(Image Source: Talking Points Memo)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN
 

Shots fired in a so-called “war on religion.” Rick Perry’s taken a plunge in the polls -- but if his latest ad is any indication, he’s not going down without a fight.

“...you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.
As President, I’ll end Obama’s war on religion.”

Politico’s Maggie Haberman calls the ad “one of the most audible dog-whistles” this election cycle, and suggests there’s a not-so-subtle sub-message...

“...the perception among some voters of the president as ‘different,’ and a reminder of the smears that the Christian chief executive is really a Muslim. … I should also note that there is a fair case to be made that the contrast ... is also clearly aimed at Mitt Romney, as the question of whether Mormonism is an issue...”

With the Iowa caucus less than a month away, analysts are quick to note the GOP presidential candidate’s making a real push for the evangelical Christian vote.

Once the party’s frontrunner, the latest New York Times/ CBS News poll has Perry in 4th place among likely caucus-goers in Iowa.

In fact, on NBC, Chuck Todd suggests the Texas governor’s getting desperate.

“He just placed a million dollar ad buy and his super PAC did the same. That may be all the money he's got left as he makes one final push in Iowa.”

But it’s a push a Mediaite blogger says is just a step too far, sarcastically writing...

“Seriously, do you know how horrible it is for America’s Christian children today who have to keep their love of Christmas a secret? They can absolutely never mention it in school, able only to hint at it by wearing ‘festive’ colors. These kids are forced to pretend to be ‘normal’ holiday celebrators.”

The “war on religion” ad isn’t Perry’s only push for the faith vote in recent days. Take a look.

“Now some liberals say that faith is a sign of weakness. Well, they’re wrong. I think we all need God’s help.”

Finally, a Washington Post blog suggests -- right or wrong -- the message has an audience somewhere.

“Perry’s message may resonate with those conservative voters who say that the government has gone too far to remove religion from the public square.”