The American Spectator

home
ADVERTISEMENT
The Nation's Pulse
Print Email
Text Size

The Nation's Pulse

Religion and Voters in 2012

Traditional believers did their part for Romney on Tuesday, at levels comparable to 2004.

Whatever the reasons for Mitt Romney’s defeat and Barack Obama’s victory, it cannot be faulted on traditional religious voters, who seem to have voted in force.

As predicted in a pre-election Pew polls and elsewhere, traditional Catholics and evangelicals seem to have repeated their 2004 high water of support for the Republican presidential nominee. Exit polls showed that white evangelicals, who were 26 percent of total voters, rehashed their 2004 level of support for George W. Bush, supporting Romney by 79 percent to 21 percent. In 2004 white evangelicals were 23 percent of the electorate, sparking fears of impending theocracy by some on the Left.

Exit polling revealed Protestants and other Christians (including evangelicals and Mainline Protestants of all races plus presumably Eastern Orthodox), who made up 53 percent of the electorate, voted 42 percent for Obama and 57 percent for Romney. A poll more strictly confined to Protestants shows they favored Romney 62 to 37 percent. White Protestant and other Christians, comprising 39 percent of the total, favored Romney 69 to 30 percent. Weekly Protestant church attenders favored Romney 70 percent to 29 percent.

A pre-election Pew poll showed most Catholics supporting Romney. The exit poll showed Catholics, who were 25 percent of the electorate, voting 50 percent for Obama and 48 percent for Romney. But weekly mass attending Catholics supported Romney by 57 to 42 percent. And white Catholics, comprising 18 percent of the total, supported Romney by 59 to 40 percent, a greater percentage than their 2004 support for Bush. Weekly church goers of all churches, who comprised 42 percent of the electorate, supported Romney by 59 to 39 percent.

By contrast, more occasional church attenders, comprising 40 percent of voters, supported Obama by 55 to 43 percent. Those who never attend, comprising 17 percent, supported him by 62 to 34 percent. The 12 percent who report no religious affiliation supported Obama by 70 percent to 26 percent.

Among the activists organizing evangelical voters for Romney this year was former Christian Coalition chief Ralph Reed, who now heads the Faith and Freedom Coalition. They report in their own poll that evangelical support for Romney over McCain increased by 10 percent. They also cite a “swing of 35% in the direction of the GOP” among Catholic weekly church attenders. “Virtually the entire increase in Mitt Romney’s vote compared to John McCain’s in 2008 came because of higher turnout and higher support from evangelical voters,” their pollster surmises.

Reed himself, who convened a post-election D.C. press conference, was more sweeping. “This election was a tale of two cities,” he said. “Evangelicals and faithful Catholics turned out in large numbers and voted overwhelmingly for religious liberty, the sanctity of life and marriage, and limited government.” But he regretted: “Younger voters and minorities turned out in even larger numbers in 2008 and delivered Obama to victory.” Searching for good news, he said many of the young people and minority groups like Hispanics who ensured Obama’s victory are “people of faith” who might respond to conservative appeals.

Some on the Left celebrate that white evangelicals and traditional Catholics were insufficient to deliver victory for Republicans. But evangelical voters increased as a percentage of the electorate. And weekly mass attending Catholics, at 11 percent of voters, remained at the same percentage even as total Catholics were somewhat reduced from 2004.

Despite claims that America is getting more secular, the 2012 exit poll shows the same number of American voters attending church weekly or more as 42 percent. Non-church attenders have increased almost negligibly from 15 to 17 percent. Frustratingly, the exit polls don’t show religious voting patterns for Hispanics, who increased from 8 percent of voters in 2004 to 10 percent today. A pre-election Pew poll showed 39 percent of evangelical Hispanics, who are about 20 percent of total Hispanics, supporting Romney. Seventy-three percent of Hispanic Catholics supported Obama this year. Sixty percent of Hispanic evangelicals supported Bush in 2004. One poll says McCain got only 33 percent in 2008.

