Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States is an exciting time not only for American Catholics but also for the candidates in the upcoming election as both parties look to gain the Catholic vote. Although more Catholics identify themselves as Republicans, their values and belief system fall in both ends of the spectrum. Pope Benedict himself identifies with the Republican Party on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. However his viewpoints drastically differ in regards to Iraq and the death penalty. Also the Catholic faith encourages helping others, which is sometimes possible through Democratic welfare and health care initiatives.
According to an article in the New York Times, both Republican and Democratic committees are allocating substantial resources to win the Catholic vote. The voting block could be considered a swing vote, as Catholics have voted for Kennedy and Clinton but also Regan and Bush. Although it may appear that Catholics prefer John McCain, there are numbers that support Hilary Clinton, yet Barack Obama falls far behind the other two candidates.
One can conclude that the effort from all candidates to attract Catholic voters is strategic. The vote can go to either candidate because American Catholics are a very diverse group ranging from Conservative upper-middle class professionals to new Hispanic immigrants.
According to an article in the New York Times, both Republican and Democratic committees are allocating substantial resources to win the Catholic vote. The voting block could be considered a swing vote, as Catholics have voted for Kennedy and Clinton but also Regan and Bush. Although it may appear that Catholics prefer John McCain, there are numbers that support Hilary Clinton, yet Barack Obama falls far behind the other two candidates.
One can conclude that the effort from all candidates to attract Catholic voters is strategic. The vote can go to either candidate because American Catholics are a very diverse group ranging from Conservative upper-middle class professionals to new Hispanic immigrants.
No comments:
Post a Comment