THE PRESIDENT AND THE MOSQUE – AT 10:21 A.M. ET:  It's pretty clear that the White House didn't expect the backlash that's building over President Obama's endorsement Friday night of the mosque at Ground Zero.

Part of the backlash is honest, heartfelt opposition to the placement of the mosque itself.  But part of it, and this is very dangerous for the president, is a growing public anger at hearing the word "bigot" or "racist" applied to anyone who dares to disagree with the wisdom that comes down from the mouthpieces of the liberal establishment.  It is a modern-day McCarthyism, practiced to the hilt, perfected in the 60s, and now back in full force.

Michael Goodwin, the common-sense columnist for the New York Post, has a great take on the mosque issue.  He understands:

Thanks for nothing, Mr. President. Now we know how Arizona feels.

First Obama stood with the president of Mexico as he bashed Americans as bigots for exercising their right of democracy on illegal immigration.

Now he stands with the developers of a mega-mosque near Ground Zero that, outside of Mayor Bloomberg, few New Yorkers want.

As always, this self-described "citizen of the world" mounts his high horse to emphasize that we must prove to foreigners how decent we are. "This is America and our commitment to religious freedom must remain unshakeable," he declared.

But it is unshakeable, as proven by the hundreds if not thousands of mosques in America, including many in the New York region. And it's worth noting that Obama made his announcement to Muslims marking Ramadan at the White House -- hardly a sign of religious oppression.

Yeah, well said.  We will be spending a good part of this afternoon trying to find a church or synagogue in Saudi Arabia, to whose king our president bowed down in Mr. Obama's first year in office.

At first, the White House said that Mr. Obama wouldn't get involved in the mosque controversy.

All that changed on a Friday night, without public warning, showing bad faith and bad manners. Then again, both are a habit with this president, which is why the nation has soured on him so quickly.

The more we found out, the less we liked.  We would have come to that conclusion earlier, but an in-the-tank press covered for Obama during the 2008 campaign.

One thing is certain: the mosque will now be a hot issue in the midterm elections and a litmus test for candidates across the country. It would serve Obama right if he loses his House and Senate majorities over his support.

Even New York Democrats are pulling away from Obama, and this is one of the bluest of the blue states.  Tells you something.

August 15, 2010