On a personal level, Hannity says he has no problems with liberals. He suggested that the Republican crowd continue to be friends with liberals, hang out, go to dinner, let their children play together or whatever — except for allowing them to take political office.

"I'm just saying I don't want liberals in power at this time," he said. "They've become unhinged and they're losing it."

As proof, he mentioned flip-flop stances by Kerry on sundry issues — including the war in Iraq and national defense funding — allegations by Kennedy and Al Gore that Bush made up the Iraq war for political gain and played on Americans' fears, and Howard Dean's theory that Bush knew ahead of time about the 9/11 attacks.

"This is a scary party," Hannity said.

In order to defeat terrorism and despotism, Hannity claimed the country "must first defeat modern liberalism." He believes Democratic leaders would prefer to pacify and acquiesce.

He stressed the nation needs to "adhere to God."

During his daytime radio show Wednesday, one prominent resident told Hannity not to get the wrong impression about Utah.

"A lot of Utahns appreciate the vision you have for Utah," Sen. Orrin Hatch said during a phone interview on the air. "Your book is a good moral compass for our country. . . . Don't let the little nitpickers get you down. Utahns love you. You are an adopted son."

The feelings are mutual.

"I love Utah," Hannity said. "It's great to be back."

If some Utah residents didn't hear the exchange, it might be because they were too busy reading his book. At bookstores across the country and state, the talk-show host is topping best-seller lists. It's No. 3 at the Borders bookstore in Provo and ranks among the top 10 books at a Sandy Barnes & Noble. It made it on the New York Times' top slot in its first week.

"He sells books because he preaches the truth," said Orem fan Cindee Larsen. "The numbers reflect how much people love him."

But while it is drawing fans, it's also generating criticism.

"He's a pompous idiot," said Salt Lake resident Aaron Ricks. "I don't give credit to anything that he says."

But as long as the books keep selling, Hannity's popularity will continue to grow, said Larsen, who listens to Hannity's radio show daily.

"I just think that Sean Hannity is someone that conservatives in Utah can relate to," she said.

Added McKay Nielson: "He Hannitized me a year ago. I don't disagree with a thing he says. He's real. He's sincere. I totally love the guy."

Even if Dunn doesn't.

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Contributing: Laura Warner

E-mail: jody@desnews.com