Literature Review
Religion and Politics in American National Elections
In a country where the concept of democracy, freethinking, and secular ideals are embraced and deeply embedded into its constitution, establishing a separation of church and state. Yet, religion strives. And presidential candidate’ religious affiliation continues to be a prevalent phenomenon, particularly in national elections. This perpetual phenomenon of religion and politics in America has been able to shape American politics and set the tone in which American citizens vote to select their leaders. Hence, this essay will examine the role of religion in American political discourse. Giving special attention to the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. I begin by examining the problems John F. Kennedy faced as the first Roman Catholic to be elected president. I then turned to the recent presidential election of 2012, looking at the extent
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Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic candidate for president whose candidacy marked the turning point in the relationship between religion and presidential political affairs. He was famously known for saying in his Sept, 12, 1960 speech that “I am not the Catholic candidate for president. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for President who happens also to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters – and the church does not speak for me” (Kennedy, 1960). Refuting the notion that if elected president he would use his presidency to reaffirm his Roman Catholic faith and received orders from the Pope. Though all these fears of Kennedy’s Roman Catholic faith were neutralized during his campaign, however, it showed us that the religion of a candidate does matter and plays a significant role in citizens voting patterns. Thus, reestablishing the relationship between religion and politics. This relationship also limits both the candidate’s pursuits for the presidency and influences how voters make their decisions in the voting