April 25, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States would not see faith as a deterrent for a politician seeking the nation's highest office, according to poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CanWest Global. 64 per cent of respondents say they would be willing to vote for a presidential candidate who was an Evangelical, and 63 per cent would back a Muslim.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States would not see faith as a deterrent for a politician seeking the nation's highest office, according to poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CanWest Global. 64 per cent of respondents say they would be willing to vote for a presidential candidate who was an Evangelical, and 63 per cent would back a Muslim.

U.S. president George W. Bush—a born-again Christian—has referred to the role religion plays in his life on several occasions. During his acceptance speech at the Republican convention in September 2004, Bush said, "I believe that America is called to lead the cause of freedom in a new century (...) because freedom is not America's gift to the world, it is the almighty God's gift to every man and woman in this world."

During his first term, Bush endeavoured to develop faith-based initiatives. The strategy dispenses federal funds to religious and community organizations, which in turn develop assistance programs. The policy has faced criticism for allegedly ignoring the separation between church and state. 52 per cent of respondents say they would vote for an atheist presidential contender.

Polling Data

If a presidential candidate belongs to a political party you like and has many views which you like, would you be willing to vote for such a person if the person is...

An Evangelical	64%
A Muslim	63%
An atheist and does not believe in God	52%

Source: Ipsos-Reid / CanWest Global
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 768 American adults, conducted on Apr. 11 and Apr. 12, 2006. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.