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Tim ReidyJuly 18, 2008

Check out TNR today for America blogger Michael Sean Winter’s take on the Catholic vote and how it may hurt, or help,  Barack Obama:

Barack Obama has a Catholic problem. While Catholics constitute only 23 percent of the nation’s population, their numbers are higher in such critical states as Nevada, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. And he lost badly among those voters this winter and spring.

(snip)

In 2008, with all the focus on the economy, Catholics are ripe for Obama to pick if he can master the distinctive ways they view economic issues. Unlike the gloom-and-doom preaching of Calvin’s heirs, Catholicism has a more positive take on the possibilities of human culture and politics that would fit Obama’s politics of hope nicely. And unlike the disconnected, valueless recipes for economic policy that have plagued previous Democratic campaigns, Obama can unite his policies into a moral vision for where he wants to lead America.

Tim Reidy

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15 years 9 months ago
I just read it. I also noticed that the obvious problems he has are left out. However from a pure secualr political point of view of getting votes I suppose it's good advice. This is Obama Catholic's problem and perhaps one might want to add the words of Pope Benedict just yesterday at World Youth Day "and the elderly, immigrants and the voiceless, have in our societies. How can it be that domestic violence torments so many mothers and children? How can it be that the most wondrous and sacred human space – the womb – has become a place of unutterable violence My dear friends, God’s creation is one and it is good. The concerns for non-violence, sustainable development, justice and peace, and care for our environment are of vital importance for humanity. They cannot, however, be understood apart from a profound reflection upon the innate dignity of every human life from conception to natural death" THink that last line shows Obama Catholic problem if one looks beyond the political numbers game I know that according to the Catholic for the Common Good and Catholics United that are engaged in the "new kind of politics" , devoid of "partisanship" (please see America Pod cast on this) except when it involves email smear campigns against Republican (See yesterdays news as to Catholic United and Deal Hudson) that these are wedge issue. However I will stick with Holy Father. But you make good points. Perhaops Obama can sell it.
15 years 9 months ago
Obama's Catholic problem is that most Catholics, like other loyal Americans, know the difference between a war hero and a surrender monkey.
15 years 9 months ago
It's a shame to see a magazine like America captured by demagogues who go one about "valueless recipes for economic policy that have plagued previous Democratic campaigns." It's not as if the Republicans have not taken cultural Catholics and most of their unthinking clergy for a ride on abortion. Nor is it as if these right-wing Catholics who can't wait for pro-life marches have been also out there fighting for the lives of the born. But then, what can we expect from a magazine that has been censored at the behest of a former Hitler youth?
15 years 9 months ago
''While Catholics constitute only 23 percent of the nation's population''. Only 23% of the population? I don't know how many Catholics are of voting age. However, it is worth considering that if we Catholics voted based on the real tenets of our Faith, as a powerful block of voters we can have a wholesome impact on who gets elected, or not, and on legislation affecting such important matters as the dignity of live, marriage only between a man and a woman, immigration, etc. And all for the greater glory of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the good of everyone in our country.

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