You know it's a strange political year when Barack Obama -- who is trying to convince voters that John McCain represents a third term for George W. Bush -- embraces one of President Bush's signature domestic programs.
But that's exactly what happened today.
Obama, campaigning at a church youth program in Zanesville, Ohio, called for expanding Bush's controversial faith-based initiative. Obama took issue with how the Bush White House has handled the program, citing a lack of adequate funding and a partisan ax to grind. But he embraced the idea of empowering "millions of Americans who share a similar view of their faith, who feel they have an obligation to help others."
Obama's support did not come as a surprise at the White House. Bush has noted that 35 governors have faith-based programs -- 19 of them Democrats. And spokesman Tony Fratto, citing the good works done by faith-based groups in cutting recidivism of former prisoners and dealing with global health issues, told reporters, "If the future potential presidential candidates support it, I think that's something that we all would be very happy about."