Mobilizing the Faith Vote: Ralph Reed’s $62 Million Strategy | 8.25.24
In this episode of the Morning Wire podcast, Ralph Reed from the Faith and Freedom Coalition outlines the organization's ambitious $62 million campaign aimed at mobilizing evangelical and conservative Christian voters for the upcoming election. Reed discusses the central issues that motivate these faith-based voters, such as abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel.
He argues that policy stances take precedence over a candidate's professed faith or identity. Reed characterizes the Democratic ticket's positions as threats to long-held evangelical priorities like pro-life legislation and preserving religious liberties. The episode explores the voter outreach tactics, like door-knocking and distributing voter guides, that Reed believes will effectively energize low-propensity evangelical voters.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 25, 2024 episode of the Morning Wire
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1-Page Summary
Mobilizing the Evangelical Vote
The Faith and Freedom Coalition, according to Ralph Reed, is launching an extensive $62 million voter outreach program including knocking on 10 million doors, making 10 million calls, sending 24 million texts, and distributing voter guides in 113,000 churches. Their goal is to maximize evangelical and conservative Christian turnout through outreach to low-propensity voters.
Democratic Branding Efforts
The Democratic party and media outlets have tried to portray candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as embodying strong Christian faith, highlighting Harris' inspirational status among Black faith leaders and Walz's Lutheran background. However, Reed argues this branding is ineffective.
Policy Over Identity
Reed contends that evangelical and faith-based voters prioritize policy positions over identity politics. He says these voters care more about a candidate's stances on abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel than their professed faith.
Abortion Concerns
Ralph Reed characterizes the Democratic ticket's stance on abortion as morally indefensible. He claims they hold the most extreme pro-abortion position in U.S. history, supporting acts Reed describes as infanticide - a direct assault on the sanctity of life that takes precedence over personal piety.
Supreme Court Fears
Reed expresses alarm that the Democratic ticket wants to expand and reshape the Supreme Court - an attempt to reverse major pro-life decisions like overturning Roe v. Wade. This is seen as a critical threat by evangelicals who resonated with Trump's pro-life stance.
Religious Freedom Under Threat
According to Reed, evangelicals view the Democratic ticket as an unprecedented threat to religious freedom, potentially undoing Supreme Court protections for public religious expression. Their stated intent to remake the court raises fears of invalidating hard-won freedoms.
Supporting Israel
Evangelicals are driven by a biblical mandate to stand with Israel. Reed argues the Democratic approach to Middle East policy, like pressuring Israel into ceasefire agreements, is seen as weakening Israel's self-defense - a morally unjustifiable position to these voters.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Evangelical and conservative Christian voters are not a monolith, and some may prioritize a broader range of issues beyond abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel.
- Voter outreach programs, while extensive, do not guarantee turnout or allegiance to a particular party, as voters' decisions can be influenced by a multitude of factors.
- Branding efforts by the Democratic party to highlight the faith backgrounds of candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz may resonate with some faith-based voters who see their values reflected in these candidates' policies and character.
- The characterization of the Democratic ticket's stance on abortion as "the most extreme pro-abortion position in U.S. history" is subjective and may not account for the nuances in the party's position or the diversity of views among Democrats.
- The concern about expanding and reshaping the Supreme Court is a matter of constitutional debate, and some may argue that court reform could be a legitimate response to concerns about the court's balance or functioning.
- The assertion that the Democratic ticket poses an unprecedented threat to religious freedom may not consider the party's commitment to upholding the First Amendment and protecting the rights of people of all faiths.
- The claim that the Democratic approach to Middle East policy weakens Israel's self-defense could be contested by those who believe in pursuing diplomatic solutions and supporting peace initiatives in the region.
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of policy positions by researching the voting records and public statements of candidates on key issues like abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel. Start by visiting nonpartisan websites such as votesmart.org or congress.gov to get unbiased information on where candidates stand on these issues. This will help you make informed decisions based on policies rather than party affiliation or personal identity.
- Engage in constructive conversations with peers to share and understand different perspectives on the importance of religious freedom and Middle East policy. Use social media platforms or community forums to initiate discussions, ensuring to approach these conversations with respect and an open mind. This can broaden your understanding of why these issues are critical to some voters and can help bridge the gap between differing viewpoints.
- Volunteer with local nonpartisan organizations that focus on educating voters about their rights and the importance of every vote. By helping to organize informational sessions or distributing educational materials, you can contribute to increasing voter turnout and ensuring that voters are well-informed about the issues that matter to them. This is a way to actively participate in the democratic process and encourage others to do the same.
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Mobilizing the evangelical/Christian vote through massive voter outreach efforts
The Faith and Freedom Coalition has launched a comprehensive and ambitious ground game program aimed at greatly increasing voter turnout among evangelical and conservative Christian voters in upcoming elections.
The Faith and Freedom Coalition is launching a comprehensive and ambitious ground game program to turn out evangelical and conservative Christian voters.
