President Biden, VP Harris, attend the (virtual) National Prayer Breakfast.

[My Pet Orangutan]

Biden calls out ‘political extremism’ at prayer breakfast
https://www.lowellsun.com/2021/02/04/biden-calls-out-political-extremism-at-prayer-breakfast/

There is a report that every living president attended except Trump.

[DavidDvorkin]

1. Maybe some day we'll have a president and/or v.p. who will ignore it

Maybe some day an atheist will be elected to the top job. Maybe.

[My Pet Orangutan]

2. Joe carries Rosary beads in his pocket.

He says, tragedy would have crushed him without his faith.

On a brighter note.

60% of Americans say they would be prepared to vote for a 'well qualified' atheist standing for president.
cf. 45% for socialists.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/285563/socialism-atheism-political-liabilities.aspx

[DavidDvorkin]

3. It's entirely genuine, in his case

Unlike Trump. Or Reagan, for that matter.

One of the things I liked about Jimmy Carter was that, although he's deeply religious, he kept that separate from his duties as president. I think Biden will be the same.

Nonetheless, the symbolism bothers me. Presidents attend the National Prayer thing in their capacity as president, not as private citizens. I want to see this country evolve away from that.

That 60% is surprising and encouraging.

[My Pet Orangutan]

4. It's interesting that some of the Dem politicians of deepest faith

Jimmy Carter, HRC, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, also kept the strictest separation of politics and personal religion.

There was never a hint of 'God is on my side.'

As you said - Reagan and Trump were frauds, but the worst fuckup was W. He told Woodward he dismissed GHWB's advice to stay out of Iraq because he was listening to his 'father on high'.