Even in an American electorate that remains overwhelmingly religious, with only 12 percent disclaiming any religious affiliation, Obama was able to win by cobbling together the unreligious, Catholics and Protestants less likely to attend church, and overwhelming majorities of Hispanic Catholics and black Protestants. Unlike in 2008, there seems to have been little Obama effort to target evangelicals. But appeals to less observant Catholics to ignore appeals from their bishops to heed church teachings about marriage and abortion, as well as religious liberty, seem to have worked sufficiently.

The reputed “God Gap” between Republicans and Democrats that was highlighted especially in 2004 continues unabated. Democrats get majorities of strongly religious voters only among ethnic minority groups. But religion will remain important to both parties so long as overwhelming majorities of American voters still profess it.

About the Author

Mark Tooley is president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy in Washington, D.C. and author of Methodism and Politics in the Twentieth CenturyYou can follow him on Twitter @markdtooley.


Letter to the Editor View all comments (108) |

Aristocat| 11.8.12 @ 6:12AM

ll the ends of the earth
shall remember and turn to the Lord;
All the families of the nations
shall bow down before him.

For dominion is the Lord's
and he rules the nations.
To him alone shall bow down
all who live on the earth

To him my soul shall live;
my descendants shall serve him.
Let the coming generations be told of the Lord
that they may proclaim the justice he has shown

The Lord rules, not Obama.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:35AM

"The Lord rules, not Obama." - CORRECT!

The Lord works in mysterious ways... and this is something for the faithful to contemplate in the way the see the world:

Hurricane Sandy and Chris Christie was the Lord's way of pressing his thumb on the scale to tilt in the direction of President Obama. It was His punishment of Republicans for their lying and trying to cheat (Voter Suppression) their way to political victory, while espousing faith, freedom and constitutional credentials.

Some soul searching of conservative attitudes is in order, for sure.

HarringtonHere| 11.8.12 @ 10:50AM

The Religious Right gives credit to the Lord for nearly everything favorable and supportive.

When the Religious Right confronts a negative, e.g. the losing of an election, the Lord never has a hand in that.

God is always on their side . . . except . . . except when they are defeated.

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 11:00AM

If you were familiar with the Bible you would know this is how God operates sometimes. We learn more in defeat than we do from victory.

God is still on our side. Just wait until God reveals your prize for winning this election.

Go back to being an aethist and try not to comment on matters that are above your brain's capacity.

HarringtonHere| 11.8.12 @ 11:09AM

An atheist? Not I.

I am a devout church-going Methodist and a supporter of the National Council of Churches.

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 11:25AM

Doesn't make you a Christian and you still don't understand how God works. The Holy Spirit left many churches years ago.

GreyLion+| 11.8.12 @ 11:58AM

You are an atheist.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:26PM

Who are you devout to, obviously not to God?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 6:48PM

I am familiar with the Bible, Bible Studies and the Word of the Lord.
Nothing, anywhere will you find a prayer to harm another. Period. End of Story.
If you believe otherwise, YOU are the atheist or blasphemist.
You righties really think you are God's Children, don't you? And that's why you suffer.

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 10:56AM

@Purp You have no clue about God or how He views us. You are the party of murder and perversion that He considers an abomination.
Just wait and see what He has in store you and others like you.

Like the religious ignorant left you have no ability to understand the Bible or God's word but will spin it to support your reprobate mind.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 11:02AM

Purp the Village Idiot
So God had about 100 people die, people suffer, homes destroyed, so Obama could win?
You are truly a contemptible idiot.
BTW, what will O do to reduce the deficit, reduce unemployment to 5%, reduce the black unemployment from 15%, and balance the budget?
On Jan 21,2013 O will inherit a lousy economy from himself, so who will he now blame?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 6:54PM

Oh, I don't know - Pat Robertson called Katrina God's Wrath for Gay Rights. 1800 people died - and you call me an idiot?
Jerry Falwell used similar epithets against gays.

You Righties aren't any better Americans, aren't more patriotic or more faithful than anyone else.

The sooner you learn that, perhaps then you can join the civilized people we are.

As far as for the President - he will appoint 2 maybe 3 Supreme Court Justices to reverse the damage your side has done to this country.

He will continue to invest in clean energy, educations and infrastructure.

He will end the Afghan War. He will keep Iran from going nuclear.

BTW - why do you look to the government for assistance? Can't you make it on your own?

