Religions seem to be the center of attention in this term’s presidential campaigns, which include a Mormon and two openly strong Protestant Christians. One of which is Presidential candidate Rick Perry. Born March 4, 1950, Rick Perry has been the Governor of Texas since 2000. He has been the longest serving Governor for the state of Teas. On August 13 of last month, Rick Perry announced that he is running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. Since his campaign started, Rick Perry has received much media attention for many reasons, one being his outward display of his religious beliefs. Kenny Walsh’s article, Rick Perry Brings Religion Back in the GOP (link below), in the U.S News is pretty typical when speaking of Rick Perry and religion, but does a good job introducing Rick Perry on the topic of religion. Arguably the most controversial thing that Perry has done thus far was having a day of Prayer and fasting. Perry seems to be stressing that God comes first and everything is secondary to Him. Especially in times of trouble, he believes that people are lacking God and need to seek Him more. The article notes that some critics go so far to say that Rick Perry violates the notion of separating Church and State.
As Robert Fowler says in his chapter, Religion, Civil Society, and Political Culture, “Some have approached religious involvement with fear or even antagonism” (Fowler 201). Many fear Rick Perry’s strong religious beliefs and author of God, No, Penn Jillette even calls him as acting “crazy”. The center of attention when it comes to Rick Perry and Religion is the Prayer rally that he held. Some are calling this event unconstitutional for violating the Establishment Clause.
Oftentimes, religion can be a deciding factor on whether or not a Presidential candidate is sworn to oath. As Fowler’s chapter notes, Mitt Romney’s last campaign likely ended simply because of his religious outlook. With the attention and criticism on Rick Perry’s religious beliefs, one might foresee this happening to him as well. However, the fact that Rick Perry’s religion happens to be Protestant Christianity can make a big difference. In his book, Religion, Race and the American Presidency, Gaston Espinosa notes that, “Since the mid-1970s, evangelical Protestants have moved from being a relatively passive and largely politically divided bloc of voters, to a relatively engaged, largely unified, and critical voting bloc within the American presidential elections.” (Espinosa 24). The numbers also show that Protestant Christianity has been growing as well as the percentage of those who participate in voting. The fact that Rick Perry is a Christian, as opposed to say a Mormon like Mit Romney, can be a big difference maker in the outcome of Perry’s Presidential campaign as the numbers show that many Americans share their religious beliefs with that of Rick Perry.
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/Ken-Walshs-Washington/2011/08/08/rick-perry-brings-religion-back-into-the-gop-race
Tain, I agree with your analysis of the U.S. News article on Governor Perry. The article focuses Perry campaign bringing religion back into the Presidential race, and I thought you emphasized that point in your analysis. I liked how you made the connections between your article and the readings from class. In particular Fowler's argument that religious involvement in a campaign can lead to its demise, as was the case with Mitt Romney.
ReplyDeleteTain, I enjoyed what you had to say and it is interesting to see the ways Bachmann and Perry intersect in this race. Contrasting the way each are approaching the race is unique as well as the way each is participating in the race and establishing their persona's in the race.
ReplyDeleteFor Perry, he is essentially a media whore. He is "working" the media. He had the prayer and fasting day, as you said, which people saw as his way of showing his devout faith. For Bachmann, her persona in the media is hurting her in that she makes very controversial comments and then won't own up to them. Perry's role in the media will make or break his campaign and Bachmann's role in the media will do the same for her (even though it's not looking too good).
I would love to hear your thoughts on the Bachmann vs. Perry ordeal and the ways each are utilizing religion to their benefit. It seems that Perry will walk the walk while Bachmann will just talk the talk...
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ReplyDeleteGreat analysis. I find it interesting how different political candidates use religion in different ways in order to achieve political goals. Candidates such as Bachmann and Perry are counting on their religious following in order to win votes while candidates such as Mitt Romney are attempting to sidestep the issue all together. It seems as though out of the entire field of possible presidential nominees, Perry has been the most politically calculating in his actions. Entering the process late was a very calculating move that certainly allowed Perry to capture much of the attention in the race. My feeling is that his prayer rally is yet another politically motivated move designed to appeal to a very specific contingency of the Republican party, Evangelicals. In order to maintain his lead over Romney, Perry will be forced to play the religion card and make their difference in religion a political issue. If Perry is able to cast a spotlight on Romney’s Mormon faith, Perry will be in a good position to play on the religious prejudices of the evangelical constituency, giving him the presidential nomination. -Madison Friedman
ReplyDeleteI liked this post a lot Tain. I think it's also important to note that religion can also launch a candidates campaign as is the case with Rick Perry. He gained so much momentum early on in his candidacy because of his well attended national day of prayer. Asking God to help America solve the nation's problems is a really effective way to get a religious base energized. It is also a very effective media strategy.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly got Stephen Colbert's attention.
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/394149/august-08-2011/colbert-super-pac---rick-perry
Personally I think this is an effective strategy for securing a VP slot against President Obama if Romney is the nominee. Romney will need evangelical voters and other religious voters. Perry is also not viewed as polarizing or fanatical as Congresswoman Bachmann. Perry and Romney combined will make a strong ticket.