Yes, this did come off as though Lucas was trying to sell tickets while kissing the right butts in Hollywood.
Lucas is in Cannes right now. Has ANY other Star Wars film played Cannes?
The French love Bushbashing. Last year gave us a Nueremberg Rally-like gathering for them to stand and pat themselves on the back for 20 minutes to show how much they hated Bush.
There was another Bush bashing film on deck if Michael Moore had been unable to complete F911 in time last year.
If George Lucas is willing to pitch his film this way, I think we should all take note. Screw him.