The Economy will improve on it's own - you know, MARKET FORCES & CAPITALISM UNLEASHED... and that will solve all your problems. Remember?

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:43PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:38PM

Were you born a jackass or refined it over the years?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 6:54PM

Above your brain power to understand, is it?

floridahan| 11.8.12 @ 9:31PM

Since I started reading/studying the Holy Bible 2 yrs. ago, I've focused a lot of time on the OT prophets and read a number of Scripture experts who have given me great insight and I get a deep understanding of prophecy of the past and of the future of our country. It's amazing how today's news has been foreseen 3-4,000 yrs ago.
Our country is in deep trouble and will be getting worse as our God-hating behavior worsens.

gray man| 11.10.12 @ 12:11AM

you were making stupid comments on another article, I can see it was no accident.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.8.12 @ 6:51AM

whoda' thunk it. In the months and years ahead our Sunday school classes may drive a stake in the sand and say "no more", across the board of encroaching government.

Pony Express| 11.8.12 @ 9:40AM

Now that churches are encroaching into politics, I think it's high time the government tax the churches.

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 10:52AM

Yeah lets start with the black churches who vote democratic.

Ryan| 11.8.12 @ 3:15PM

Right, because religious values have never had anything to do with politics from either side...

Appleby| 11.8.12 @ 7:00AM

When the Catholic organizations start closing their doors because Catholics refuse to bow to the Emperor, there will come a great awakening from the Wall of Separation children who thought they could have it both ways. For some reason, nobody on the Left seems to expect the Catholics to mean what they say.

P.S. I bet the Obamas have not given one red cent to the Red Cross or the Sallie Anne (or to any church they may purport to belong to) since the catastrophe in New York.

Joellen| 11.8.12 @ 7:11AM

Ken, let's pray that the youth turn to the LORD and away from the world. I teach Sunday CCD and I tell you it is a battle. The parents need to be instruments in the developement of their kids faith - they arent. They (kids) go to CCD until 8th grade - and then we never see them in Church after that. Again, I put the onus on the parents and the Catholic Church. The Church itself has become very weak in its faith - and it is obvious. Again, I strongly suggest TAS readers go into ChurchMilitant.TV. It doesnt matter what your faith is, Michael Voris is excellent in explaining what's going on in today's world. Times are changing, that's for sure. We need to make GOD #1 and then all things after will rightfully fall in place. We have done the opposite. I pray people can discern this and act accordingly to right the situation.

David T| 11.8.12 @ 9:54AM

Joellen--Unfortunately, your one hour with the children can't overcome the 30 hours of weekly indoctrination they receive in the public schools. The best hope for our future is to reinvigorate the Catholic schools.

SUBVET| 11.8.12 @ 12:39PM

David T........when the catholics start living by what the bible teaches only then will things change in the church.

I grew up in the catholic church, served mass and one day I looked around and noticed that the fathers were "preaching" from the pulput not "teaching".

When was the last time you saw a catholic walk in the church with a bible under his/her arm?

When your not in the WORD daily and not being taught in the house of God what would you expect.

Appleby| 11.8.12 @ 3:47PM

My priest doesn't know anything about the Bible. And to add to that, he didn't know the difference between the Dreyfuss Affair and the Scopes Monkey Trial. I am not going to assume that every Catholic priest is as ignorant of his subject as is mine, but (as a born Protestant and lifelong attendant of Vacation Bible School, and 3 years of Bible College, I was absolutely shocked to hear someone purport to teach the RCIA from such a pig-ignorant position.

David T| 11.8.12 @ 4:38PM

SUBVET--I understand your point, but the purpose of going to church is not to be taught but to worship God in spirit and in truth. Teaching the Word is the primary responsibility of the parents.

SUBVET| 11.9.12 @ 9:46AM

David T..........I am not sure how to respond to your answer...were the apostles your parents ?

