I have my cake, yes, but I'd like to eat it too

Ah, politics. It's the sort of thing that will allow a man to say nearly anything, regardless of whether or not it's worth hearing. For example, Senator Sam Brownback tries to play both sides of the theory of evolution. In a nationally televised debate, he raises his hand to say he doesn't believe in evolution, thus satisfying a large constituency of religious conservatives. But, just to be clear here, he writes an editorial in the New York Times (where he must feel invisible to the religious wing of the party) where he clarifies his view to show he actuals accepts scientific principles.

Or rather, that he would like to accept scientific principles if it will win him moderate votes. It turns out that Senator Brownback comes from the "I believe in evolution, but I believe that there was a divine hand guiding the development of man" camp. This is a popular place to live, I think a lot of Americans are in this camp. It's a great place for politicians, because basically you're saying nothing. It's certainly does not allow you to call yourself a man of science and reason, because in science you can't just draw a box, write "miracle happens," and then continue on in your process. You're also clearly not a man of faith, or at least, not any mainstream faith. Sure, a number of churches will endorse you as a candidate in the US with that platform, but you're really not a believer in their doctrines. Why say something that means nothing? Because, no one will make fun of you for how dumb you sound if other people sound dumber.

Essentially, The Onion satires Senator Brownback's position perfectly: I believe that random chance could create ridiculously complex organisms, but clearly God had to intervene to make a very small change. The funny thing is, they published their article a day earlier.

I'd love to see a national politician that was actually some sort of real scientist or engineer and willing to take a strong stance for evolution and science in general. Maybe it will even happen in my lifetime.