Written by an immigrant, embraced by everyone from striking workers to pro-Vietnam War demonstrators -- the song encapsulates America's complex relationship with religion in politics.

“Singing “God Bless America” is my sign of respect for the veterans who are being honored on the field,” Judge said. “They’re 70 years old, some are 80, some are 90 and can barely walk.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk traded politics for performance, joining opera singer Chris Macchio for a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.” ...

OK. It's a fair point. I will now concede that most of President Obama's addresses (within the territorial U.S.) are likely to end with these words -- and that there's a larger logic to his approach.