David T| 11.9.12 @ 3:29PM

I don't go to church to hear someone drone on and on about a "lesson" he wants to impart. I go to church to worship, which is an act of religious devotion. My point was that the Bible clearly charges parents with the responsibility for the mental and spiritual development of their children. Parents traditionally delegated at least part of this responsibility to monks, tutors, parochial schools, etc., to generally salutary effect. In the last 150 years or so, however, parents have generally shirked all responsibility by allowing the state to educate their children. This includes indoctrinating them in secular humanism, the religion of the state.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:39AM

This discussion has no place in the political arena - and that's why you lose.
The Lord is not happy with the Right using His Church for political muscle, and not embracing ALL HIS CHILDREN - white, black, brown, yellow, gay, female, the poor, the elderly, the infirm, etc. .

Otherwise, you would win. Right?

JP| 11.8.12 @ 3:40PM

For whom the Gods wish to destroy, the first make mad.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:44PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

gray man| 11.10.12 @ 12:12AM

again with the stupid comments - give it a rest.

wh| 11.8.12 @ 7:40AM

Many Black and Hispanic very Social Conservatives and very Religious voted for Obama and the reason in the case of Blacks they have being influence by generations of leaders spreading the message of welfare state, Anti West , Anti Capitalism and pro Big Government even Socialism
In the case of Hispanic, yes , many are many religious but also influence by the Latin American culture tradition of big government, state intervention of the economy, strong man rule , Founding fathers like Bolivar , who declared himself dictator and overthrew the Constitution
serve as role model for El Caudillo, the tyrant , non wonder that Anti Americans Peron, Fidel, Chavez and company always enjoy popularity even among Religious Conservatives in Latin America.
Today in Multicultural America , we need to be aware to tell the similarities and differences that we share or not with those religious conservatives identifying themselves as Hispanic9 no a race), Asians or Afro not as Americans

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 11:04AM

@wh They are not real Christians. I know many black christians that didn't vote at all they were so disgusted. What you call yourself matters little it's your actions that reveal who your really are.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 8:16AM

Obama got 69,498,000 votes in 08 and 60,662 in this year. McCain got 59,948,000 and Mitt got 57,821,000. There were about 11 million fewer voters. The intensity was lower for both, especially Obama, but Obama targeted his key voters in Ohio, Florida, Colorado, and other states.
The election is dominated by six or seven states. It would be more representative to award electoral votes by congressional districts, and if you win the state,you get the two senate electoral votes. This would force a nationwide campaign.
McCain got two million more votes than Mitt,and McCain's total is close to Obama's 2012 vote, and McCain was not a good campaigner. It seems over two million Republican voters stayed home for whatever reasons, don't like Mormons or Mitt not conservative enough or Mitt too rich, and gave the election to O.
But why did O get 9 million fewer votes? Voter ID? Dead people had difficulty getting to the polls?

David T| 11.8.12 @ 10:45AM

Very interesting proposal to reform our electoral system, CJW. I'd like to see what effect it would have had on the outcome this time.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 11:06AM

David
Romney would have probably won if he won the districts that voted for the Rep congressmen. For example, in western Pa, Reps won two districts and Dems one, so at least he would have picked up 2 votes, plus some other votes in the central and norther tier of Pa. Forget Philly and the surrounding limousine liberal suburbs.

New Hampshire and Nebraska, I believe, follow this system.

Appleby| 11.8.12 @ 3:50PM

Romney might have won if he'd been an actual conservative -- or the first choice of more people rather than the second (or third or fourth). My mother, God help her, nearly voted for Ron Paul, and I'm guessing she doesn't know him from Adam's House Cat, because she does not believe Mormons are Christian. (And yes, she does know the difference.)

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 4:30PM

Name an actual living conservatives who ran in the primaries who would have beaten Obama.
It appears close to 3 million voters who voted for that awful moderate McCain stayed home so Mitt got 3 mil less. There is the margin of victory/loss.

SUBVET| 11.8.12 @ 12:41PM

CJW........when the numbers don't add up I sence CONTROL.

Von Mises Jr| 11.8.12 @ 8:48AM

This election is a very bad omen for America. The choice between good and evil, self-reliance versus sloth and covetousness, love as opposed to revenge could not be more distinct.
Mitt may not be the perfect conservative candidate, but you could not find a more wholesome, loving and generous man.
By contrast, Obama is the picture of hubris and pride, envy and hatred. His campaign was targeting Hispanics to "punish your enemies," and liberals to "vote for revenge."
It is very sad and depressing to see the outcome. But like God does, a conservative should take notes. Next time a liberal needs a helping hand; give him the Congressman's and Senators phone numbers. I'll be busy helping my family and conservative friends.

