Was that what the president lobbied the Vatican about? Was it a subtle attempt to persuade the pontiff to lean on the American bishops, especially Cardinal McCarrick, for partisan advantage? That’s Josh Marshall‘s “suspicious speculation.” I don’t know. But I do believe that if this was Bush’s intent, it was unbelievably stupid. If the bishops decide to bar Kerry from communion – and leave everyone else alone – then it would probably increase support for the Democrat. Most Catholics find such politicization of their faith to be anathema. The hierarchy has less moral authority at this point than in its entire history. If they want to lose the last shred, they’ll take sides in a presidential election campaign.
EMAIL OF THE DAY: I haven’t received more than a handful of emails supporting my position on the torture issue. But I have received dozens like the following:
I really enjoy your writing and insights and, like you, am concerned that we not torture innocent or non-threatening combatants. But like the old proverb says – “All’s fair in love and war” – and this is war. I, for one, hope we intend to win – whatever it takes – if that includes torturing (not just humiliating the enemy) then I literally thank God we have people like Rumsfeld and Cheney with the balls to get it done.
My only question then is: why won’t Rumsfeld and Cheney and Bush come out and defend this policy openly? Or maybe they will. Rummy has said he wants to make public all the memos on torture and abuse.
The Dish 