PressEthic

Religion in America is a divisive, interesting, engaging topic to discuss. Therefore, it is certainly a valid field for journalistic exploration. Also, it is relevant to discuss this in the context of character, personality and background when covering potential candidates for the highest elected office in the nation. Similar to coverage of John F. Kennedy being a Catholic, however, the danger and the responsibility of the media is to place this issue in its proper context.

Religion holds tremendous sway as an issue in elections, as voting blocks and as a litmus test for candidates holding to party platforms. Religion is a fundamental cornerstone of this nation's heritage. Religious diversity and tolerance will become increasingly important as the immigrant story in the United States turns another page and begins to write a new chapter for this century. Media, for its part, needs to parse out the weight and coverage religion will capture in the upcoming presidential election. Two years is a long time in America, especially in American politics. A lot will happen between the mid-term elections and the election of 2008. Between now and that time, a great deal of what is seen and what perspectives are formed wil hinge on the topical choices major media will make. Religion has already become the rubric of choice, it seems.

I believe intelligent, thoughtful coverage of religion as an aspect of candidate's profiles is the way to explore the significance and importance this issue presents to voters. Very much as religion is either a defining or ancillary aspect of many people's lives, it should be framed as a proper reflection of the candidates own choices and beliefs, not as reactionary coverage to what the press thinks will sell papers or increase hits on their website. Romney, Clinton, McCain and Giuliani have all acknowledged their personal convictions and beliefs on religion and moved on, shouldn't we?