Denver Todd| 11.8.12 @ 10:13AM

When I see medical and housing groups still out there asking for money, I want to say "I'm sorry, Obama has promised to fix all your problems, so I have nothing to give."

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:42AM

Oh, how brilliant - that'll get back at Obama... what a stupid comment.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:46PM

Too bad he can't read or even cares about this country. obama is too busy arming and funding muslim brotherhood terrorist to kill Americans.

HarringtonHere| 11.8.12 @ 4:36PM

Reckless and crazy statements like the one above by djn1313 make right-wing conservatives look . . . for lack of a better word-- crazy.

Oh, and hateful. Hateful describes many of the posters on here.

gray man| 11.10.12 @ 12:13AM

what you meant to say is "here is a stupid reply for you"

Von Mises Jr| 11.8.12 @ 11:16AM

Why give charity to people whom steal your money through government at the barrel of a gun?

A study was conducted with the Salvation Army, I believe; with one site a wealthy San Francisco store and another in a rural conservative area. They kept count of how many people passed and how much was collected. They were shocked to find that the rich liberals were stingy SOB's.

The realization was that liberals think government should do the charity. They get to feel good about themselves grabbing the levers of power to collect other people's money to distribute to those they wish to help. It is often themselves.

This is why liberals populate government and schools. Can you say BIG FAT PENSIONS and controlling other people's money?

Our troll Caliban surely has an ObamaPhone and an EBT Card. He probably works for Soros on a cash basis so he doesn't have to pay taxes. Then the greedy, envious POS comes to TAS and tells us how we should think. I was hoping this pissant would go away after his scummy friends voted for our property.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:48PM

Liberals are for giving to charity as long as it is someone else's money.

Appleby| 11.8.12 @ 3:52PM

That's why Canada has one of the lowest rates of charitable giving in the Western World. If the house catches fire, the Canadian speed dials Ottawa and demands that they do something.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:46AM

No, it's a bad omen for Republicans and Conservatism. Good triumphed, Evil lost.
Self-Reliance and hard work won, and lazy campaign organizers lost. Love of country and All Americans won, the politics of division lost.

Your attitude is partisan and divisive, let alone blasphemous and anti-American.

Can you not lose gracefully, look in the mirror and say "What's wrong with me? "

That's why you lost - Twice to Barack Hussein Obama, President of the United States for four more years.

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 11:07AM

Dude you are crowing way too early, stop being a sissy. You really must be an insecure miserable person. Aren't there any liberals that you can circle jerk with.
I assume all you liberal men are bi-curious anyway.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:42PM

Gerald: Don't waste your time arguing with Purp the jerk. He doesn't work, has no redeeming qualities, and he is gloating about being a self-made jackass.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:25PM

You're completely wrong ... but that's your problem, not mine. Your hatefulness is eating you alive... Good bye as you slowly shrink to nothingness.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:24PM

Bi-Curious? Why is THAT on YOUR mind, hmmmm? Looking for a STIFF response, are ya?

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:44PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

gray man| 11.10.12 @ 12:16AM

jeez you really are stupid. I thought it was an accident, but twice is a coincidence, three times is a trend.

floridahan| 11.8.12 @ 9:54PM

I believe that God is sovereign and nothing happens that surprises Him. Reading the Holy Bible we see that God permits evil leaders to lead a nation for His hiddden purpose, even if we can't see His reasons at this time. Study the Holy Scriptures and get peace of mind even in these troubled times.

OP4| 11.8.12 @ 10:02AM

The GOP God-squad managed to lose the two easiest Senate races in the country. I'm a Christian and I'm a Conservative - but I don't mix the two. If the Republicans had simply not mentioned abortion or rape, we may well be talking about President Romney.

C. Vernon Crisler | 11.8.12 @ 10:33AM

It's not about being silent on baby killing or rape. It's about politicians who don't know how to present the issues in a sophisticated way, or who back down and apologize rather than take it to the enemy. I think "f-ck you" should now be the Republican's first response to liberal media criticism, maybe not in those exact words but certainly in terms of attitude.

