Religious right eyes Biden warily after Trump's good favor
As his administration draws to a close, some of those backers are approaching President-elect Joe Biden with skepticism, but not antagonism. During the Obama administration, Graham attended a conversation Biden convened among faith-based advocates about gun legislation. However, some groups such as Perkins' may find occasional opportunities to work with the Biden administration even while remaining critical of it in their messaging to members and fundraising, according to evangelical writer and analyst Napp Nazworth. Meanwhile, evangelicals outside those most closely associated with Trump already are identifying commonalities where they could partner with Biden. The Trump administration had slashed the refugee target to historic lows.
Biden's bid touts faith, courts even religious conservatives
Democrats are betting on Bidens evident comfort with faith as a powerful point of contrast in his battle against President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)President Donald Trumps appeal to religious conservatives is a cornerstone of his political identity. Biden often talks about the comfort and meaning that hes drawn from faith, said Buttigieg, Bidens primary rival-turned-endorser. Joshua DuBois, who led religious outreach for former President Barack Obama, described the political climate as the perfect storm" for the president. Dickson, a former Republican who declared in 2012 that Im a Democrat because of my evangelical faith, previously worked on religious outreach for the Democratic National Committee and Obamas 2012 campaign.
Abortion foes vent disappointment after Supreme Court ruling
NEW YORK Abortion opponents vented their disappointment and fury on Monday after the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision to strike down a Louisiana law that would have curbed abortion access. The ruling delivered a defeat to anti-abortion activists but could intensify interest in the November election among religious conservatives who are a key part of Trumps base. Once again this ruling underscores the importance of elections, Pavone said in a statement. Russell Moore, president of the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, defended Louisiana's abortion law as placing the most minimal restrictions possible on an abortion industry that insists on laissez-faire for itself and its profits." Religious conservatives also openly lamented that decision, while noting that potential faith-based exemptions could be carved out.
Trump tries religious gestures to hike support amid protests
Trumps religious outreach marked his latest efforts in a series of overtures to mobilize conservative voters of faith, particularly the white evangelical Christians who are among his most loyal supporters. But religious leaders across denominations accused Trump of trying to coopt religion in an attempt to project leadership at a time of deep national strife. Samuel Rodriguez, a Latino evangelical pastor who has advised Trump, said any president holding up the Bible is a powerful image." Is he somehow shaky with the white evangelical community? Rodriguez said of Trump. Robert P. Jones, CEO of the institute, also cited data showing white evangelical voters are shrinking as a share of the U.S. population, meaning Trump needs to overperform among his core religious supporters to win in November.
Trump tries religious gestures to hike support amid protests
He strode through Lafayette Park to the church after authorities forcefully broke up peaceful protests there. Trumps religious outreach marked his latest efforts in a series of overtures to mobilize conservative voters of faith, particularly the white evangelical Christians who are among his most loyal supporters. But religious leaders across denominations accused Trump of trying to coopt religion in an attempt to project leadership at a time of deep national strife. Samuel Rodriguez, a Latino evangelical pastor who has advised Trump, said any president holding up the Bible is a powerful image." Is he somehow shaky with the white evangelical community? Rodriguez said of Trump.