Barack could use a good "Sistah Souljah" moment to come out and show the nervous Reagan/Hillary Dems that he's one of them and not the elitist prick the McCain/Palin camp paints him as. I think a good bet would be to go after Bill Maher for saying that Obama is "lying" about his faith. Maher did just that, and said the same of McCain. This, in itself, is pretty insulting, but going after Maher is a totally safe bet for BO and would pay some dividends.
Nothing epitomizes the secular left's disdain for the traditionally religious like Bill Maher. He wears it on his sleeve and his new documentary is a perfect introduction to his viewpoints. I must say that as a professional comedian, I quite like Bill Maher's show and I have enjoyed his standup, though his smugness and now it all persona on stage does turn me off at times. I don't agree with him on religion, however. I am not a member of any organized faith, but I have my own private beliefs and I do not, as he does, believe, that religion is a net negative for world events in enough circumstances to believe that it's eradication is a universal good.
And I KNOW that Barack vehemently disagrees with him, having read all of his published writing. I take him at his word about his Christianiy and it's effect on his life. I think to NOT take him at his word is an insult. Being called a liar on any subject is not something a human being should suffer at all. Honor demands you answer such a charge, especially when it comes from a public figure with a media platform like Mr. Maher. And when it is a charge that renders some of your main reasons for being president hollow, it's a charge you must answer.
Beyond the common sense reasons to attack Maher on this, what better than a spirited defense of religion and faith against a disliked champion of secularism to reassure traditional minded voters that you are on their side and not a man of the Hollywood sneer at Jesus crowd? I think such a response would be both satisfying to Barack as a man, as it would defend himself against a lesser figure who doubted his word, his honesty, and his credibility, and to Barack as a candidate.
Thoughts? And I have no interest in your views on Maher's thesis or your personal take on religion, just on the wisdom of Barack defending his against this attack.
thanks!