GreyLion+| 11.8.12 @ 12:04PM

BS Crisler,
It is about MURDER, most foul, and murderers most ubiquitous. Abortion and murder have only one name and those who hide that fact are complicit.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 12:23PM

Ha - those who will not learn, will suffer.
Your attitude may feel good as a response, but it's not a winning approach.
Sad, your shellacking doesn't wake you up. You lost the Presidency, Senate seats, House seats, and you still don't learn. Sad.

JP| 11.8.12 @ 3:53PM

If losing by a few percentage points is a shellacking you may wish to adjust your vocabulary. The GOP still won almost 49% of the popular vote. Obama lost 10% of his voter base when compared to 2008. And he had to spend nearly $1 billion more to do it. Additionally, Obama and the Dems racked up $5.6 trillion in debt to essientially buy off voters. In 2011, they spent $1 trillion on welfare programs alone (or $60,000/person living in poverty) to keep the masses happy. That is a one time deal, and is impossible to replicate. All of that money they spent was designed to allow them to capture a few measly votes. The GOP is no worse off now than they were last week. The Dems have bankrupted the nation in order to win one election. And the anger that will be directed at Obama, Reid, and Pelosi when the voters realize what is in store for them....

But what will they do when the money finally runs out? You and Dems like you haven't a clue what you've wrought.

OP4| 11.8.12 @ 4:10PM

Lost by a few percentage points? Wake up!

Todd Akin got destroyed by the most vulnerable Senator in the country. Richard Mourdock lost in Indiana despite every other Republican winning. The damage from those 2 wasn't contained to their own states.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:27PM

In this divided country - ya, a few % IS a shellacking. Get a clue.
You boys weren't worried about Reagan and the Bush Twins running up the debt - why is that? And, NOW, you're concerned? It's a ploy, and we aren't falling for it.
Either pull together for your country or GET OUT. Take your "money" elsewhere.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:45PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

gray man| 11.10.12 @ 12:18AM

what is sad is you morons don't understand what you sewed. you will find out soon enough.

Denver Todd| 11.8.12 @ 10:09AM

I have had conversations with a Jewish friend about why Jews vote Democrat. The conclusion is that no matter the religion, liberal believers are liberal voters. Another way to see the issue is that liberal believers identify more with Democrats than they do with their own faith.

When Mr. Tooley says that "Democrats get majorities of strongly religious voters only among ethnic minority groups," this says the same thing to me: minority groups vote liberal because they have a liberal faith, and they identify with Democrats more than their own faith.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 10:35AM

Norman Podhoretz wrote a book "Why do Jews for Dems" and has no real answer other than what your friend said. They ignore the strong support for Israel by Nixon and every Rep president, and ignore the Left's disdain for Israel. It helped that the old Dems, such as Truman, recognized Israel as a state i 1948. Did you see that about one half of the delegates at the Dem convention booed including God and Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in their platform.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:23PM

It is not the first time Jews put politics above their belief in God.

Johnson & Johnson| 11.8.12 @ 10:15AM

OP4

You have hit the nail on the head.

The crackpot politician who claimed that a fetus conceived in a rape is "God's will" and the victimized woman should not have the right to terminate the pregnancy made the GOP seem like a party of fools.

As long as the Republicans keep whining that a fetus has full human rights and that abortion is "murder," they will continue to lose elections.

C. Vernon Crisler | 11.8.12 @ 10:35AM

Johnson & Johnson, why don't you and OP4 perform a retroactive abortion on yourselves -- putzes.

HarringtonHere| 11.8.12 @ 11:12AM

Not a very Christian response, Crisler.

From now on try to be a little more Christlike in your posts.

GreyLion+| 11.8.12 @ 12:07PM

Hare,
I can imagine a wonderful return to your comment, oh say, something along the lines of "Woe unto you blind Pharisee" so...keep it up knuckle head.

C. Vernon Crisler | 11.8.12 @ 2:35PM

You can join them HarrintonHere -- another putz.

