Presidential press secretary Scott McClellan today agreed that the American Civil Liberties Union has been irresponsible in its comments about the president and that Democrats are appeasing the left-wing legal group vis-?-vis the Patriot Act.

WND pointed out in today's White House briefing that the ACLU ran a full-page ad in the New York Times criticizing President Bush over warrantless wiretapping, claiming he "lied to the American people and broke the law."

"The ACLU – this is one of the special interest groups that Democrats in the Senate are trying to appease because they want to weaken and undermine the Patriot Act," McClellan said. "The Patriot Act is vital to saving lives. … It has also met an important commitment to protect people's civil liberties.

"Democrats need to set aside politics – they're putting politics above our nation's security and they need to move forward in the Senate and let it be reauthorized."

Asked WND: "Doesn't he think the ACLU is very irresponsible?"

Responded the spokesman: "Well, I think some of the statements that they make – that they are making sure are."

WND also asked McClellan about Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, who is on a hunger strike in protest of a policy prohibiting public prayers in Jesus' name by service clergy.

"I haven't had a chance to check into it fully," McClellan said. "I will check into it fully, so let me take your question. But I think this is a matter probably best addressed to the Department of Defense. But let me take a look into this specific matter.