President's test of faith

[kskiska]

Signs of strong support for John Kerry among Catholic voters could mean big trouble ahead for George Bush, say Albert Scardino and John Scardino


The religious war that is of most concern to George Bush these days has nothing to do with Wahabi, Shia or Sunni Muslims.

It involves Roman Catholics, and particularly those in the five swing states of Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Judging by the enthusiasm that Catholics are showing for Senator John Kerry, Mr Bush may be in greater jeopardy than he ever expected.

Where his father lost the Catholic vote to Bill Clinton by 16 percentage points, Mr Bush won it against Al Gore by three points, according to exit polls on election day 2000. That gave him enough states for Florida to make a difference.

So long as the Democrats were tainted with the sex scandals of the Clinton White House, the Republicans could provide comfort and sustenance in a party led by a Sunday school teacher given to daily prayer breakfasts. It would be tougher to woo Catholics away from a war hero with an Irish name married to a Latin widow born in Africa.

(snip)

Around one third of the New Hampshire population identifies itself as Catholic, and they identified strongly with Mr Kerry. He won nearly as many Catholic votes as the seven other candidates combined. The more people attended church, the more strongly they preferred him.

more…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uselections2004/story/0,13918,1137835,00.html

[Darkseid69]

1. Hallelujah!

Felt that had to be said

[metisnation]

2. Catholic

His name has strength among the ranks in Chicago. Irish Catholic Fire Fighters and Cops. He will landslide IL thanks to strong leadership in the state. Thank you Sen. Durbin, Rep. Manzullo and Gov. Blagoyovich..not sure if I spelled that right.

[otohara]

3. Michigan Muslim Americans

voted biggie time for Bush in 2000 and are committed to voting him out this year. Say goodbye to MI Jr.

[JPace]

4. Great news!

I would like to think that any faith
would receive support. Preferably a
leader with faith who wants to keep
government and religion separate.

[pinto]

5. excellent find and post, American Catholics are many and not of

"one voice" as the Republican base appears to be.

Healthcare, jobs, social services, national service and other domestic issues resonate among us, regardless of our differences...

Couple that with the long tradition of Irish Catholic families in police and fire departments and you have a strong national network.

[lovedems]

6. As an Illinois catholic,

I am going for Clark in the primary but for the dem in the GE. The parish we belong to is very democrat. As a matter of fact, I don't know of any republican catholics in our parish. The anti-war talk at mass was VERY STRONG.

[Catt04]

7. Could also be interesting to watch

and wait for the first Catholic priest to refuse Kerry communion becasue he is pro choice.

[pinto]

8. could happen, but the church and state are seperate, no?

And we are a secular nation of laws, no? Kerry, as president or candidate, would be right to uphold US laws.