What a huge story this is!

I always TiVo Keith, Jon, and Stephen (I loved George L's entry in the green screen challenge, very Star Wars like meesa thinks ;)).

I had assumed that someone here was going to diary this but didn't see one so...

This story will also evidently be on 60 Minutes this Sunday (I'm TiVo'ing this too).

This is devistating for the repugs not just for votes but the evangelicals are the boots on the ground for their phone banking and door knocking. This will really deflate their 72 hour push.

Pandering Republicans Contempt for Evangelicals where he talks about Tucker Carlson's comments to Chris Matthews

You have a way w/ words...that phrase "we're just not that into you" is the ultimate "kiss"...of death.

Yup.  It was to stop all of the "he can't communicate effectively" and "he can't make a commitment" or "he is acting out on some woman dominant thing and that's why he can't keep his d**k in his pants", etc. analysis for women dealing with duds/losers, so they will move on.

Also from "Sex in the City" classic line.

We has seen what seems to be the infinite capacity for the True Believer always to find an excuse for misbehavior by their chosen Messiahs. It has seemed that no filth or cynical manipulation is beyond being forgiven, rationalized, or ignored when it comes up against the dead-brain conviction their leader is on God's (their) side. I am reminded of one or two abortion-kooks with whom I've talked. Total conviction, refusal to consider how they have been used and abused by the republicans, because "my president" always says he is pro-life and against murdering helpless little babies. So, will these revelations make much of a dent in this sort of mindset? I sadly fear that, for many, it will not. It might keep them from voting, but even there I am not sure. 

But since then...

Katrina

Harriet Myers nomination

Increasingly horrific news from Iraq AND Afghanistan

Mark Foley

Evangelical support for the republican party has softened significantly from 2004. I saw a poll recently (I will post a link if I can find it) that showed it falling from 78% in 2004 to 57% now (pre Foley Folly).

This would have run right off their back like water off a duck before but now they are listening, especially given the credibility of the David Kuo.

I'm not saying they will migrate en masse to the Dems, they will most likely simply disengage entirely (crippling both the vote turnout and, more critically, the ground game for the repugs). These are the troops that the repugs have depended on for their 72 hour project for the last 26 years.

As I mentioned in another post, I was befriended by a GOP operative during my last career position with the feds.  He said the same thing 4 years ago -- the White House laughed at the religious night behind their backs.  (And he was back and forth between our agency and the White House on almost a daily basis.)

He also told me that top officials within the GOP also saw Ann Coulter as an embarrassment, thinking she was bordering on loony.

Of course, I don't think that a lot of the top "TV prominent" evangelical leaders are all that religious.  And I mean that two ways.  I don't think they are true Christians, and I don't think some of them believe in their religion at all -- it's just a business to them, like selling used cars.  Just my opinion.

I am working up a letter to the editor.  I understand that George Allen has no military experience.  Is this right? I don't want to make an obvious mistake in the letter.

Although he DOES have experience getting out of Vietnam!

Of a Confederate General (in Gods and Generals)...

And the UVA football team (when throwing a school record 5 interceptions in one game)...

Of a cowboy (when he was in The Village People a parade)...

It's part of George Allen's personal alternative lifestyle, which features dressing up in costumes, wielding ill-gained power, and a condescending attitude.

Perhaps someday these people will realize how their involvement with the GOP has been an act of disrespect to their religion. They continue to discredit themselves and never learn. But then would a stupid person act stupid if he or she actually knew what stupid is?

in a recent article-I think it was Newsweek, now says he regrets some of his political associations.

I'll post the link when it is available... Until then some highlights:

Karl Rove "I don't know, just get me a F*%#ing faith-based thing!"

"Kuo writes that the estate tax cuts discouraged charitable giving, costing charities an estimated $5 Billion."

"What kind of bill did get support? Kuo writes "the White House liked the issue of religious hiring, not because it was a real issue affecting real charities, but because it was divisive and that made good politics."

Keith interviewed Rev. Barry Lynn from Americans United and he dropped some powerful phrases:

"To have the top leaders of the White House refer to them with this kind of language becomes a Judas moment, a moment when they feel betrayed."

Talking about James Dobson saying it is unthinkable to vote for the other party:

"That was before this book came out and its revelations came out and I think there will be alot of people who have done what they did in past elections, including when Senator Dole was running for the Presidency, and just vote for third parties or not vote at all."

Keith will have a third segment Friday...