Religiosity In Presidential Elections

The Religiosity of Presidential Elections In early 2012, the political tumult over providing contraception to employees of religiously affiliated institutions reminds us again of the symbiotic relationship between American government and religion. The debate has taken on greater significance in light of the most recent presidential election last November. The buildup to that election brought an increased level of political religiosity beyond just this issue. The primary process was filled with potential Republican candidates’ attempts to appeal to religiously inclined voters. President Obama, too, made an effort to solidify his image as a faith-based leader as the campaigning process began to heat up. This is no new phenomenon, as the United
And yet, the trends examined within different religious groups’ voting habits have remained largely constant and predictable since 1980. It appears that despite the prominent role religion holds in presidential political discourse, there is little impact on actual electoral decisions. The 2012 presidential election, despite the religiosity it created, was always going to be decided on issues outside the realm of faith. The economy had yet to recover, income inequality was and is still a major issue, and the War on Terror continues in Afghanistan today. Religion has always been a major part of politics in the United States, but it has never been the determining factor in presidential elections. At this stage, however, it is essential to realize the constant shifting of the American demographic. Many more women, Hispanics and increased Evangelicals are voting and influencing political outcomes. It will be interesting to observe any changes in future voter statistics as voter turnouts shift. Although the 2012 election was based on more imminent economic issues, the religious rhetoric still flowed much to the chagrin of many Americans. In fact, a recent Pew Research Center survey showed that 38% of Americans believed that there was “too much” talk of religion by politicians in the recent election, compared with only 12% who held the same opinion in 2001.29 And yet, both Romney
“Analysts: Obama 's 'God Talk ' a Political Strategy for 2012 Campaign
Season.” Christian Post (September 18, 2011) http://www.christianpost.com/news/analysts- obamas-god-talk-a-political strategy-for-2012-campaign-season-55846/ Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, “More See ‘Too Much’ Religious Talk by
Politicians.” Pew Research Center. March 21, 2012. http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/ Issues/Politics_and_Elections/Religion%20Release.pdf

Ribuffo, Leo and David Shribman. “The New Christian Right in Historical Context.”
Religion and Politics in America: A Conversation. Ed. Michael Cromartie.
(Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005). 149-172. Print.

Romney, Mitt. “Faith in America Address.” George Bush Presidential Library, College
Station, Texas. December 6, 2007. The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/us/ politics/06text-romney.html

Washington, George. “Washington’s Inaugural Address of 1789.” National Archives and
Records Administration. April 30, 1789. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/ inaugtxt.html

Studies and Articles:

Dionne, E.J. Jr. and William A. Galston. “The Old and New Politics of Faith: Religion and the 2010 Election.” The Brookings Institution (November 17,