I certainly didn't mean to imply that any of these leaders were out to destroy the GOP. I don't believe that.
Nor was I saying anything about these leaders encouraging their members to stay home---which is what the Rats wanted them to do.
My point, which, I agree, I did not make clearly, was this: by jumping to conclusions before all the facts were in, and then calling for a Draconian response such as the resignation of the Speaker of the House, these leaders somewhat damaged their standing *among their flocks.* This, in turn, makes them less influential over their own members in the future.
People who care about what these leaders say, and I count myself among them, are not mind-numbed robots. They realize these leaders can make mistakes in judgment, and I believe quickly calling for Hastert's head on a platter was such a mistake.
My point about the Rats' reaction is that they would indeed be at a loss if it became clear to them that the members of the religious right, while accepting wise counsel, do, nevertheless, think for themselves. They would be at a loss as to how to "use" these leaders in the future if they realized that they'd actually lost some credibility in this incident.
Finally, I want to make clear that I do not dislike the religious leaders that have been discussed here, nor would it please me to have them stumble in any way.
Thank you for that clarification.
I will argue with you on one point. Most conservative leaders, Christians and otherwise, did not call for Hastert's head. They simply maintained the line if anyone knew of the IM's, they should be removed from office. The ones you refer to did critisize the initial decision not to do a further inquiry into the original E-Mails, but I've done that as have many so there is nothing distinct about it. 20/20 hundsight is what it is, and certainly not to the level of calling for resignation.
I don't see any basis for a lack of faith in their opinions as consequence.
The notable names that have made waves are infact apart from them more then not. Such as Weyrich, WATimes, Kudlow. Then there are narcissitic bloggers like Malkin screeching with piety and ill informed opinions of the matter. They are the ones I truly have iissue with.