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FEB. 6, 2008 ELECTIONS 2008 The primaries continued to churn the political waters, even in the wake of the Super Tuesday results, which highlighted divisions within the two major parties rather than ending them. But the role of religion in the campaign remains a constant, as does a range of related ethical and moral issues of concern to voters. Questions of abortion and war, affordable housing and immigration, and much more all raise difficult issues for voters trying to reconcile their faith with the candidates’ agendas. This edition of ReligionLink provides extensive resources to help guide journalists over the course of the presidential campaign. Jump to: The primary season — even through Super Tuesday — posed a particular challenge to evangelicals. From Ronald Reagan’s campaign in 1980 through George W. Bush’s in 2004, evangelicals usually found a champion they could rally around. But the wide-open field this year, and the presence of Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and Baptist preacher, created rifts in this politically important community and revealed shifts that have been building for several years. Many evangelicals identified with Huckabee and his preacher’s style. But others — including a number of prominent evangelicals — consider his social welfare policies too liberal and endorsed other candidates. The success of John McCain, who is anathema to many conservative Christians, further scrambled the calculus. Experts say evangelicals — namely, the white Christian conservatives at the core of the so-called “religious right” — are facing a watershed moment. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Endorsements by religious leaders are being courted by candidates and drawing the attention of watchdog groups. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Americans say it’s inappropriate for clergy to speak publicly on behalf of or against a specific candidate. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Most Americans say the nation is ready for a female president, but are they ready for a woman to take on the traditional presidential role of comforter, inspirer, moral voice and quasi-spiritual leader? In a country where women’s leadership roles in religion are hotly debated, opinions may differ sharply. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Race in the presidential campaign Sen. Barack Obama has collected more delegates in the presidential primaries than any member of a racial or ethnic minority ever has. In the 2008 campaign, the race of the candidates – and the race and ethnicity of America’s changing electorate – is a complicated and, for many, invigorating factor. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith has prompted questions about evangelicals’ support and a speech by the candidate on the role of religion in America’s public life. Two days after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, he ended his presidential bid. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES The war in Iraq dominated political concerns for years, but the decrease in violence after the troop surge and the prospect of a recession at home have pushed the war down the list of voter priorities. Still, the war remains a volatile topic, and one with no easy answers. The Democratic and Republican candidates are divided, with the former supporting varying degrees of disengagement and the latter backing an intensified military campaign. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES The economy has emerged as a top priority for voters as the possibility of recession lingers and the gulf between the haves and have-nots widens. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Immigration is a top issue with many voters for a variety of reasons, and religious groups are increasingly active in the debate. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Abortion rights is a major fault line between the Republican and Democratic candidates. Abortion opponents are especially concerned because they believe a Democratic victory or an insufficiently anti-abortion GOP nominee would imperil gains they have made during the Bush administration. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Progressive religion and politics “Progressive” is the new label being proudly claimed by an increasing number of religious leaders, organizations and voters – in part, they say, to counter the influence of conservative religious leaders. Is their drive to promote “the common good” resonating with voters? RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Americans show increasing appetite and activism for “going green” and increasing concern that government officials need to take action to ensure a healthy future for the planet. Do the candidates’ stands make a difference to voters? RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES Faith in faith-based programs? Government promotion of faith-based social service programs was a signature initiative for President Bush. While the Bush effort was — and remains — controversial for many, the principle of aiding churches and other religious organizations that provide social services has become accepted. None of the remaining candidates seems likely to dismantle the Bush faith-based program, but it’s not clear how strongly they would support it. (See a Jan. 29, 2008, New York Times op-ed, “The Faith to Outlast Politics,” by two former officials of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, David Kuo and John J. DiIulio.) RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES All of the candidates support the death penalty, though they differ on its application and when it should be used. But public support for the death penalty, while still strong, is softening, and a case before the Supreme Court will likely be decided in June, in the midst of the campaign. That could inject the issue into the political debate. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES The candidates are embracing calls for change in Washington – including an end to financial and political corruption. Could that really happen? RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES National and statewide polls and research on religion and politics can add context to election-year stories. RELIGIONLINK RESOURCES
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