Polls & Research

Religion Would Not Win Many Points in U.S.

- Few adults in the United States would be more willing to support a presidential candidate because of his or her religious affiliation, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 26 per cent of respondents would be more likely to vote for a Protestant, while 21 per cent would support a Roman Catholic.

In addition, 16 per cent of respondents would vote for a Jewish presidential contender, 10 per cent would back a member of the Christian Coalition, and nine per cent would elect a Mormon. Support is considerably lower for a Muslim, an Atheist and a Scientologist.

In 2004, Democratic Massachusetts senator John Kerry was the first Catholic presidential nominee since John F. Kennedy in 1960. Republican Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2008, is a Mormon.

The survey also found that 21 per cent of respondents would be more likely to vote for a woman, and 17 per cent would support an African American presidential candidate.

Neither of the two major political parties in the U.S. has ever nominated a woman for president. In 1984, New York congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale's vice-presidential nominee in the Democratic ticket. In 2004, two African Americans—Carol Moseley Braun and Al Sharpton—sought the Democratic presidential nomination.

Republican George W. Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The next presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Polling Data

Over the years there has been debate over whether a presidential candidate's religion is an obstacle or an advantage to getting elected. I'm going to read you some religious affiliations and I'd like you to tell me

whether you think that affiliation would make you more likely to vote for the candidate.

There has also been debate over other characteristics of presidential candidates. For each of the following, please tell me whether you think it would make you more likely to vote for the candidate?