Religion And The Race

By Mary Gilbert and Amy Harder - National Journal
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - Web Link
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July 14, 2008

As both John McCain and Barack Obama attempt to reach out to religious voters, one new survey finds Americans conflicted about the role of religion in politics.

In Newsweek's latest poll, about one-third of respondents said they worry that religion has too much influence on public life in America, while one-quarter said its role is too limited. A 54 percent majority, however, said that having political leaders express their personal faith in God is positive for the country.

Nearly 7 in 10 respondents describe the U.S. as a Christian nation, while just over one-quarter disagree with that designation. And 32 percent of respondents acknowledged that it is very important to them that their president have "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ," with another 27 percent saying that it is somewhat important.

When asked whether they would vote for a presidential candidate from a particular religious background, Newsweek's respondents were most open to voting for a Jew; 84 percent confirmed that they would vote for a Jewish commander in chief. Nearly 7 in 10 reported that they would vote for a Mormon. But respondents were more wary of Muslims and atheists, with 48 percent saying they would not vote for a Muslim candidate and a 51 percent majority rejecting candidates who do not believe in God.

Respondents revealed very different perceptions of the two main political parties in a religious context. A 51 percent majority said the Republican Party is friendly toward religion, while a 38 percent plurality maintained that the Democratic Party is neutral on the matter. Some voters worry that the GOP is perhaps a bit too cozy with the religious right, however, as a 38 percent plurality expressed concern that Christian conservatives hold too much sway over the GOP.