Americano: could the Catholic vote decide the US election?
Oct 17, 2024
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Ryan Girdursky, founder of the 1776 Project PAC and author of the National Populist Newsletter, dives into the complex dynamics of the Catholic vote in U.S. elections. He discusses how this demographic influenced past elections, especially the contrasting preferences of Latino and white Catholics. The talk also touches on the impact of abortion, economic struggles, and cultural identity on voting patterns. Girdursky sheds light on how younger Catholics navigate their faith in the current political landscape, revealing the intricate relationship between religion and politics.
The shifting voting patterns among Catholic demographics show an increasing divide, with white Catholics leaning conservative while Latino Catholics express nuanced dissent towards Democratic policies.
Cultural identity significantly influences Catholic voters' political affiliations, as older Catholics resonate with Biden's identity, while younger Catholics seek more conservative values, revealing an evolving landscape.
Deep dives
The Dynamics of the Catholic Vote
The Catholic vote in the United States is characterized by its diversity, encompassing different demographics such as Latino Catholics and white Catholics, each with distinct voting patterns. Recent trends indicate a shift towards Donald Trump among white Catholics, driven by concerns regarding cultural values and the perceived extremism of the left. In contrast, Latino Catholics are reportedly leaning towards Kamala Harris but are also showing signs of dissent towards the Democratic Party's platform on various issues, including crime. The Catholic voting bloc is significant in swing states, making it a critical demographic in determining electoral outcomes.
Cultural Catholicism and Political Identity
Cultural identity plays a crucial role in the voting behavior of Catholics, particularly in how they connect their faith with political affiliations. Joe Biden's appeal to older Catholics stems from his practical, yet culturally Catholic identity that resonates with many voters who feel a deep sense of belonging to their faith community. However, younger Catholics tend to gravitate towards more conservative values and feel disconnected from the Democratic Party’s current messaging, especially in light of issues like feminism and reproductive rights. As such, the evolving landscape of young believers indicates a potential reshaping of future voting trends based on their quest for identity within a faith context.
Economic Concerns and Social Teachings
Economic conditions have proven to be a more pressing concern for many Catholic voters than the traditional social teachings of the Church. Displacement from factory jobs and feelings of being left behind by globalization have shifted priorities, leading many Catholics to prioritize their financial stability over social justice frameworks. As a result, the conservative economic stance represented by Trump resonates more with working-class Catholics who feel economically vulnerable. The disconnect between their lived experiences and the progressive agendas on issues like immigration further complicates their relationship with the Democratic Party, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional political alliances.
Polling suggests that the Catholic vote helped Trump win in 2016 and helped Biden win in 2020. Biden is also the most church-going president by far. With issues like immigration and abortion high on the agenda for voters, where will the Catholic vote land? And how important is the idea of being culturally Catholic compared with political religiosity?
Ryan Girdursky, founder of the 1776 Project PAC and the National Populist substack - and Catholic - joins Freddy Gray to discuss.
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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