Gerald| 11.8.12 @ 11:18AM

A fetus if left alone will grow into a human. All that's required is already in the woman's womb.

I don't believe rape is God's will nor do many pro-life people but I don't think you make exceptions the rule of law.

You are the party of evil and will pay a huge price.
I pray that God has never blessed you with children. If He did how many did you murder before deciding to keep them?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 1:47PM

The more you add your morality to your political beliefs, the more you lose. Why don't you get that?

If you don't want to stop a pregnancy, then don't. You don't have the right to tell others what to believe. It is none of your business.
And, you certainly DON"T speak for GOD.
Nice prayer btw ... following the Golden Rule - NOT. You do know that it bounces back at you in some way when you pray for harm onto others?

C. Vernon Crisler | 11.8.12 @ 2:36PM

So if someone kills you Purp, we can't complain because that would be imposing morality, right?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:28PM

Schwing ... just as much sense... weirdly .

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 4:33PM

Purp the Village Idiot
You believe God killed over 100 people, destroyed homes, injured thousands, and caused misery in Sandy so Obama could win.

Maybe God will kill millions of workers so there are fewer workers and the unemployment rate will go down under Obama, right Purpie?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:29PM

You said it, I didn't - and you call ME an idiot? Hahaha, what a douchebag you are.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:47PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

You are so stupid you do not realize when I am mocking you.

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:20PM

So you are saying a fetus is not a living being and its OK to kill it?

I can understand a woman not wanting a baby conceived because of rape or if it endangers her own life, but other reason NO. That decision is between her and her God if she believes in Him.

SylviaInDaytona| 11.8.12 @ 11:36AM

A fetus has the potential to become a human being. The potential. It is not, while in the womb, a human being.

It is affixed to the woman's womb and is therefore a part of her body.

It is a woman's body and her right to control it.

You men want to control women's bodies, just like the sharia Muslims, but we in the West will never allow it.

C. Vernon Crisler | 11.8.12 @ 2:37PM

Uh huh, so if your mother had killed you in the womb, what then?

TSIndiana| 11.11.12 @ 9:20PM

Then she would not be here would she.

What is your point...we don't have enough children from parents not ready for them, from teen girls who don't have adaquit protection or from those "Godly rapes"...the type you want your horney teen son to practice.

Karma is yours to enjoy.

floridahan| 11.8.12 @ 10:07PM

Moloch was one of the false gods that Israel would worship during its periods of apostasy. This false deity is associated with Ammon in 1 Kings 11:7, "Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable idol of Moab, on the mountain which is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the detestable idol of the sons of Ammon."
One of the practices of the cult that worshipped Moloch was to sacrifice their children. Of course, this was forbidden by God's word: Lev. 18:21 says, "Neither shall you give any of your offspring to offer them to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God; I am the Lord." (See also Lev. 18:21; 20:2-5; 2 Kings. 23:10; Jer. 32:35).
In some passages the reference is clearly to a deity to whom human sacrifice was made, particularly in the Valley of Hinnom on the SW of the Jerusalem hill (2 Ki. 23:10; Je. 32:35) at a site known as Topheth (‘fire pit’ in Syriac).1
The ancients would heat this idol up with fire until it was glowing, then they would take their newborn babies, place them on the arms of the idol, and watch them burn to death. I can't help but compare today's abortion massacre to the sacrifice of children by these ancient pagans. In both, innocent life is destroyed for the gain of the parent.

TSIndiana| 11.11.12 @ 9:27PM

So a pregnant woman has personal gain in mind when they determine that they cannot bring another child into a sick world...a child they cannot feed, cloth and take care of. You have no monopoly of Godly virtue... judging others.

HarringtonHere| 11.8.12 @ 11:38AM

Righto, Slyvia.

The Religious Right and Muslim Fundamentalists have this point in common: they both want to control women . . . even their bodies.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:14PM

Your comparisan is BS. Women have no rights under islam, period. A woman has the right in this nation to do whatever she wants to do.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:30PM

Except abortion, if you have your way.
Except equal pay, if you have your way.
Except contraception, if you have your way.

Shall I go on, you moron?

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:47PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

gray man| 11.10.12 @ 12:19AM

you really are stupid, none of those were republican talking points - go back to huffington post, retard.

