straight talk” persona and asked him to “tell us some things we don’t want to hear”.  The Senator pointed out his willingness to take on SecDef Rumsfeld in the wake of the initial Iraq invasion.  He also highlighted his opposition to ethanol even though it likely cost him the Iowa caucus.  He also told the audience that the West is in a long struggle against Islamic extremism and the U.S. can not shrink from the challenge.

One “undecided” voter who could only be undecided between McCain and a more conservative third party candidate asked McCain how conservatives could trust him.  The Senator pointed out distinct differences on taxes, health care, national security, and willingness to negotiate with terrorist states.  He concluded by saying Ronald Reagan would be a role model for his presidency. 

McCain expressed interest in Rep. Michele Bachmann’s plan for lowering gas prices and expressed his admiration for the Congresswoman.  He committed to much more frequent use of the prime time presidential address used with less frequency since Reagan.

The last question was from a man who expressed his admiration for Governor Pawlenty and said he would make a good vice president.  “What are his chances?”, the man asked.

(photo courtesy of Minnesota Democrats Exposed)

“Meeting adjourned!”, answered the nominee while expressing his admiration for the Governor who, he said, has “a place in the future of our country.”  Minnesota First Lady Mary Pawlenty, McCain noted, “is the brains of the outfit.”

Senator McCain is clearly at ease in the town hall format.  He comes across as knowledgeable, warm and sincere.  He is wise to seek to bring Senator Obama into this format as he would compare favorably in such circumstances.