Dean, the FMA and Religion - The Washington Post reports that Howard Dean turned to his faith to guide him on the question of civil unions in Vermont. Meanwhile conservatives are bashing Dean up and down for not being in touch with his godly side. Maybe Americans need the warm fuzzies that come from knowing our prez is good, church-going folk, but presidential religiousity is always better seen and not heard. Bush's outspoken born-againism gives me the creeps, though I somehow suspect he doesn't in fact take it too seriously. (Like, say, this arsehole does.)

P.S. Sitting as I do in something of an echo chamber of pro-Republican chatter, I'm continually hearing how impossible it would be for Dean to beat Bush. Being a moderate, I don't buy into propaganda from either side, but I do agree a victory seems unlikely at this point. On the other hand, I hardly think Dean "would be lucky to carry Vermont," Poliguy. The Gore-Nader vote in 2000 arguably would have killed Bush if it hadn't been split. By himself, Gore took 267 electoral votes, give or take Florida. Sure, 9-11-01 changed a lot, but not so much as to leave Dean as a 21st century Walter Mondale. Ronald Reagan in 1984 was a much better loved president.

P.P.S. If Bush plays the gay marriage card, how's this for a spoiler: Dean is the "defender of traditional marriage" who "drew the line" at civil unions. Sound good? Anyone buying?