Would God vote for Obama or McCain ?
04 November 2008 à 22h48
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In the race for the presidency, religion has always been an important issue. Eighty percent of Americans believe in God. That explains why both candidates often refer to their faith, and why they try to win the religious vote.
It’s often said that George W. Bush won in 2004 thanks to the Christian vote and to his opinions on abortion and gay marriage. The born-again candidate had targeted this group.
In 2008, it seems that Barack Obama has learnt from the mistakes of the former Democrat candidate for the presidency John Kerry. One of his main speeches is his « address on faith », of July 2008. Obama has staffers dedicated to religious voters. This team developed programs for young evangelicals and young Roman Catholics. Obama is supported by very active organisations like the « Catholic Alliance for the Common good ». And these efforts seem to have results : according to studies of the Pew Research Center, Catholic support for Obama has increased since the beginning of the campaign. In September, 52% of them declared they would vote for McCain, and 39% for Obama. By election day, Obama (49%) has an 8 point lead over McCain (41%).
Meanwhile McCain’s team is said to have recruited Sarah Palin to win the evangelical Protestant vote. But it means that the Republican candidate will also have to convince the centrist Protestants or Catholics, well known for being swing voters…
Less religion, more economy
But in 2008, something has changed : the financial crisis is now the top priority, even for religious voters, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center, more than social issues like stem cell research or same-sex marriage (link : http://pewforum.org/events/?EventID=203).
The religious groups have also slightly changed their mind on these matters. Even if they still favor traditional marriage, for instance, they’re not as opposed to gay marriage as they used to in 2004.
It’s often said that George W. Bush won in 2004 thanks to the Christian vote and to his opinions on abortion and gay marriage. The born-again candidate had targeted this group.
In 2008, it seems that Barack Obama has learnt from the mistakes of the former Democrat candidate for the presidency John Kerry. One of his main speeches is his « address on faith », of July 2008. Obama has staffers dedicated to religious voters. This team developed programs for young evangelicals and young Roman Catholics. Obama is supported by very active organisations like the « Catholic Alliance for the Common good ». And these efforts seem to have results : according to studies of the Pew Research Center, Catholic support for Obama has increased since the beginning of the campaign. In September, 52% of them declared they would vote for McCain, and 39% for Obama. By election day, Obama (49%) has an 8 point lead over McCain (41%).
Meanwhile McCain’s team is said to have recruited Sarah Palin to win the evangelical Protestant vote. But it means that the Republican candidate will also have to convince the centrist Protestants or Catholics, well known for being swing voters…
Less religion, more economy
But in 2008, something has changed : the financial crisis is now the top priority, even for religious voters, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center, more than social issues like stem cell research or same-sex marriage (link : http://pewforum.org/events/?EventID=203).
The religious groups have also slightly changed their mind on these matters. Even if they still favor traditional marriage, for instance, they’re not as opposed to gay marriage as they used to in 2004.
A propos de l'auteur :
mariebolinches
étudiante en deuxième année au CFJ. Diplômée de Sciences-Po Bordeaux Localière en juillet-août 2006 à la Nouvelle République (Poitiers) Collaboration au blog du Nouvel Obs sur les municipales à Bordeaux en 2007-2008 Secrétaire d'édition en juillet-août 2008 à Ouest-France (Vannes)