Appleby| 11.8.12 @ 3:57PM

The woman had control of whether or not to have "unprotected" sex, didn't she? Or are you saying women are too stupid to realize that sex is what causes babies? And I believe the congressman who is vilified for his musings on rape meant that the CONCEPTION was God's will, not the RAPE. Oprah was, I believe, a child of rape. You might be surprised at who else was, if you knew.

TSIndiana| 11.11.12 @ 9:31PM

How many young women are ready for sex when their horney boyfriends demand it? Oh I get it...you are perfect, moral, never judge others and are first to line up for the witch hunt. KKK much.

djn1313| 11.8.12 @ 2:11PM

How can hispanics call themselves Catholics or Christians when 79% choose obama over God?

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:31PM

Because YOU are wrong. You really don't get it, do you?

TSIndiana| 11.11.12 @ 9:33PM

You must live in Hell, because you certainly do not have wisdom God can give.

Toinfinityandbeyond| 11.8.12 @ 3:25PM

willard lost, because he is a Mormon Cult member!

JP| 11.8.12 @ 3:44PM

What is ironic is that most religious voters voted for Mitt for economic and or political reasons. But it is the Progressives who have this obession with mixing religion and vaginas (Get your filthy religious hands off my body!).

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 7:33PM

Progressives didn't pass laws to invade a vagina with an ultrasound probe for no medical reason, now did they? You really don't believe in reality do you?
Governor Transvaginal Probe in Virginia learned the hard way - he helped re-elect the President and another Democratic Senator.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 7:47PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

Purp| 11.8.12 @ 8:45PM

Still stupid,aren't you? LOSER.

CJW| 11.8.12 @ 9:07PM

Purpie the Village Idiot

Yes you are a contemptible idiot.

You are consistent. You blamed Ambassador Stevens' death on Stevens, as NICK pointed out. You will say and do anything for Obama. Now you are glad 100 people got killed in Sandy to help Obama's election. Scumbag.

And Falwell or Robertson's idiocy does not excuse yours. Your only defense is that you are stupid and was just repeating the statements of Tingles Matthews that he was glad Sandy happened.

TSIndiana| 11.11.12 @ 9:12PM

Your the reason CJW that the Republicans will continue to alienate more and more citizens...you seem incapable of learning, but return to your hate and racist rants as if they are shared widely (when clearly not).

mymyti | 11.9.12 @ 3:35AM

I confident the Obama will leading us out of the shadows, and we will have a better job. Obama, cheer up!

Catherine Fitzpatrick | 11.9.12 @ 2:34PM

I'm a white church-attending Catholic who voted for Romney. The issues of "the sanctity of life and marriage" would not have been enough for me alone to change my original vote from Obama, because these matters are for the states, and are not going to be decided by a president.

But the issue of religious liberty is up for grabs. ObamaCare's invasion of conscience with the HHS decision is a matter of principle, and doesn't affect only Catholics and evangelicals but all those of faith and all those who merely wish to keep church and state separate and guarantee freedom of conscience.

As for "limited government" this is of less obsession to Democrats, but I'd like to see a breakdown of how many votes Gary Johnson lost for Romney. If he had not existed, would it have made a difference?

Charles Krauthammer is saying in the Washington Post that if the GOP would advocate an amnesty and immigration reforms, they would win over all the Hispanic voters.

I'm not so sure. There are a lot of poor Hispanics, with at best McJobs, who aren't keeping the religion of their parents and who have been segregated by public school "bilinguilism" and still view America with hostility and resentment even if they were born here. Mere amnesties or outreaches or symbolic figures like Rubio will not fix this -- only real opportunities in business that starkly contrast with the dead-end of welfare will make a difference.

TSIndiana| 11.11.12 @ 9:03PM

Wow, hate and racism remains this sites purpose.
Keep it up...it's working soooo well.

More Articles by Mark Tooley

More Articles From The Nation's Pulse

http://spectator.org/archives/2012/11/08/religion-and-voters-in-2012

ADVERTISEMENT

SPONSORED LINKS

FLASHBACK TO: 1995

Clip of the Day

Most Popular Articles

ADVERTISEMENT