The continuing high levels of public support for the president in the face of accusations of "immoral" behavior may suggest a more tolerant attitude, not confusion or equivocation. Indeed, notes PNS editor Joe Loya, it may show that people are more familiar with the bible than those who wave it aloft most fiercely. Loya is a California writer currently writing an autobiography.

Bible thumpers puzzling over the latest polls exonerating President Clinton of personal improprieties might do well to inspect the Good Book more closely and be mindful of what the "Ultimate Judge" has to say -- or rather does not have to say -- about lack of virtue and the ability to lead.

The Bible story is the one about King David and his affair with Bathsheba. She was married to Uriah, one of the King's most trusted soldiers. To take Uriah out of the picture, King David sent him to the front of a distant battlefield, with a message to the generals. "Send Uriah to where the fighting is thickest," read the message. As planned, Uriah was killed in combat.

David had been anointed by God to be King. As punishment, David and Bathsheba's firstborn wasn't allowed to live. David's treachery cost him an immense private price -- but he did not lose his public crown. More astonishing, his ultimate standing with God was not diminished. Not even close.

In fact, we find King David solemnly remembered later as the only person God ever called "a man after my own heart." Of the many prophets and disciples in the Bible, King David alone is the one identified most intimately with God.

Certainly, President Clinton is no King David. But a majority of Americans believe the President did something improper with Monica Lewinsky -- and are still giving him the highest approval ratings of his Presidency. They are prepared to allow him some latitude in his private life while calling him to account for his public life.

In what may turn out to be one of the most ironic title switches of the last twenty years, the Reverend Jerry Falwell has become de facto leader of a clear moral minority. He advertises video tapes implicating the President in everything from simple adultery to convoluted murder plots. His rudimentary morality has it that a man who cannot govern his body cannot govern others.

But the majority of us, at least on matters of personal behavior, seem prepared to expect equivocation from politicians -- if not outright lies.

In general, these have been confusing moral times for everyone.

For example, it has been asserted that because feminists needed a pro-choice president, they may have made a Faustian pact when they helped elect a possible misogynist to that office.

On the other side, two commandment benders, two men whose names in the national consciousness are synonymous with rubbery ethics, are now radio personalities railing against immorality in the Oval office. Oliver North was endorsed by conservatives in his bid for Congress. G. Gordon Liddy is a darling of the virulent right. Never mind that both men once posed a moral threat to the Constitution.

Look right or left and you will find convenient moral judgments all around. You are immoral when you are one of "them." When you are one of "us," you are tolerable, maybe even supportable for Congress, or all the way to the White House.

Easily the polls could be confused as the people's sanctioning their President's cheating. But most Americans may simply be choosing to be uncomfortable with the lesser of two evils, a favored president's adultery over hypocritical Elmer Gantryism.

On Sundays, when I was a boy, my father pounded the pulpit and promised hell for the wicked. On Monday, he'd punch and kick righteousness into me until I was black and blue. His moral certitude underwrote my abuse as a boy. The moral certitude of the moral minority resembles the same hypocrisy to me.

Personally, I disapprove of the dim view that engaging in adultery makes you a bad leader. I can't help but envy the resiliency of King David who, although an adulterer and murderer, never lost the most impressive approval rating any of us could imagine.