Whatever their true private beliefs, presidential candidates in America are constantly required to provide proofs of faith, often through their connections with various religious figures.
Benedictions from the pulpit bestow an aura of righteousness — except, of course, when the pastor or minister is a disreputable kook whose endorsement should be an embarrassment.
In recent weeks, both Barack Obama and John McCain have suffered exactly this kind of indignity, under very different circumstances.
Read the rest of Joe Conason’s Rant.
