Guilty Consciences, Perhaps?

U.S. News' "Washington Whispers" column this week reports that "White House and GOP insiders" are annoyed about the "West Wing" episode that I commented about earlier. In the episode, Republican presidential candidate Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) criticizes those who "use religion for political advantage", saying that to parade around as a religious person when you don't sincerely believe in what you're doing is "political phonyism."

"Whispers" says White House officials seem to think Vinick's charge was directed at President Bush, quoting "one insider" as saying "Just when Hollywood was trying to get back in our good graces, they used that offensive script." "Wing" writer Lawrence O'Donnell responded: "If the White House worries that when that subject comes up it is somehow aimed at the president, well, you know, who told them to use religion in campaigning so much?"

Here's a better question. Vinick was not criticizing people of faith for their beliefs or how they practice them. He was criticizing people who use their faith falsely to get ahead, even if they don't believe in what they're saying. If the president is as secure and sincere about his faith as he plays on t.v., what's he got to be offended about?