How do our American friends cope with the toxic interference of religion in politics?
We simply don't know any better. I often have wondered how people live in Israel with bombs going off all the time. The answer is it is normal. I grew up thinking the "commies"( no insult intended) would drop a nuke on my face. My children are used to the idea of terrorism and school shooting yet still go to school and concerts.
We are used to religion invading our lives so much we don't even notice it. You would be shocked by what we don't even notice.
On the other hand I wonder why folks like yourself even care about atheist issues. It as I understand it is not that much of an issue. I am glad you are interested and are glad you are a part of the community. Why do you folks bother to be active and speak out when religion is not pushed on you at every turn? Perhaps it is more prevalent than I am aware of and I am being presumptuous.
Australia is a secular nation and embraces all beliefs. There's close to no religious involvement in Government but there have been massive issues around child sex abuse by the Church so it's an ongoing topic.
The majority here list "no belief or agnostic" on the census.
It's also always interesting. I have no issue with what people believe up to the point it hurts others.