...for the birthday wishes. 
You said, "It is ironic that where Kerry was advised by his advisers not to speak on religion, he is among the more religious Democrats. I don't know if it would have helped - it might have been that where some people said religion - they meant votes on abortion and gay rights.
I think JK is determined to change this...as he did in the speech...by giving examples from his faith of other demonstrations of religious choice. The GOP always frame religion to their advantage...abortion and gay rights. Those are the issues they want to be the 'voting issues' in any election because it increases their turnout. Dem Party framing...'creation care', treating one's brother with respect, etc...is what the Senator does in this speech.
In 2004, GOP framing was used (unfairly) to define Senator Kerry. If, in 2012, religion is framed in Democratic Party terms, that cannot happen to another candidate.
In addition to that, the GOP framing is very divisive for the country. By Democrats focusing on our common religious beliefs, it can help unifiy the country. That is badly needed, IMO.
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