I think most atheists would acknowledge that a belief in a benign deity can be a source of optimism and inspiration.
That's not a reason to convert, though. The balance of benefits/disadvantages a religion offers on Earth are not a rational reason to convert. If I were to convert to christianity or budhism, I'd do it because their doctrines seem rational and their teachings the spiritual truth. Not because it works like prozac (wich, by the way, is what Marx really meant when he said "religion is the opium of the masses").
If you convert to judaism, you do it because you're convinced of the existence of Yaweh and despite the fact that judaism places some firm ristrictions and hardships on your lifestyle.
(that's how it should be. I have no doubt that more then a few mormons have adopted their faith simply because it allows polygamy. Many ex mormons admit it, anyway.)

And about liberals...the fact that the republicans have held the presidency and congress for quite a time now would have something to do with them not being happy, wouldn't it?