The Democrats ran as strongly as they did for two reasons: the mainstream media covered up the weaknesses of their candidate and they hated Bush. It was NOT principally a vote for Kerry. And he had nothing positive to offer the voters. I'm not surprised they came as close as they did. In 2008 Bush will not be on the ballot and the Democrats will have to run a completely different campaign. As for the question of overreach, this is a conservative country and voters want our government to entrench and preserve American values. They don't want big government and more meddling in their personal lives. As long as the government doesn't push liberal stuff down people's throats, it won't have to worry about an adverse reaction from the American people.
I can't wait to hear the Democrats "talk religion" -- Jesus would want babies killed in the womb! Jesus would exult in sodomy!