Actually it's a fairly clever gambit if he's going about it in a certain manner.  Take Bush's well-funded, in place and fully Congressionally Approved faith-based charity program and expand the hell out it to everyone, including very quasi-faith based groups.  Ultimately let the courts challenge it and it's faith-based element will be struck down.  At that point you have a non-religious program providing social services that is well-funded and already in place without a legislative fight or political battle. Is Obama this good a politician?  Possibly.  It remains to be seen and he will most likely have that chance.