One of the greatest myths of contemporary Western culture is that “evangelical Christian” by definition implies “conservative”. More and more people I talk to these days find themselves feeling burned by conservative religion and leaning liberal politically and/or on social issues. Add to that the fact that any Christian who calls into question doctrines like speaking in tongues (as proof of conversion) or belief in the rapture would automatically be labeled “liberal” by the REAL conservative Christians, and lots more believers find themselves in the liberal camp almost by accident.
On the other hand, evangelical Christians generally aren’t comfortable identifying with traditional liberal Christianity either. In Why I Am Not a “Liberal Christian” theologian and author Roger E. Olson explains by saying evangelicals find liberal theology “thin, ephemeral, light, profoundly unsatisfying” and continues…
“Many people who call themselves “moderate to progressive” theologically are really just asserting their non-fundamentalism. Like me, they have rejected extreme biblical literalism, hostility to science and philosophy, separatism and legalism, extreme dogmatism.” – R. Olson
True evangelical Christianity is — or should be when it is not being hijacked by conservatives — a broad, intelligent, and compassionate expression of the faith. Good read, and a timely article.
Getting Started 
Speaking in tongues is only conservative in Charismatic evangelical groups. There are tons of really conservative Christian (politically and religiously) who don’t believe in tongues. They are closer to being amish or mennonite.
But I agree with you. People are allowing Christianity to be hijacked by a political belief in conservatism and those who are in the middle are getting pushed out from both sides and growing all the time.