A reader writes:
I see three layers:
1) Top layer: main thrust is spin to reinforce the ongoing Obama = celebrity talking point. Of this layer you asked "Is this pure spin from Karl Rove? I mean: could any sane observer see this as true:". Audience = general.
2) Middle layer: Agree w/ your update, this is Rove’s way of signaling to the Christianists that McCain is one of them. I was too pre-coffee to notice, although it did tug on the corner of my befogged mind. Nice catch. But how about this one:
3) Bottom layer: It’s also Rove’s private pointed message to McCain (and the McCain camp) that he needs to "share (or allow others to share) more about him[self], especially his faith" – in other words, fake something heartfelt and solemn on that score, package it up and peddle it to the Christianist base.
The Dish 