MSNBC - God on the ballot

I am looking for some comments on this.

I am a believer that the "religious right" is the most potent force in politics still if properly motivated and organized. They are not a group of mad, intolerant, whacky players on the political scene. Many hate the fact that religious conservatives are inflexible on issues like abortion and gay marriage (and civil unions). But on the whole, they bring a balance approach to the issues of the day. And when push comes to shove, they understand and believe in the basic liberties outlines so clearly by our founding fathers.

Are we hurt by their presence on the political scene?

Is Bush's evangelical outlook really bad for American Society?

Weigh in on this. I am curious if you think the Republican Party has gone overboard in courting serious people of faith.

The MSNBC article below (four part series) is instructive in considering the debate on this issue.

Bush’s main political adviser, Karl Rove, has said he was frustrated that as many as 4 million conservative white evangelical voters did not go to the polls four years ago. Those voters, the campaign believes, could make the difference in any of a number of closely divided states. In an election as tight as this one is expected to be, when one state could make the difference, the Republican Party has mounted a sophisticated pitch to what it sees as its base.

Difference of opinion is helpful in religion.
— Thomas Jefferson

The president appeals to such voters across a shared belief that the Bible is the literal Word of God. It is a faith that recognizes a very real Devil. In fundamental terms, in other words, the president’s faith divides the world into two camps: good and evil. There is no gray. There is only right and wrong.

MSNBC - God on the ballot