Yech.

Kerry and Religion: Pressure Builds for Public Discussions

Aides attribute Mr. Kerry's visible discomfort in discussing religion to his Catholic upbringing in reserved New England, a contrast to Mr. Bush's spiritual rebirth into the more confessional tradition of evangelical Christianity. Also, pollsters say that the secular liberals, including many Jews, who make up part of the Democrats' base often recoil at blending religion and politics.

Polls suggest that Mr. Kerry may be paying a price for his privacy, with nearly three-quarters of the public wanting a president of 'strong religious faith,' and a swath of independent voters who identify as religious swaying toward Mr. Bush.

As a matter of fact, this secularism on the part of the Democrats' base is something that Glenn Reynolds neglects to mention when he talks of the religious streak running through US politics. By not mentioning it, I don't think he's being entirely honest, although by mentioning it, the NYT is playing to its readers. And as the NYT article goes on to say, Kerry wears a small crucifix around his neck and carries a rosary and Bible on the road, proving Reynold's point.