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Many of the folks on the "right-wing" will no doubt say that the Democrats are being cynical manipulators of people's feelings regarding religion. The fact that an awful lot of things the Republicans have done over the last couple of decades put them in that category as well will have little effect on such folks, sadly.

It all boils down to how you view the motives. Are they trying to get in touch with a large group of voters, or are they trying to find a way to trick that large group into voting for them? Personally, I don't trust ANY politician's motives and tend to watch what they actually do while in office. That's the only way to really know what's going on in their minds.

Well, I have problems when religion dictates politcs and vice verse.

In this case, I feel that it may be that the Democrats are trying to regain some of the voting populus that has been lost to the Republicans. It is very clear that the Republican Party has become the "christian" party.

Basically, I feel it is nothing more than politics as ususal!

Politically, this is an act of realism...a relevant political party in America must relate to the people it seeks to represent.

Right now, we are witnessing a groundswell of dissatisfaction with hollow materialism in American culture. Many are now seeking satisfaction and contentment in things beyond work, money and posessions.

That fulfillment is being found in faith and religion. That's where the people are and are going...to stay alive as a political party, Democrats must follow.

Unfortunately for them I believe that's all they're doing--following to stay involved.

On the other side, as much as any political party can, Republicans nationally have lead this movement and are an organic part of it. That's why they're winning like never before and why Democrats stand befuddled, grappling for relevancy.

President Bush, as I believe any honest analyst will admit, is a true believer. As such, he is morally qualified to politically lead a nation of true believers. He is the genuine article...and once you've seen the genuine article, a Pelosi can be spotted from a mile away!

Gary, what is a "true believer?" This isn't a theologically homogenous culture, and by citing a politician who publicly promotes such a narrow religious agenda, you seem to confine the boundaries of what you consider acceptable theology.

That would be consistent with the leadership role you assign to the Republicans, though it is more accurate to say that they have chosen to use issues that represent selective theology to create division for political gain. That's a ploy that politicians/kings have used successfully for centuries, and it has nothing to do with promoting spiritual health in our culture.

As for Pelosi and other Dems, they're recognizing that neglecting religion as a force in our culture has been a mistake, and they're looking to correct it. That's a smart thing to do, because there are people of faith across the entire political spectrum. Religion isn't the exclusive province of any party.

I don't care about Pelosi's religious beliefs, nor Bush's; they're politicians, not clergy, and I view them in light of the policies they pursue.

"I don't care about Pelosi's religious beliefs, nor Bush's; they're politicians, not clergy, and I view them in light of the policies they pursue."

Ian your statement is far from reality. If you yourself will review many of your own actions taken over the years you will find that how your acted or reacted to situations were based on how you were taught,i.e. how you believed.
If you are taught that stealing is wrong, then you would not vote on or allow a bill to be passed that made stealing legal. If you have been taught that murder is wrong then you will not be able to support late term abortion. If you have been taught that marriage is between a man and a woman then you can not support a marriage bill allowing same sex marriage.
No matter if you are a christian, buddist, muslim, hindu or claim nothing at all. Your upbringing which will certainly be based on a set of beliefs and there is no getting away from it.
Pelosi or Bush no matter which, their policy direction will be always be guided by the belief's that were instilled in them during their lifetime. This, Ian is reality.