Monday, Aug. 31, 2020
The conventions have wrapped, and religion – something we’re told should never mix with politics – was touted by both parties, albeit in different ways.
Democratic nominee Joe Biden has leaned into his faith during the campaign and in his acceptance speech during a convention that highlighted a diversity of faiths.
My roundup from this week's very faith-y Democratic National Convention: Joe Biden’s acceptance speech caps off an unusually faith-filled Democratic National Convention https://t.co/1lNKpOJ0Vr
— Jack Jenkins (@jackmjenkins) August 21, 2020
The Republican convention portrayed religion as being “under attack," and President Trump has groundlessly said Biden is “against God.”
So here's my roundup of how faith played a role at this year's RNC, where speakers invoked religion to take shots at Democrats, appeal to Christian nationalism, and frame faith as something that is under direct assault — with Trump as its protector. https://t.co/qcEyA9YVfg
— Jack Jenkins (@jackmjenkins) August 29, 2020
Trump has been trying to shore up support among evangelical voters, which has been slipping during the pandemic and since his Bible photo-op. Biden believes he has a crack at evangelicals and Catholic voters.
On Politics Monday, how religion has shaped the campaign so far and the campaign to come.
GUESTS
Jack Jenkins, Religion News Service, national reporter; author of “American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country” (@jackmjenkins)
Gerardo Marti, Davidson College, professor of sociology; author of “American Blindspot: Race, Class, Religion and the Trump Presidency” (@praxishabitus)
Lerone A. Martin, John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, associate professor of religion and politics