The PRRI Blog
Faith, Politics and Herman Cain
At this point, there doesn’t seem to be much about Mitt Romney’s Mormon background that hasn’t been exhaustively picked over by the media. The same is true to a lesser extent of Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann; the two former Republican front-runners sparked controversy late in the summer for their alleged links to Dominionism, an extreme Christian theological movement. Bachmann was profiled in The New York Times and The New… more
The Morning Buzz | October 24, 2011
Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Your first fact to mull over this morning: guess what’s the latest “lucrative business opportunity for small-time criminals?” Cheese theft. At Time’s Swampland blog, Amy Sullivan probes what it means when Americans say that they want a religious president. Given… more
Herman Cain on Abortion: Pro-Life, Pro-Choice or Both?
Earlier this week, Herman Cain thoroughly mystified bloggers and pundits alike when, during an interview with Piers Morgan of CNN, he said that if a woman became pregnant as a result of rape, the situation “ultimately gets down to a choice that that family or that mother has to make.” When asked to clarify his remarks, Cain immediately found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place. His aversion… more
The Morning Buzz | October 21, 2011
Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Educate me, please: has anyone actually had their car vandalized on Halloween? I’m not convinced that this is a serious problem, but if you wake up on November 1 to discover that you are a victim of Halloween prankery, here… more
Is it Wrong to Celebrate Moammar Gaddafi’s Death?
After a morning of uncertain and contradictory news, Libyan former dictator Moammar Gaddafi was confirmed dead. According to Abdulrahman Busin, the military liaison to Libya’s transitional government, Gaddafi was injured and captured by revolutionaries as he attempted to escape an attack on Sirte, his home town. Spontaneous celebrations erupted in Sirte and other parts of Libya as the news of Gaddafi’s death spread. The dictator ruled the country for 42… more
Voice of America | Romney Faces Political Challenge Over Religion
Our research director, Daniel Cox, is featured in a recent report from Voice of America, on the recent controversy over Mitt Romney’s faith. Watch below!
The Morning Buzz | October 20, 2011
Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? As you begin your day, take a moment to write down some recipes from the 1933 edition of the Congressional Cookbook. The next time you entertain, you could whip up a tray of “yum-yum gems” or try your hand at… more
Romney Finds Himself on Friendly Turf with Nevada Debate Audience
In the aftermath of last night’s GOP debate in Nevada, commentators noted that the audience seemed unusually friendly to Romney. In one instance the audience loudly expressed their disapproval for evangelical pastor Robert Jeffress’ claims that Mormonism is a cult. The audience also cheered Romney when he chastised Perry for refusing to repudiate Jeffress’ comments and, according to Talking Points Memo, “booed Perry and Santorum when they brought out the… more
The Morning Buzz | October 19, 2011
Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Before you do anything else this morning, ask yourself: do you want lips that feel as smooth as butter? Paula Deen’s new lip gloss can help with that. Your mouth may also smell and taste like butter, but we’ve all… more
Tea Party “Anthem” Highlights the Movement’s Christian Identity
If you haven’t heard it, give Krista Branch’s “I am America” a listen. According to ABC’s Huma Khan, the song is being heralded as the Tea Party’s “anthem,” and like most good sacred songs, it reveals quite a bit about the movement that has embraced it. In this case, what’s notable about “I am America” is its strong religious theme, signaling the importance of religion to the Tea Party movement…. more