CNN: Religious Right Not Dead
Frederick Clarkson printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Thu Apr 14, 2011 at 10:37:05 PM EST
CNN Religion Editor Dan Gilgoff in a piece headlined "New abortion laws show Christian Right's continued power" dealt what may be a death-blow to persistent claims The End is Near or that Death Has Come for the Religious Right.  

It would be tempting to say that Gilgoff is reporting the obvious like it is news.  But he is actually bucking an important, and stubborn piece of Inside-The-Beltway conventional wisdom that has distorted our political discourse, reporting, and (for those who do these things), political strategy, for many years.  Gilgoff reports  

So maybe the Christian Right isn't so dead after all.

In fact, the movement that was supposed to have been eclipsed by the fiscally focused Tea Party in recent years and was said to be reeling from the loss of leaders like Jerry Falwell is showing some pretty dramatic signs of life.

In last week's down-to-the-wire budget battle between the White House and Republican leaders, for example, it was a GOP effort to defund Planned Parenthood - a longtime enemy of Christian conservatives - that emerged as a final stumbling block.

And Family Research Council President Tony Perkins says the last time his conservative Christian movement saw so many victories at the state level - where many legislatures are busy passing new abortion restrictions - was in 2004, when more than a dozen states adopted same-sex marriage bans.

At a moment when the Republican Party has reclaimed power in the House, has taken control of most state legislatures, and is set to begin the process of choosing its next presidential nominee, the Christian Right is playing an increasingly influential role in the party.

I recall during the campaign when Tea Partyists sought to portray themselves as small government fiscal conservatives, but a look at the candidates they were backing showed that they overwhelmingly were Religious Righties and that their U.S. Senate candidates were some of the most extreme antiabortion candidates ever to run for high office. One of them, Rand Paul even won.  Unfortunately, many Democrats either didn't notice, or pretended not to notice that the Tea Party comprised the elements we used to call the Religious Right.  The frame obscured the reality and supported the Wishful Thinking wing of the consultantocracy. This continued even after the election result showed the breadth and depth of the Democratic thumping. Later, revisionist thinking emerged, asserting that "abortion reduction" was the stated goal of the president and of the Democratic Party platform, which is false. Abortion reduction via policy at all levels of government has been the principal approach of the antiabortion movement for a generation.  (Short version of the story, here; long footnoted version, here.)

Gilgoff cites recent authoritative polling and expert opinion that shows that the Religious Right and the Tea Party were and are pretty much the same people.  

I am glad that he also forthrightly states what many of us have been saying for a long time.  

... many political experts say that religious conservatives never went anywhere - even if the news media and some quarters of the Republican Party paid them less mind in recent years.



Display:
the claim is so persistent, and apparently endemic Inside the Beltway, that I may now be the one who is guilty of declaring a premature death.

by Frederick Clarkson on Thu Apr 14, 2011 at 11:10:08 PM EST

(Laugh)

This is a bit of badly needed good news.  While it's unlikely that most of the pundits will change their story, at least someone is speaking the truth, and there the off chance that they will actually listen.

Accepting the truth is a different matter.

I'd like to hope that they would also come to recognize the dire threat this country is under, but I'm not holding my breath.

On another blog, they said that 20/20 investigated an "Independent Fundament Baptist" church and girls who were severely abused by the group.  That too is a bit of good news and it's a bit encouraging to see the Pentecostal/dominionist/fundamentalist churches being critically examined.  They've been given a pass for too long.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/pressroom/2011/04/a-religious-sub-cultur e-many-americans-have-never-heard-of-yet-has-thousands-of-churche s-across-the-.html

So at least we're seeing some truth being said in the mainstream press, and getting before the general public.

by ArchaeoBob on Fri Apr 15, 2011 at 09:37:11 AM EST


The first phase the preparation should, theoretically, be uninfluenced by the intended intensity and duration of the sound which is subsequently produced. In fact, however, so quickly are the three phases accomplished that the pianist rarely has capacity to think, in performance, of each phase separately.    best CBD gummies

by hasnainkhatri on Tue May 12, 2020 at 02:42:45 AM EST

Our goal is to introduce a new method based on AI Driven Solutions for the early detection and to improve the diagnostic experience of patients    AI & Bone diagnostics


by hasnainkhatri on Thu May 21, 2020 at 05:07:50 AM EST

Just admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It's so remarkable that I can't afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet!    best CBD oil

by hasnainkhatri on Thu May 21, 2020 at 08:51:12 AM EST

A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Powder coating

by IsaiahJosiah on Sat Jun 13, 2020 at 03:58:51 AM EST

I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. Does CBD do anything for pain?

