The Campaign Comes to Rome

"Hence both George Bush and John Paul II have something at risk at tomorrow's meeting. For Mr. Bush, his image as the 'religious' candidate could be tarnished if he's seen as having been chastised by the most authoritative Christian leader in the world. The White House asked for this meeting, even adjusting the president's schedule to make it possible before the pope leaves for Switzerland on Saturday. No doubt the president's advisers believe a photo op with the pope could be useful in battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, where the Catholic vote could be decisive."