Brilliant not in the sense that they won but rather as shrewd politicians who can represent this constituents while building a bridge with Pakistan.
The Muslims eclipsing Jews is based on unofficial estimates accounting for the higher Muslim birthrate and immigration (both legal and illegal).
Surprisingly Muslims have voted as a bloc on several occasions, with GW Bush in 2000 and B. Obama in 2008. As the community matures and more American born Muslims become active, I certainly hope that we can establish that elusive unity.
Well there is much more to be optimistic about in the US then in other countries.. Pakistanis and Muslims in general seem far more progressive in the US then their counter parts in England and Europe. So heres hoping.