[Dog Gone]

"I think people attack me because they are fearful that I will then say that you're not equally as patriotic if you're not a religious person," Mr. Bush said. "I've never said that. I've never acted like that. I think that's just the way it is.

That's just WHAT the way it is? That they're not patriotic, or that's simply the state of affairs where people attack him for that?

[eyespysomething]

After reading it a few tijmes, I think it means its just the way people attack him, but the clumsily phrased comment struck me also, hence why I reread it a few times.


Meanwhile:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2938971

[Soul Seeker]

He accepts that their attacks are just par for the course, doesn't obsess over it, just accepts it.

He attributes the attacks to the feeling some have that there is implication they cannot be a true "American" if they are not religious. Totally off base if that is there sentiment, though I'm not entirely in agreement that this is at the root of their dislike of his Faith.

[rwfromkansas]

yeah. I noticed that as well. Could get some flack for that one.

[Barlowmaker]

My translation is "I am attacked because people fear that I will brand them less patriotic if they are not religious. Neither my words and actions have ever indicated that is my belief. Yet, the attacks persist anyway."

[JoeV1]

I love this. The left will go loony tunes over this and Bush can just say he only meant that "that's the way it is" relates to him being criticized and was not directed to those that do not believe.