Washington – This time, it may be the Democrats who are getting religion.
Former Sen. John Edwards invoked “my Lord” when asked about moral influences on his life. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., comfortably works in references to his faith at appearances. Even before his presidential candidacy, he gave a well-received speech arguing for a greater role for religion in politics.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., drew notice in the New York press for wearing a cross at some public events.
It’s the leading Republican candidates who, for various reasons, have been reluctant so far to speak too much about faith.
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a twice-divorced Catholic, holds liberal views on abortion and gay rights. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a divorced Episcopalian, has a tense relationship with leaders of the religious right. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is a Mormon, which arouses suspicion among many evangelicals.
“Give the advantage to the Democrats at this point,” said Rich Cizik, a vice president for the National Association of Evangelicals.
Many Democratic political professionals believe the party’s candidates need to do a better a job of connecting with religious voters.
