Nevermind that the man did say that this was "Not a war against Islam, but a war against terrorism" in the same few minutes of speech?

On a lighter note, I've heard that Toby Keith is already writing a song about it. So that should be good, as usual.

Yeah, which just makes his speech rather contradictory. Why would you say that and then start throwing out blessings from God as if he helped us win this war?

There's a whole spectrum of beliefs. The fact is that Obama puts these religious slogans in to appease people who are either looking for some kind of religious confirmation (not in the catholic sense), or some kind of tradition that they associate with and expect from the President. On the whole it obviously helps Obama out, because they probably already know the atheists (and other people who would be offended by religious slogans as I am) wont vote for the Republicans...

Though I can't vote because I'm Canadian...

I have to agree with Big3 on this one... why would he NOT say it? They ALWAYS say "God bless 'merica". Can you imagine the fallout there would be if he just completely disregarded that? Talk about a PR nightmare, the conservatives would tear him apart all the way up until election time. There are other agendas at work here other than religious ones, like how is Obama going to save his chances of being re-elected.

edit:

Exactly, you're speaking to so many people about a subject they all have a different thought on. The same people who hold your career in their hands. He has to try to please everyone with every speech.

Because I am aware of how the word in used in political speeches in the country I live in. And, what do you know, the transcript of his speech confirms my assessment:

The whole "God Bless America" saying nowadays is just that a saying. It wasn't even said at the end of political speeches until Nixon did it 38 years ago (at least in the States). Unless it's the song "God Bless America", I don't see it being religious or patriotic, more like kissing the baby at political rallies, it's for show.

Also, atheism has nothing to do with political affiliation.

Understanding Republican Atheists

^ What I've been saying all along. Also not an excuse.

And I think that's really what it boils down to. Around 85% of the United States believes in "God" and follows a church. Obama has a constituency to appeal to, and he isn't going to do that by singing the praises of secularism.

As a nation, we aren't ready for that yet, but I really hope that some day we will be.

Thank you, sir.