Bishops Realize Photo Op Not Actually About Them

I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest controversy involving President Donald Trump and a group of Catholic bishops. Apparently, two of the bishops who attended a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office are now expressing regret over their participation, saying they were “exploited” and “manipulated.” I mean, who wouldn’t want to be used for political purposes, right? It’s not like they’re busy running a church or anything. The meeting, which included 12 clergy members praying over the president, was attended by Trump’s longtime faith adviser, Paula White-Cain. Because, you know, nothing says “faith” like a photo op with a politician.

The images of the clergy members praying around Trump, who has his head bowed as he is seated at the Oval Office desk, were released on Thursday, less than two weeks before the midterm elections. I guess the White House thought this would be a great way to boost Trump’s image with Catholic voters. One of the attendees, Archbishop of Milwaukee Jeffrey Grob, said afterward that the meeting had been manipulated, that he was unaware their meeting was being recorded, and that the bishops did not give permissions for the public distribution of the footage and images. Whoops, sounds like someone got caught off guard.

Grob explained that after images were released, he “soon began receiving messages of serious concern over the possibility that I had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before a national election.” Yeah, no kidding. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Trump is trying to win over Catholic voters. Another bishop, William Joensen of Des Moines, said he felt the meeting had been “exploited” for “partisan political purposes” and that he wished he’d done things differently. Bless their hearts, they just wanted to pray with the president, not become pawns in his game of politics.

The meeting was a big deal, with Trump saying it was a “great meeting” and that the bishops “prayed” and “mostly prayed.” Because, you know, that’s exactly what the country needs – more praying and less actual policy discussion. Trump has attracted support from Catholics during his past campaigns, although recent polls show that has dropped since his return to office. Maybe it’s because they’re not buying what he’s selling anymore. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers didn’t respond to questions about whether the clergy members had cleared the use of their images, instead sending a statement that said Trump is the best president for Catholic Americans. Sure, because nothing says “Catholic values” like Trump’s track record.

While the president had a public clash with the pope earlier this year, Trump has been less critical of him lately – frequently talking about how the pontiff’s eldest brother, Louis, is a MAGA supporter. Because, you know, that’s a thing. When the pope was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, Trump said he wanted to see him “get well.” Aw, how sweet of him. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the pope’s brother is a fan of his. Following the release of the footage of the bishops and the president praying, one church source joked to CNN that it was the White House doing “trick or treat early!” Ha! I guess that’s one way to look at it.

In conclusion, it seems like the White House is trying to use the Catholic bishops for their own political gain, and it’s not sitting well with some of the clergy members. Who knew being used as a prop could be so problematic? It’s just another day in the world of politics, folks. And I’m just over here, sipping my coffee and shaking my head at the whole ordeal. 🙄

Big Elephant

Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.

Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.