How can conservative pandering and jingoism work?

The Imam who wants to build a 13-story box building that includes an Islamic “prayer room” (as well as a gym and a swimming pool) once conducted sensitivity training for the FBI. He is a graduate of Columbia University. He is the author of a book called “What’s Right with Islam Is What’s Right with America.”

Conservative politicians are trying to make the placement of his proposed “mosque” into an issue that will work in their favor. Yet Manhattanites and many of the families of 9/11 victims are in favor of letting the project go ahead.

Does the fact that many of the people who were hurt in the Trade Tower collapses do not oppose this project make any difference to conservatives? Should it? Do you think this conservative tactic can work? Will it work? Why or why not?