I think there is indeed a segment of the GOP that would just be thrilled to jettison conservative Christian voters from the party.
I also think, along with this courting of the gays, the GOP will pull its pro-life plank before 2008, if not by 2004.
"Knife"?? They may be a bit dumb at times, but hardly suicidal.
The GOP hopes to swoop in under the 'conservative Christian Wing' radar to avoid exposing it's obvious and pandering attempt at constructing it's All Things For All People 'Big Tent.' They will have to tread carefully...
As long as the Democrats keep on self-destructing, the GOP just may succeed in convincing 'centrist-moderates' that Dubya and the Pubbies may just be socially and fiscally liberal enough to give them shot.