Does race and religion influence who you choose as president?

Question

I personally vote based on issues and values not race and religion. In some ways my vote is swayed by religion because I am pro-life and against homosexual marriage and those controversial subjects. I am Christian, and I would be willing to vote for an Islamic president, or an Atheist president, or a black one or an Asian-American one. I am just wondering if you are an atheist, are you more likely to vote for an atheist with different values or a Christian with the same values. Or if you are white, would you vote for a president that had a plan you didn't support, just to avoid having a black president? I don't want anyone to not answer in order to be politically correct, because I do want honest answers, but I hope no one will be outright rude and racist when they answer.

Answer 1

I am going to be honest, not politically correct, but I too would vote for someone based on issues, not race/religion etc. I am a white woman and would vote for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton any day of the week. I am a registered Republican, but I would vote for a Democrat if I felt they would do a better job and ran a better campaign. I admit I am swayed by the way a candidate presents themselves as well. I never vote based on those awful opponent bashing commercials. I am not overly religious, but do hold some values that I feel need to be addressed. I have strong opinions and would vote for someone that addresses the issues I feel are important to our country, not just vote for my party, or race, etc. I really feel that most of the US has become more like myself, open to whatever party, race, etc as long as they get the job done.

Answer 2

Of course religion does. Our morals are mostly based in our religion, whether we pratice Christianity, Catholocism, or Atheism. Like you pointed out your religion sways you against abortion and gay rights. Another person may favor those issues based on their religion. So naturally people favor a canidate who practices the same religion, simply because they can relate better with that canidate. It's not always true, but it is natural.

As for racially, any answer you get is not going to be completely honest. None of us have ever had any choice but white males to vote for. So none of us can say 100% how we would react. I believe I would vote for the best canidate in my eyes. I think it would be wonderful to elect someone other than a white male. I also do not envy the first person to be elected outside of that group. There is so much ignorance in this world that you can almost guarantee the first black, hispanic, or even woman president is going to be a large target for an assassination. It's very sad, but true nonetheless.

I can tell you this... I would not vote for an African american, asian american, mexican american or european american. Only an American. Someone BORN in America. Understand I'm not saying that racially. I don't agree with the practice of hyphenating two continents to label people, unless those people are from two countries. My great grandmother is from Norway, SHE is Norwegian-American. I am not. I have a friend whose parents are from the Phillipines. THEY are phillipino american. HE is not. He and I are both Americans plain and simple. I think erasing those ignorant labels is the first step towards making all Americans truly equal.

Answer 3

For the moment, I'll ignore the fact that I have no real power to choose the President...

Yes, I would vote for a President who held similar values to me.
Their race, religion, and gender wouldn't matter so much as their philosophy and values. It's difficult to say in this age of corrupt, hypocritical leaders who say one thing to get into office and do something completely different once they're there. Personally, I think that if a reasonable candidate-- not a "good" candidate, but just a "reasonable" candidate-- made it into (or near!) the presidential office, that would be a monumental achievement.

Sigh... it's why I'm pretty apathetic about the country's politics.

God bless.

Answer 4

Like yourself I vote issues. I don't generally pay much attention to what religion someone is in politics.
What does the religion they claim to be mean anyway? they may just be saying they are christian good old boy to get votes from that section of society etc..

As far as race goes, or gender even, that has nothing at all to do with it as far as im concerned.
I wish society would quit segretating. And these days minorities segregate themselves when most of us would really like to get past that.
Given that, it would be nice of the minorities had a good role model and I would vote for one.

So no not gender, race, religion, or even party affiliation that gets my vote. I look for what they say they are about and then I look for a track record to back it up because its deeds, not words that really matter.

Answer 5

I would vote on whomever had the same values as me, regardless of race or gender,however,i wouldnt vote for an islamic president,whether it was an arab,white,black,etc.,i am a twenty-two yr. old white male,just so everyone knows,i'm not sure if thats racist or not,but i just cant imaigine putting someone in power that practiced a religion whose elders had declared a holy war on our country..........

Answer 6

No, I vote based on the candidates as people, based on their stance on issues important to me.

Religion affects ones stance on the issues, but I don't assume an evangelical is going to be pro-life and for prayer in public schools simply because of their religion.

Answer 7

Sure it dose ,for the most of the minority who doesn't elect a certain president,when he/she is up for Candidate,99.9 % of the time it has to do with ,race ,colour,and creed,
I personally wouldn't vote for a radical believer of religion ,,I believe religion and politics should not be mixed ,
and i also believe colour and race plays a big part in when it comes to electing a president ,,
I believe a president should represent, be of the same as the majority of the country's population,ie race , colour,and creed,

Answer 8

i did not vote for McCain or Obama, yet faith did not be sure my vote. i trust in seperation of church and state, and the structure. To the guy who stated McCain has an same moral values as Christians, might want to you cheat on and go away your better 1/2 in the adventure that they were disfigured in a motor vehicle twist of destiny? via the undeniable fact that is a few thing your candidate did. seem it up for your self. And the guy who stated partial beginning abortion is merciless even contained when it comes to the mummy's well being, really? Are you kidding me? So its advantageous and dandy with you to easily enable the mummy die if the wearing the newborn might want to reason her to finish that, even with if the youngster does no longer live on both? i do not imagine you may really call your self all that professional-existence except you help the mummy's existence as well.

Answer 9

i vote on the basis of what they stand for and will try to do for the people, religion and race has no influance any more maybe a couple years back but we as people need change.

Answer 10

Not really. But, on second thought, if the candidates religion was of an extremist nature, I might take it into consideration.