Presidential Candidates Religion -Issue or no?

[Kacey]

I vote for the candidate as a whole, integrated unit. As others have said, a person's religious convictions and beliefs - and how s/he expresses those convictions and beliefs, and how they affect his/her actions - are considerably more important to me than the faith, or lack thereof, the person professes. I would much rather vote for an atheist who has a proven track record of integrity and moral behavior than a strongly religious person of any persuasion who allows his/her religion to override the rule of law.

 

[Gordon Nore]

At the risk of thread drift, it seems to me that Americans have become more interested in the religious practices of candidates and elected officials. Notwithstanding that JFK's election, as a Roman Catholic, was significant at the time, I get the impression religion was treated as more of a private matter, even when speaking of public figures. Is that a valid observation on my part?

 

[Touch Of Death]

At the risk of thread drift, it seems to me that Americans have become more interested in the religious practices of candidates and elected officials. Notwithstanding that JFK's election, as a Roman Catholic, was significant at the time, I get the impression religion was treated as more of a private matter, even when speaking of public figures. Is that a valid observation on my part?

Its only a private matter unless their oppnents think they can use it against them. Polititions are like MUZAK, they play to the majority.
Sean

 

[Rich Parsons]

I don't consider the religion of a candidate. That being said, often times a candidates religious values reflect on his take (and votes) on various issues. So maybe in a backhanded way, I do occasionally.

It is the candidate that makes his/her religion part of the platform or part of whom they are as a prospective president then it is an issue even if I try to ignore it.