White House criticizes Robertson remark

The Bush administration denounced Pat Robertson's suggestion that God struck down Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The Washington Post reports:

The White House today criticized television evangelist Pat Robertson's remarks that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's severe illness was deserved, calling the comments "wholly inappropriate and offensive."

White House press spokesman Trent Duffy made the comment to reporters traveling on Air Force One with President Bush this morning. He added that Robertson's comments "don't have a place in this or any other debate."

Duffy also told reporters the president is praying for Sharon's full recovery.

And, reporter Daniela Deane throws a little snark into the story before she wraps it up.

Robertson, who ran for president in 1988, has a history of controversial statements. In August, he called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, then denied the remark, and a day later, apologized for it.

Is there anyone who takes Pat Robertson seriously, anymore? He seems provides little besides the occasional outrage and comic relief lately.

The conservative movement seems to have begun a methodical campaign to shed whatever credibility it once had. Robertson is only one example.