Religion and politics can be a potent combination if done correctly, and especially if done in a messianic way.  Think of the Japanese emperors who were thought to be gods,  thereby inspiring awe, commanding leadership, and inspiring national confidence.   And think of the religiousity surrounding Hitler.  Bush has done an appalling job combining religion and politics because the guy's a fuckin moron who is but a puppet to many forces, including the religious right and their agenda of idiocy.  But you shouldn't thereby conclude that religion and politics don't mix.