Both candidates appear separately at “Compassion Forum” on CNN, airing live from Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania.

Two candidates share brisk, perfunctory on-stage handshake between sessions.

Clinton:

Asked immediately about “bitter” controversy, and calls the comments “elitist, out of touch, and frankly patronizing.”

Draws laughs when asked why God allows good people to suffer: “I don’t know… I can’t wait to ask him.”

Obama:

Also asked first about “bitter” comments. Acknowledges phrasing was “clumsy,” but suggests he meant “clinging” in a positive sense. Dismisses idea he condescends on religion, noting he’s worked with churches since leaving college.

Asked about the Rev. Wright:

“The most recent loop that’s been playing– Rev. Wright’s greatest hits, so to speak– are I think both a distortion of who he is and what the church has been about, but also express some comments that I think are deeply offensive and contrary to what I believe.”