He noted that the percentages of voters who said they attended church once a week or opposed abortion were no greater than four years ago.

This is the point that David Brooks was making.

In addition, a surprising 60 percent of voters said they favored some kind of legal recognition for same-sex couples.

Mr. Kerry won both Michigan and Oregon, two swing states where gay marriage propositions were on the ballot.

"After reading the newspapers this morning, we're getting a little carried away with the cultural and religious interpretation of this election," Mr. Kohut said.