In a podcast just in time for the upcoming mid-term election in November 2010, Prof. Corwin Smidt — professor of political science at Calvin College and director of the Paul B. Henry Institue for the Study of Christianity and Politics — talks with Tony about the role of religion in the 2008 presidential election.  Prof. Smidt lays out the ways in which religion affects national campaigns.  We then discuss a phenomenon in American politics known as the “God gap,”  wherein highly religious voters (measured by church attendance, prayer habits and/or intensity of belief) have tended to favor Republican candidates over Democrats.  Our conversation focuses then on the 2008 presidential primaries and general election showing how the Democratic Party engaged in outreach efforts to close the God gap.  We take a historical trip through the 2008 primary season and see how religion influenced the prospects of various candidates including Barack Obama, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney.  The controversy over Jeremiah Wright and Romney’s affiliation with the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) is discussed.  Moving on to the general election of 2008, we examine what role religion played, if any, in the contest between John McCain and Barack Obama.  We finish the substantive portion our podcast with some speculation about the upcoming mid-term election with an eye towards whether the NYC mosque controversy or polls showing an increasing number of Americans are confused about President Obama’s faith will have an effect at the polls.  Prof. Smidt also shares his impressions about the role of religion and the tea party movement.  Finally, Prof. Smidt discusses various opportunities available to scholars and graduate students at the Henry Institute.  Recorded: August 30, 2010.

RELATED LINKS

Prof. Corwin Smidt’s website at Calvin College.

Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College (great links for scholars and graduate students).

The Disappearing God Gap? Religion in the 2008 Presidential Election, by Corwin Smidt, Kevin den Dulk, Bryan Froehle, James Penning, Stephen Monsma, and Douglas Koopmannn (Oxford University Press).

Pews, Prayers, and Participation: Religion and Civic Responsibility in America, by Corwin Smidt, Kevin den Dulk, James Penning, Stephen Monsma, and Douglas Koopman (Georgetown University Press).

Mitt Romney’s Faith in America Speech (December 2007) at National Public Radio.

Barack Obama’s Speech on Race (March 2008) at National Public Radio.

The Party Faithful: How and Why Democrats Are Closing the God Gap, by Amy Sullivan (Scribner).

RELATED PODCASTS

Joe Fuiten on Clergy & Politics.

Erik Stanley on Clergy & Free Speech.

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5 Responses to “Corwin Smidt on Religion, Elections and the God Gap”

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