by IsaiahJosiah on Sat Jun 13, 2020 at 10:04:16 AM EST

We offer an effective and versatile range of solutions for a variety of industries. By tapping into our problem solving potential and applying ingenuity wherever we can, we provide aid where it matters most - protecting your people and your business. That's ingenuity applied.    acrylic sneeze guard


by hasnainkhatri on Mon Jun 15, 2020 at 02:04:40 AM EST

Most of the time I don't make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post!    토토

by hasnainkhatri on Wed Jun 24, 2020 at 04:19:52 AM EST

The deep web and dark web is different than the surface web. You can't find these webpages with the use of search engines, such as Bing and Google. Search engines can't get access to these pages. You will need a special browser to access these websites.    hacker for hire

by hasnainkhatri on Sat Jun 27, 2020 at 03:48:33 AM EST

Persons appreciate shopping for amazing, appealing, fascinating and from time to time attractive aromas for them selves and pertaining to others. This can be executed conveniently along with inexpensively in an on-line perfume shop.    gclub

by hasnainkhatri on Sat Jun 27, 2020 at 05:30:58 AM EST

Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this.     fxgm.com login

by hasnainkhatri on Sat Jun 27, 2020 at 07:53:41 AM EST

A debt of gratitude is in order for posting this information. I simply need to tell you that I simply look at your site and I discover it exceptionally fascinating and educational. I can hardly wait to peruse bunches of your posts.    wonka oil

by hasnainkhatri on Sat Jun 27, 2020 at 08:14:01 AM EST

For a long time me & my friend were searching for informative blogs, but now I am on the right place guys, you have made a room in my heart!    distributor server lenovo visindo global

by hasnainkhatri on Sat Jun 27, 2020 at 10:10:12 AM EST

This is extremely fascinating substance! I have completely delighted in perusing your focuses and have reached the conclusion that you are right about a hefty portion of them. You are extraordinary.    a course in miracles questions and answers

by hasnainkhatri on Mon Jul 06, 2020 at 04:42:51 AM EST

I was impressed with the site that you created, so memotipasi many people to be more advanced, there also kunjugi me, as a comparison    小額借錢

by hasnainkhatri on Tue Jul 07, 2020 at 04:55:05 AM EST

definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog!    マンション貸し出& #12375;

by hasnainkhatri on Tue Jul 07, 2020 at 06:52:10 AM EST

I think this is definitely an amazing project here. So much good will be coming from this project. The ideas and the work behind this will pay off so much.    listamazing product comparsion

by hasnainkhatri on Tue Jul 07, 2020 at 08:08:45 AM EST

Excellent .. Amazing .. I'll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also...I'm happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.    Buy MDMA Online

by hasnainkhatri on Wed Jul 08, 2020 at 04:39:52 AM EST

You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers.    okowatt device

by hasnainkhatri on Sat Jul 11, 2020 at 10:05:27 AM EST

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... T19 antminer

by IsaiahJosiah on Thu Jul 16, 2020 at 07:10:08 AM EST

Glowstone has reinvented the everyday flashlight to be more compact, versatile and functional so it can be easily used for everything from DIY jobs, outdoor adventuring and even scuba diving!    powerful flashlight

by hasnainkhatri on Sun Jul 26, 2020 at 09:08:19 AM EST

789betting We are a website that provides services. Online football betting Online Baccarat Legal gambling website The best football betting website There are many users must here.    แทงบอล เว็บพนันถ&# 3641;กหมาย


by hasnainkhatri on Mon Aug 17, 2020 at 06:55:32 AM EST

Learn about kratom for sale and where to buy the best maeng da kratom capsules for wholesale.     White Maeng Da

by hasnainkhatri on Fri Aug 21, 2020 at 09:40:36 AM EST

This is a great high resolution screen which you have shared for the users. Making a website is not an easy task but managing a good website is really a hard work. As far as this website is concerned, I am very happy.    german website about interim manager

by hasnainkhatri on Fri Aug 21, 2020 at 11:02:09 AM EST

Glowstone has reinvented the everyday flashlight to be more compact, versatile and functional so it can be easily used for everything from DIY jobs, outdoor    Glowstone

