The Morning Buzz | June 18, 2012

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? What would The Wizard of Oz look like if the Emerald City were in China?

In an op-ed for the New York Times, one Mormon added his voice to the 36% of registered voters who do not believe that the Mormon faith is a Christian religion, declaring that he is “emphatically” not a Christian.

Atheists are speaking out against tax exemptions for religious groups, citing what they say is an unfair policy of subsidizing institutions that only some Americans utilize. According to a professor at the University of Tampa, the U.S. government could be losing as much as $76 billion a year by declining to tax religious groups.

After announcing his decision to stop deporting younger illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, President Obama is receiving praise from evangelical leaders. The policy change could also snag him some support among Latinos, a much-coveted demographic.

If the Supreme Court overturns Obamacare, what will be the White House’s next steps? Congressional Democrats say they’re getting virtually no guidance from the administration about what to do if the court strikes down part or all of the legislation.

Romney is appealing to Christian groups by attacking President Obama’s policies on Israel. These criticisms may not carry much weight with Jewish voters, however: earlier this spring, only 4% of American Jews said that their number-one issue for the 2012 election was Israel.

Glenn Beck says he wants to take down “Glee.” Who will triumph?

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