It's always dangerous when politicians claim to be doing God's will. So,
as the novelty fades from Al Gore's selection of Joseph Lieberman,
journalists should ask some probing questions about the ticket's
conspicuous piety.
Over the years, Republican policymakers have been fond of saying that they
rely on divine guidance. Cementing his alliance with fundamentalist
Christian groups, President Reagan loved to perform at high-profile prayer
breakfasts and the like. All too often, political leaders -- especially
conservative ones -- have tried to blur the separation between church and
state.
Now, the Gore-Lieberman campaign has launched itself with a very public
display of devout posturing. For them, the Old Testament has become fine
grist for the centrist mill. The New Democrats are morphing into New
Theocrats.
At the formal announcement of his selection for the V.P. slot, Lieberman
declared that Gore "has never, never wavered in his responsibilities as a
father, as a husband and, yes, as a servant of God Almighty." The vice
president stood a few feet away, beaming.