by hasnainkhatri on Mon Aug 24, 2020 at 05:48:03 AM EST

Enjoy mini-games at the safety playground and powerball at major sites    안전공원

by hasnainkhatri on Thu Aug 27, 2020 at 02:29:26 AM EST


WWW Talk To Action


Cognitive Dissonance & Dominionism Denial
There is new research on why people are averse to hearing or learning about the views of ideological opponents. Based on evaluation of five......
By Frederick Clarkson (374 comments)
Will the Air Force Do Anything To Rein In Its Dynamic Duo of Gay-Bashing, Misogynistic Bloggers?
"I always get nervous when I see female pastors/chaplains. Here is why everyone should as well: "First, women are not called to be pastors,......
By Chris Rodda (195 comments)
The Legacy of Big Oil
The media is ablaze with the upcoming publication of David Grann's book, Killers of the Flower Moon. The shocking non fiction account of the......
By wilkyjr (110 comments)
Gimme That Old Time Dominionism Denial
Over the years, I have written a great deal here and in other venues about the explicitly theocratic movement called dominionism -- which has......
By Frederick Clarkson (101 comments)
History Advisor to Members of Congress Completely Twists Jefferson's Words to Support Muslim Ban
Pseudo-historian David Barton, best known for his misquoting of our country's founders to promote the notion that America was founded as a Christian nation,......
By Chris Rodda (113 comments)
"Christian Fighter Pilot" Calls First Lesbian Air Force Academy Commandant a Liar
In a new post on his "Christian Fighter Pilot" blog titled "BGen Kristin Goodwin and the USAFA Honor Code," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan......
By Chris Rodda (144 comments)
Catholic Right Leader Unapologetic about Call for 'Death to Liberal Professors' -- UPDATED
Today, Donald Trump appointed C-FAM Executive Vice President Lisa Correnti to the US Delegation To UN Commission On Status Of Women. (C-FAM is a......
By Frederick Clarkson (126 comments)
Controlling Information
     Yesterday I listened to Russ Limbaugh.  Rush advised listeners it would be best that they not listen to CNN,MSNBC, ABC, CBS and......
By wilkyjr (118 comments)
Is Bannon Fifth-Columning the Pope?
In December 2016 I wrote about how White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who likes to flash his Catholic credentials when it comes to......
By Frank Cocozzelli (250 comments)
Ross Douthat's Hackery on the Seemingly Incongruous Alliance of Bannon & Burke
Conservative Catholic writer Ross Douthat has dissembled again. This time, in a February 15, 2017 New York Times op-ed titled The Trump Era's Catholic......
By Frank Cocozzelli (64 comments)
`So-Called Patriots' Attack The Rule Of Law
Every so often, right-wing commentator Pat Buchanan lurches out of the far-right fever swamp where he has resided for the past 50 years to......
By Rob Boston (161 comments)
Bad Faith from Focus on the Family
Here is one from the archives, Feb 12, 2011, that serves as a reminder of how deeply disingenuous people can be. Appeals to seek......
By Frederick Clarkson (176 comments)
The Legacy of George Wallace
"One need not accept any of those views to agree that they had appealed to real concerns of real people, not to mindless, unreasoning......
By wilkyjr (70 comments)
Betsy DeVos's Mudsill View of Public Education
My Talk to Action colleague Rachel Tabachnick has been doing yeoman's work in explaining Betsy DeVos's long-term strategy for decimating universal public education. If......
By Frank Cocozzelli (80 comments)
Prince and DeVos Families at Intersection of Radical Free Market Privatizers and Religious Right
This post from 2011 surfaces important information about President-Elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. -- FC Erik Prince, Brother of Betsy......
By Rachel Tabachnick (218 comments)

Respect for Others? or Political Correctness?
The term "political correctness" as used by Conservatives and Republicans has often puzzled me: what exactly do they mean by it? After reading Chip Berlin's piece here-- http://www.talk2action.org/story/2016/7/21/04356/9417 I thought about what he explained......
MTOLincoln (253 comments)
Fear
What I'm feeling now is fear.  I swear that it seems my nightmares are coming true with this new "president".  I'm also frustrated because so many people are not connecting all the dots! I've......
ArchaeoBob (107 comments)
"America - love it or LEAVE!"
I've been hearing that and similar sentiments fairly frequently in the last few days - far FAR more often than ever before.  Hearing about "consequences for burning the flag (actions) from Trump is chilling!......
ArchaeoBob (211 comments)
"Faked!" Meme
Keep your eyes and ears open for a possible move to try to discredit the people openly opposing Trump and the bigots, especially people who have experienced terrorism from the "Right"  (Christian Terrorism is......
ArchaeoBob (165 comments)
More aggressive proselytizing
My wife told me today of an experience she had this last week, where she was proselytized by a McDonald's employee while in the store. ......
ArchaeoBob (163 comments)
See if you recognize names on this list
This comes from the local newspaper, which was conservative before and took a hard right turn after it was sold. Hint: Sarah Palin's name is on it!  (It's also connected to Trump.) ......
ArchaeoBob (169 comments)
Unions: A Labor Day Discussion
This is a revision of an article which I posted on my personal board and also on Dailykos. I had an interesting discussion on a discussion board concerning Unions. I tried to piece it......
Xulon (156 comments)
Extremely obnoxious protesters at WitchsFest NYC: connected to NAR?
In July of this year, some extremely loud, obnoxious Christian-identified protesters showed up at WitchsFest, an annual Pagan street fair here in NYC.  Here's an account of the protest by Pagan writer Heather Greene......
Diane Vera (130 comments)
Capitalism and the Attack on the Imago Dei
I joined this site today, having been linked here by Crooksandliars' Blog Roundup. I thought I'd put up something I put up previously on my Wordpress blog and also at the DailyKos. As will......
Xulon (329 comments)
History of attitudes towards poverty and the churches.
Jesus is said to have stated that "The Poor will always be with you" and some Christians have used that to refuse to try to help the poor, because "they will always be with......
ArchaeoBob (148 comments)
Alternate economy medical treatment
Dogemperor wrote several times about the alternate economy structure that dominionists have built.  Well, it's actually made the news.  Pretty good article, although it doesn't get into how bad people could be (have been)......
ArchaeoBob (90 comments)
Evidence violence is more common than believed
Think I've been making things up about experiencing Christian Terrorism or exaggerating, or that it was an isolated incident?  I suggest you read this article (linked below in body), which is about our great......
ArchaeoBob (214 comments)

More Diaries...




All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments, posts, stories, and all other content are owned by the authors. Everything else © 2005 Talk to Action, LLC.