First presidential debate mostly neglects faith and religion

First presidential debate mostly neglects faith and religion September 27, 2016

The September 26 debate at Hofstra University was really quite something. If the reality that self-proclaimed billionaire Donald John Trump is the Republican nominee had not quite sunk in yet, well, now you’ve seen it with your own eyes.

Clinton was Clinton. Trump was Trump. Both candidates emphasized jobs, trade, and foreign policy. Neither spoke of their faith (or of America’s “civil religion”) in any meaningful way.

Clinton chided Trump for painting a depressing picture of black communities, citing “the vibrancy of the black church.” She also mentioned welcoming Muslims at one point.

But neither candidate had or took the opportunity to ground their political values or policy preferences in any religious framework.

But don’t despair. We still have two more debates to endure.

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

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