The Kennedy factor will only serve to remind Catholics that Obama, while he speaks inspiringly about faith, is another pro-abortion Democrat — a fact that Obama himself, surprisingly, continues to underscore.
Obama’s appeal to religious voters, especially Catholics, will be limited by the content of his own convictions. Voters who earnestly practice their religion are primarily concerned about the hostility of government and culture to their families. No matter how inspired the call to relieve poverty, it will not trump the ongoing concern of religious voters about raising their children and grandchildren.
Why is it surprising?
David Axelrod has obviously gone to school at Karl Rove University - he wants to make this a turnout election, and anything that gets the lazy atheist baby-snuffers off the pipe and out to the polls is good news.
It's just like slipping "wonder-working power" into the 2002 SOU address - only for the other team.