Religion in the American Elections

Maureen Fiedler

In a crisp and emphatic presentation, "God as a Running Mate: Religion and the 2008 American Elections," Maureen Fiedler, host of the popular American radio show, Interfaith Voices, addressed the role of religion in the upcoming American presidential elections in a CASAR-sponsored lecture in West Hall on May 26.

Fiedler's aim was to inform and illustrate. In turn, she tackled history, Islam and the elections, the war of the pastors and preachers, religious constituencies, and the candidates. If God plays a role in the elections, Fiedler concluded, he will be the God of economic justice, good health, peace, and a secure environment.

By way of introduction, she reminded the audience of the US Constitution's separation of church and state, noting that no religious prerequisite exists for government office. Candidates may talk about religion, and questions may be asked, but only when the individual's religious commitment might affect his/her performance in office. Mike Huckabee might well be questioned about his stated belief in evolution and Joe Liebermann about his strict observance of the Sabbath.

Fiedler pointed to the historical predominance of WASPS (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants) in the presidency until the accession of Roman Catholic John F. Kennedy in 1960. She deplored the demonization of Islam and Muslims, and described how certain fanatic preachers can cause mischief for the candidates. In listing the various religious constituencies, she noted that traditionally Republican Muslims, who make up only one percent of the electorate, started moving away from Bush in 2004.

Fiedler believes that general liberal changes in religious expression will affect the elections across the board, with John McCain distancing himself from the evangelicals. Barack Obama's serious commitment to his Christian faith should overcome the cries of fanatics who wish to attack him as a Muslim. The strengthening of his faith through his work with the Chicago poor, his experience of living in a Muslim country, and the liberalism of his church, the United Church of Christ, should be positive reflections of religion in his campaign. Religious-connected sexual issues (gay marriage, abortion) will move into the background, while the economy, health care, and Iraq will trump religious issues in the 2008 elections.