Redstate

I didn't read anything in there about hating America, but rather a criticism of the extent to which the conservative Christians have fallen into step behind Bush.  

When Republicans conflate hate of America with criticism of the President (or his political allies) it provides liberals the opportunity to paint the party as ultra-nationalist and antidemocratic.  In fact, to do so is the essence of propaganda.

It's not necessary to do so to refute this gentleman's essay anyway. The president has plenty of bona fide Christian credentials and culturally conservative, fiscally liberal Christians differ with him on economic issues.  Baldwin does not provide specific evidence to support his most provocative claim that the Religious Right (which institution is he referring to?) works toward its own political interests rather Christian values.

Totally unnecessary and provocative.  

Why do you say that?

And, what response do you make to the substantive points he raises?

Cheers -

I only skimmed the article but I got the sense that Baldwin expects Bush to toe the conservative Christian line.  I can't imagine this group represents more than 25% of the population(?).  Why any president would rule to a minority's whims is beyond me.  One would expect dissent.

Also consider that like the black vote, there is little immediate danger of the votes going to the other side.  Therefore you can take some liberties to ignore the group to some extent in the short term.  This is also precisely why the black vote is an excellent opportunity for the Republicans.  Their ties to the Dems are substansively weaker than the con-Christians to the GOP.

Look for Bush to deliver some goodies to the con-Christians to keep them coming to the ballot box, with the big stretch goal being a conservative Supreme Court and overturning of Roe.