Attacked as an extremist, Ashcroft nearly lost the job because of his devotion to his faith. Opponents particularly targeted Ashcroft s religiously motivated opposition to homosexuality and his sponsorship of a bill to restrict reproductive rights. Let s break through some of the inhibitions that have existed to talk together across the flimsy lines of separation of faith, to talk together, to study together, to pray together and ultimately to sing together His holy name. Lieberman received a rousing ovation, while John Ashcroft would probably have inspired an appalled gasp. This divergent response represents a tension in the American public s expectations.
Republicans are the party of faith but are forced to bite their tongues to avoid offending anyone.
Meanwhile, Democrats could probably use some faith, but remain afraid to let Lieberman say more than he did in Detroit. Some in the party, disillusioned by the taint of the Clinton years, wish he had been more outspoken-and openly questioned the moral tone of the party. As much as Americans have become weary of religion in politics, they associate an even greater stigma with a politician s total lack of religion. In Capitol Hill publications many legislators opt not to include religious affiliation in their biographies. Perhaps some find such information unnecessary but others certainly hide behind the not stated disclaimer to bypass problems stemming from atheism or agnosticism.