The Coalition's program is designed to mobilize evangelical Christians through a massive outreach campaign.
The program involves knocking on 10 million doors of homes with registered evangelical and conservative Christian voters, making 10 million get-out-the-vote calls, sending 24 million get-out-the-vote texts, and distributing voter guides in 113,000 churches.
The Faith and Freedom Coalition plans to spend $62 million on an extensive outreach program designed to ensure that evangelical Christians and other social conservatives turn out to vote. This campaign includes knocking on 10 million doors, making 10 million calls, sending 24 million texts, and distributing voter guides in 113,000 churches.
Additionally, they focus on engaging low propensity voters—individuals who have voted in one or fewer of the last three elections—hoping to change the course of future elections by getting these voters to the polls. The organization also carries out voter registration drives, targeting approximately 25,000 churches to ensure their congregants are ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mobilizing the evangelical/Christian vote through massive voter outreach efforts
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of such a large-scale voter mobilization effort may not translate into the desired electoral outcomes due to a variety of unpredictable factors such as changes in public opinion, the political climate, or opposing campaigns' strategies.
- The focus on evangelical and conservative Christian voters could potentially alienate or overlook other important voter demographics that may also influence election outcomes.
- The substantial financial investment in the campaign raises questions about the influence of money in politics and whether similar resources are available to support civic engagement among other groups.
- The strategy of targeting low propensity voters, while potentially impactful, assumes that these individuals can be persuaded to vote in alignment with the Coalition's values, which may not always be the case.
- The distribution of voter guides in churches blurs the line between religious practice and political advocacy, which could be a point of contention for those who advocate for the separation of church and stat ...
Actionables
- You can amplify your voice by writing opinion pieces for local newspapers or online forums to discuss the importance of voter turnout and civic engagement, highlighting the power of individual votes in close elections.
- By sharing your thoughts in a public space, you encourage others to consider the impact of their participation in elections. For example, if you're passionate about a particular issue, write about how voting can influence policy decisions related to that issue.
- Consider volunteering with a nonpartisan organization that focuses on increasing voter registration and education in your community.
- This allows you to contribute to the democratic process without aligning with a specific political agenda. You could help set up registration booths at community events or assist in creating informative materials that explain how and where to vote.
- Start a social media campaign or group that connects lo ...
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The Democratic party's attempts to brand candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as people of strong Christian faith
In recognition of the influential evangelical vote, the Democratic party and certain media outlets attempt to highlight the Christian faith of candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
The media and some on the left are trying to portray Democratic candidates as having strong Christian faith in an effort to appeal to evangelical and other faith-based voters.
The political left has understood the critical role that evangelical and faith-based voters play in elections. In response, there has been a concerted effort to frame Democratic candidates such as Kamala Harris as embodying strong Christian values. Christianity Today, a publication that speaks directly to the faith community, featured a story on how Harris has been an inspirational figure for Black faith leaders. Meanwhile, legacy media outlets have made a point of underlining Tim Walz's Lutheran background.
However, Ralph Reed argues this branding is ineffective because evangelical and other faith-based voters are more focused on polic ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Democratic party's attempts to brand candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as people of strong Christian faith
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Evangelical and faith-based voters are not a monolithic group and may have diverse views on what constitutes strong Christian values, which could mean that some may indeed find the faith of candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to be an important factor.
- Highlighting a candidate's faith background does not necessarily equate to identity politics; it can also be seen as a way to provide a fuller picture of a candidate's identity and values.
- The effectiveness of branding based on Christian faith might depend on the authenticity of the candidate's faith journey and how it informs their policy positions and actions.
- Ralph Reed's perspective may not capture the entirety of evangelical or faith-based voters' priorities, as there could be a segment of these voters who are influenced by a candidate's personal faith narrative.
- The assumption that policy positions are prioritized over identity politics might oversimplify the complex decision-making process of voters, who often consider a combination of personal values, identity, and policy.
- ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of political candidates by researching their policy positions and voting records to see how they align with your values. Start by visiting nonpartisan websites like VoteSmart.org or Ballotpedia, where you can find objective information on politicians' stances and legislative actions. This will help you make informed decisions based on policies rather than personal identities or faith claims.
- Engage in community discussions to explore how different values, including faith-based ones, impact local and national issues. Join a local community group or an online forum that focuses on political dialogue, ensuring it includes diverse perspectives. Through these conversations, you can better understand the complex relationship between personal beliefs and policy preferences, which can guide your voting decisions.
- Create a personal checklist of key issues that matter ...
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The evangelical community's response to Democratic branding efforts, arguing that policy positions matter more than identity politics
Ralph Reed challenges the notion that evangelical Christians and devout Roman Catholics are influenced by identity politics in their voting behaviors. He clarifies that this voting bloc is driven by policy positions that align with their moral and biblical values, rather than the religious declarations of political candidates.
Evangelical voters are primarily driven by policy positions rather than simply the professed faith of a candidate.
