[On the plus side, I did enjoy the local fireworks show last night.]
July 4, 2004
Politicians Talk More About Religion, and People Expect Them To
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Over the past 20 years, religion has elbowed its way decisively to the front of presidential campaigns. Jimmy Carter opened the door wide, with his public profession to being "born again." Ronald Reagan successfully courted evangelical Christians in the campaign while advancing little of their agenda as president. Bill Clinton and Al Gore, both Southern Baptists at odds with their denomination's conservatism, frequently flaunted the importance of their faith. And George W. Bush sold himself in part on the strength of his personal journey from sinner to supplicant.
In a New York Times poll taken last month, 42 percent of those surveyed said they welcomed candidates discussing the role of religion in their lives. Fifty-three percent said religion should "not be part of a presidential campaign."
By comparison, the pollsters noted, in 1984 only 22 percent of Americans agreed that presidential candidates should discuss the role of religion in their lives, while 75 percent said it should not be a part of a presidential campaign. ...
<http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/weekinreview/04bigp.html>
Carl
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