Religion and the Primaries

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Latest Press Release: Evangelicals to Networks: Stop Pigeonholing Us, Fix Exit Polls

As expected, religion is a hot topic on the trail and in the news this primary season. According to a recent study, presidential candidates' religious rhetoric is at its highest mark --- ever. As we progress from New Hampshire to South Carolina to Super Tuesday and beyond, it's not going to let up any time soon. Thus far, religious rhetoric has had moments high and low in the media and the campaigns.

Various members of the news media are getting wise to the fact that people of faith are diverse, independent and focused on a broader agenda than the old hot button issues associated with the religious right, and that this is affecting their political preferences. Check out these pieces for a balanced approach to faith and politics.

On the flip side, we've also seen our fair share of underhanded tactics and bad journalism on the trail. Rumors that Barack Obama is a Muslim "Manchurian Candidate" have swirled around in the media and on the ground, pastors have received anonymous letters threatening them because of their political involvement, and direct mail flyers have alleged that Mitt Romney is part of a Mormon conspiracy to topple the federal government.

And as voting started, news organizations completely dismissed independent and progressive evangelicals' impact on the Iowa caucuses.

As the primaries move to South Carolina, a state where "faith runs deep and wide," lets hope they get it right.