Reed emphasizes that evangelical voters focus on a candidate's stance on critical issues like abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel. He argues that these policy positions often render the Democratic candidates incompatible with the evangelical community's values.
Despite the establishment of groups such as "Evangelicals for Harris," Reed asserts that such groups only represent a small minority within the evangelical community. The majority of evangelicals remain opposed to candidates like Ka ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The evangelical community's response to Democratic branding efforts, arguing that policy positions matter more than identity politics
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Evangelicals, like any other group, are not monolithic, and there may be a diversity of opinions and priorities within the community.
- Some evangelicals may prioritize social justice issues that align more closely with Democratic policies, such as poverty alleviation and racial equality.
- Identity politics can sometimes influence voting behavior, as shared identity may lead to perceived shared values and trust in a candidate.
- The focus on issues like abortion and religious freedom may not fully encapsulate the range of moral and ethical concerns that could guide an evangelical voter's decisions.
- The assertion that voting for certain candidates or abstaining is equivalent to supporting immoral policies oversimplifies complex ethical decision-making in voting.
- The ef ...
Actionables
- You can research and compile a personal guide on policy positions of local candidates to make informed voting decisions. Start by visiting the websites of candidates running for office in your area and note their stances on issues you care about. Create a document or spreadsheet where you list these positions and compare them against your values. This will help you vote in alignment with your priorities.
- Engage in constructive conversations with individuals from different political backgrounds to broaden your understanding of diverse perspectives. Find forums, social media groups, or community gatherings where political discussions take place. Approach these conversations with an open mind and the intention to understand rather than to convince, which can lead to a deeper appreciation of the complexities within political beliefs.
- Volunteer for a c ...
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The policy positions and ideological divides that are driving the voting decisions of evangelical Christians
The voting patterns of evangelical Christians in contemporary politics are being shaped by deep-seated concerns over policies related to abortion, religious freedom, and the state of Israel.
Abortion as a Principal Concern
Ralph Reed characterizes the Harris and Walls ticket as holding what he perceives to be the most inappropriate stance on abortion in U.S. history. According to Reed, these positions represent a moral low point when compared with past judgments such as Dred Scott and Plessy v. Ferguson, with the issue of abortion, up to and including acts labeled as infanticide, seen as a direct threat to the sanctity of life.
Supreme Court and the Sanctity of Life
Reed cites the Democratic platform's support for abortion rights and fears that the ticket's desire to pack the Supreme Court is an attempt to overturn significant decisions like Roe v. Wade. He claims that evangelical voters see criminalization of abortion as a critical issue, one that takes precedence over the personal piety or scriptural knowledge of the candidates, emphasizing that Donald Trump previously resonated with these voters due to his stance on life.
Religious Freedom at Stake
Evangelical voters place a significant amount of importance on preserving religious freedom. The perception among these voters is that the Democratic ticket poses an unprecedented threat to this value.
Implications of Judicial Decisions
The Supreme Court's rulings, such as those protecting the right of individuals like Coach Kennedy to pray with athletes after games, are viewed as victories for religious freedom. These gains are believed to be at risk should the Democratic ticket push forward with plans to reshape the Supreme Court, an action Reed and like-minded voters view with grave concern.
Unwavering Support for Israel
Evangelicals are also driven by what they view as a biblical mandate to stand with Israel, and they interpret the Democratic ticket’s approach to foreign policy in the Middle East as threatening to this commitment ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The policy positions and ideological divides that are driving the voting decisions of evangelical Christians
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Abortion is a complex issue, and many argue that supporting abortion rights is about protecting women's autonomy and health rather than undermining the sanctity of life.
- The concept of religious freedom is broad, and some contend that it should not privilege one set of beliefs over others, especially in a pluralistic society.
- The composition of the Supreme Court should reflect a balance of views, and some argue that adding justices could be a way to ensure a fair and representative judiciary rather than an attempt to push a particular agenda.
- Support for Israel among evangelicals may not always align with the diverse perspectives within Israel or among Jewish people globally, and some argue for a more nuanced approach to Middle Eastern policy.
- The idea of biblical mandates influencing foreign policy is controversial, and some argue that policy shou ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of policy impacts by simulating a policy debate with friends, focusing on topics like abortion, religious freedom, and foreign policy. Gather a group of friends with diverse viewpoints and assign roles to argue for and against certain policies. This will help you explore the complexities of these issues and understand the perspectives that drive voting decisions.
- Start a reading group to explore the historical and cultural significance of Supreme Court decisions related to religious freedom and abortion. Choose books and articles from a variety of perspectives to gain a broader understanding of how these decisions have shaped the political landscape and why they are important to different vo ...
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1-Page Summary- Mobilizing the evangelical/Christian vote through massive voter outreach efforts
- The Democratic party's attempts to brand candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as people of strong Christian faith
- The evangelical community's response to Democratic branding efforts, arguing that policy positions matter more than identity politics
- The policy positions and ideological divides that are driving the voting decisions of evangelical Christians
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