Would you vote for a candidate based only on his or her religion?

Question

Are you one who feels that if so-and-so is of a certain religion, then that alone makes him or her the qualified candidate? What other qualities do you look for in a candidate?

Answer 1

Personally, I think it is more important for the candidate to be open with all religions, even if he/she practices only one in particular. The more he/she believes in everyone's religious freedoms, the more the rest of the country/world can follow suit.

That being said, I don't see anything wrong with a candidate believing in God and praying. Just like I said they should acknowledge other's freedom of religion, we should acknowledge his/hers.

Answer 2

Politics and religion shouldn't be mixed. Anyone who votes for a candidate based on religion shouldn't vote. One must look at the whole platform and everything the candidate believes in.

Look at Bush for example, most if not all evangelicals voted for him because he's one himself. He's a war mongerer and if that's what religion is all about I'm glad I have nothing to do with it.

Answer 3

Siding with religion in politics is everything our founding fathers did not want. It is a recipe for causing anger and division in this country. Did they want to start the United States or the Sectarian States?

A presidential candidate should be chosen by good morals, strong and sound judgement, experience and statesmanship. That is a set of attributes immune to the religious zealots and will keep our country united.

Answer 4

I'm very leery if a candidate uses religion as "proof" of their morality, values and integrity. It is not! On the other hand, if I believe a religious candidate has intelligence, integrity, strength of character and proposes solutions that make sense for the issues that concern me, I would vote for that person. I respect others' religious beliefs, but I think it's in poor taste for one to use their religion for political gain, and reprehensible to imply that their religion gives them a "monopoly on morality".

Answer 5

religion shouldn't count in judging a candidate. I always try to vote for the best candidate and I do not care if this person is a Chritian, Jew or Muslim......although reading theJihad section of the Koran makes me less sure of this statement because Muslims are more disposed toward their religion rather than to their governmnet.

Answer 6

Religion, or lack thereof, is not a defining factor in whomever receives my vote. However, I am highly likely NOT to vote for a particular candidate whose faith and religious duties are the primary basis of devising public policy.

Answer 7

I vote on the basis of two things:

1) the experience and history of a candidate including their voting record and character

2) their stand on the issues I think are important

I do NOT vote based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Answer 8

No, Never.

With all respect to those who would, that is the absolute dumbest premise to chose a leader. Liking the same god, has zero bearing on their ability to run a nation.

I would much rather choose a candidate based upon experience and ability than something superficials as "we like the same guy". It just seems arbitrary and counter productive.

Answer 9

No; I do not use religion as a litmus test. I do use it as a means of viewing character and values, however there have been terrible leaders and terrible people in history of all religions.

I really look for positions, such as on education, the environment, taxes, foreign policy as well as whether the person displays leadership qualities and has good strong moral values.

Answer 10

I think that religion will play a part.

I would not vote for a candidate who's religion advocates violence or evil, or any candidate who is a Jedi Knight.

You cannot imagine the power of the dark side!