Evangelicals aren't any easier to brainwash than so called "Progressives," Libertarians, White people, Asian people, Athiests, Republicans, or any human being categorized by any social group, demographic or other criteria you want to pull out. That said, just like all human beings they can sometimes be deceived, blinded by bias or just not put enough thought into their beliefs. 'Because, you know, we're human just like you and everyone else here.

One strike against them is they already believe in some magical deity who created Earth in 7 day or some such thing. That serves as a singal to other "predators" if you wish that means "I am easy to manipulate". Just say a few words about Jesus and they'll follow. Look at some of the quotes he used and language. It was very effective. Also, another plus, unlike other religious groups they already belong to large congregations, that makes it easier.

> they can sometimes be deceived, blinded by bias or just not put enough thought into their beliefs

Sure but just more so than others. Looking back it seems Bush Jr's campaign manager knew who to target and what to do. Maybe he was stupid, but people working him weren't. Didn't mean they couldn't have some kind of tea party following or something along those lines. But why work harder when you don't have to...

"Evangelical" is a pretty broad term. You seem to have cherry-picked some sets of beliefs and characteristics to support your belief.

For example, not all evangelicals are young earthers. Also not all, and probably not even most, attend the type of megachurch you keep talking about.

"Just say a few words about Jesus and they'll follow" is another straw man. There are plenty of Christians who wouldn't identify as evangelical who also will try to use the words of Jesus to their advantage. Even Bernie Sanders tried that tactic recently. I somehow doubt he's going to get a wide swath of evangelical support.

Belief in God is not the same thing as giving up rationality; which you seem to indicate. That's a common bias a lot of people have.

I think your post says more about you than the large group of people you want to stereotype and marginalize.

> For example, not all evangelicals are young earthers

It was just an example.

> There are plenty of Christians who wouldn't identify as evangelical who also will try to use the words of Jesus to their advantage

Agreed. Used in the context of elections it is clear what the purpose was.

> Belief in God is not the same thing as giving up rationality; which you seem to indicate. That's a common bias a lot of people have.

It is one of the indicators. Most of all it is an indicator that they will probably listen and follow whatever the pastor of the megachurch suggests.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter if I think they are rational or not, but that those in power who need to mobilize their vote need to think. Think of it as getting the lowest bang for your campaign buck. Who do you appeal to? They are a nice group, and it clearly worked!

Obama did the same thing, so I am not really playing for the Democrat's team or anything, liberals can be easily manipulated. Obama campaign for Hope And Change for example was awarded AdAge award.

http://adage.com/article/moy-2008/obama-wins-ad-age-s-market...

That's an award given by a marketing agency for best marketing campaigns. Usually given to Apple, Nike, Coke and so on. Well in 2008 Obama got the prize.

> I think your post says more about you than the large group of people you want to stereotype and marginalize.

The fact that that group was used and used by a large lobbying group and that Bush's campaign kind of support my idea though. It is not much of a hypothetical.

Even the most conservative sources and Evangelicals themselves talk about being betrayed and used by Bush. I don't know what other evidence we'd need:

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121384/jeb-bush-not-favor...

After all the promises and talks about Jesus they are wondering what happens to outlawing abortions, why weren't same sex marriages stopped and so on. That is what they were waiting for based on promises. Instead it was all about handouts to the military industrial complex.

That's a very reasonable response for the most part, thank you. I still take exception to the terminology "brain-washed" and the general premise. Your point about Obama's advertising award actually makes my case for me. In that sense, I could very easily make the claim that 50% of our country had been "brain-washed." In fact, many people in more conservative parts of the internet would make that kind of statement; and they would be wrong too. It's a derogatory phrase.

As for betrayal...yes, of course. That explains a lot (not all) of what is going on in the Republican primaries this year. Unfortunately, politics nearly always involves compromise to achieve common ground. Also unfortunately, evangelicals generally don't have a belief system that adequately addresses politics in the setting of a democracy or republic.

Here's an interesting thought expirement...if 10 years down the road the African-American vote left the Democratic party...would one go around saying they had been "easily brain-washed"? Such statements would probably be challenged (and should be) just as I've challenged it here.

They're not all young earthers but by definition they believe stuff which is probably wrong