If you thought the “Save Big Bird” movement was just for fun, think again.

PBS has issued a scathing reply to Gov. Romney’s pledge to kill its federal funding. And it makes this illuminating point: “Earlier in 2012, the Harris Interactive poll confirmed Americans consider PBS the most trusted public institution and the second most valuable use of public funds, behind only national defense, for the 9th consequetive year.”

So for 9 years–since George W. was president–Americans have trusted PBS far, far more than other ways we spend public money–like on Congress, whose “trust” level is in the tank.

Mr. Romney thought he was being cute when he promised to fire Big Bird. Big Bird may end up telling Mr. Romney, “Sorry, you don’t get the job.”