Growing Acceptance of Atheists in the US, Would you vote for an Atheist?

[pefjr]

More Than 50% of Americans Would Vote for an Atheist Presidential Candidate — But Would You?

Traditionally, religious values have been a major factor in Americans’ selection of presidential candidates. For better or for worse, personal faith plays a major role in how well a candidate relates to the public and, subsequently, how successful he or she is at the polls. But there’s evidence that this dynamic may be changing. According to a new poll released by Gallup last week, 54 percent of Americans are now willing to vote for an atheistpresidential candidate.

atheist

While this proportion is still relatively low, it marks a major change in thinking about faith and values. Consider that in 1958, only 18 percent of Americans said they’ve vote for a secularist. Over the past five decades, we’ve seen steady growth, though, with more than half of Americans now reporting the same.

(Related: Blaze Exclusive: Atheist Activist Answers Your Questions About ‘Repulsive’ Bible Scriptures & the 10 Commandments)

Interestingly, gays have experienced a similar uptick in potential support, with only 26 percent saying they’d votefor a homosexual presidential candidate in 1978 and 68 percent saying the same in 2012. Other groups, too, have experienced increasing support. Only 33 percent of the nation was willing to vote for a woman in 1937 — a proportion that now stands at 95 percent.

atheist

As for atheists, the growth seems a bit slower than with other minority groups (although Muslims, too, experience a similarly poor showing). Also, it’s important to note that non-believers still account for the smallest percentage of potential presidential support when juxtaposed against women, gays, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and African Americans. Also, another important indicator of cautiousness and distrust on the part of the U.S. public can be seen among those who would not be willing to vote for atheists — a startling 43 percent.

The breakdown along party lines is intriguing to see as well, as Republicans are far less likely than Democrats to embrace secular candidates. On the flip side, young people are more likely to embrace non-believing candidates.

atheist

Gallup has more about the partisan and age breakdowns:

Americans of all political party affiliations are nearly unanimous in saying they would vote for a black, female, Catholic, Hispanic, or Jewish president. Democrats are significantly more likely than Republicans to say they would vote for a presidential candidate who is gay, Muslim, or an atheist. Republicans, in turn, are more likely to say they would vote for a Mormon.
Republicans’ willingness to vote for a Mormon for president is higher this year, likely because their presidential candidate is of the Mormon faith. [...]
Gallup also finds wide differences in support for various presidential candidates by age. At least seven in 10 young adults, those under age 30, would vote for a presidential candidate of any background. However, fewer than half of senior citizens would vote for a candidate who is gay, an atheist, or Muslim.

Overall, there was a more even split among Americans in 2011 when it came to voting for an atheist presidential candidate. While 49 percent said that they wouldn’t choose a secular prospect, an additional 49 percent said they would (three percent were unsure).
Atheists may certainly continue to make gains when it comes to acceptance and support, but it may come, as we’ve seen thus far, at a slower rate. After all, people are cautious about non-believers and their worldview, as evidenced by a 2011 study that found that atheists are trusted at around the same level as rapists (a surprising revelation, to say the least.
Would you be willing to vote for an atheist for president? Take the poll and let us know below:

Would you vote for an atheist presidential candidate?
This Gallup poll was conducted from June 7-10, 2012, with a random sample of 1,004 adults (age 18 and older) from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The margin of error, with 95 percent confidence, is +/- 4 percentage points.

Interesting that only 80 % would vote for a mormon, giving Bo a huge advantage.

[Kevin T]

Jeebezeus H Christos on a Cracker, I most certainly would vote for an Atheist

[Donn]

Arthritics have just as much right as anyone to be President.

[The Bigfella]

Why does a country that gained its strength through immigration, prevent immigrants from becoming president?

[RonW]

Why does a country that gained its strength through immigration, prevent immigrants from becoming president?

We don't, in fact we have dropped all qualifications altogether as a requirement, even place of birth.........

[Rich Jones]

It all depends. I don't like religion to influence politics. If a candidate were a simple atheist, I'd hope I wouldn't have a problem.
But, it's my belief that most atheists are very anti-religion. They despise religion and I fear that might lead to persecusion. That, I could not abide in a political leader.

[2MeterTroll]

yep and i would laugh as the politics peeled the church out of the white house. I am sure we would get to hear a long tired litany about how the world is making war on religion and how not letting the giddions into hotels is a show that there is active persecution.

keep your religion to your self and your symbols out of politics. worst thing we have i the elected officials swearing on a bible. they should be swearing on a constitution.

[wardd]

if a kenyan moslim can be prez so can an atheist

[Glen Longino]

..."most atheists are very anti-religion..."...

Maybe so, Richard, but most religious people are very anti-atheist.
Have you not noticed that the focus of most religions is to either rehabilitate all atheists or send them to Hell as soon as possible?

[Chip-skiff]

I'd rather vote for a decent person who has no religious belief than the bellowing, vaunting mob of self-designated Christians we've got now.

[Lew Barrett]

I suspect we have more atheists in office than anybody might imagine. Admitting to holding such beliefs is another story entirely. On balance, it has not been the religious who have needed to worry about the atheists. Quite the contrary.

[Donn]

I suspect we have more atheists in office than anybody might imagine. Admitting to holding such beliefs is another story entirely.

When an Atheist 'comes out,' what do they come out of?

[pefjr]

When an Atheist 'comes out,' what do they come out of?

The womb.

[bobbys]

I suppose a Asiatic would be just as good as a Politician that all of a sudden goes to Church on a Sunday with a film crew before a election.

[wardd]

I suppose a Asiatic would be just as good as a Politician that all of a sudden goes to Church on a Sunday with a film crew before a election.

????

[elf]

Religion is a disease of the human spirit, an admission of failure to believe in oneself, and a willingness to cling to myths as infantile as Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.

I would vastly prefer to have an adult to vote for, than someone still clinging to childish fantasies like those.

[Glen Longino]

The womb.

Heheh!
Without any help from any gods!!!!!!

[AussieBarney]

If Aussie politicians carried on like yours do, I would not vote for someone whose policies and decisions are driven by christianity and it's teachings. Apart from the ten commandents there is very little in that creed that excites me at all. And yes I have studied the bible. I was under the influence of The Jesusits for most of my formative years.

[Glen Longino]

I suppose a Asiatic would be just as good as a Politician that all of a sudden goes to Church on a Sunday with a film crew before a election.

Translation:
Duh...where am I?
What am I doing here?
Anybody got a dime?
Is that you, Lord?
Aw, hell, it's only Glen!

[Lew Barrett]

When an Atheist 'comes out,' what do they come out of?

The womb.

Or the aether?

Truth is, there's very little incentive for an atheist to come out in politics, which is why so vanishingly few do. Even in business, it's usually best to keep your yap shut about such beliefs. At least, that was my (unscientific) conclusion.

[elf]

If Aussie politicians carried on like yours do, I would not vote for someone whose policies and decisions are driven by christianity and it's teachings. Apart from the ten commandents there is very little in that creed that excites me at all. And yes I have studied the bible. I was under the influence of The Jesusits for most of my formative years.

The 10 commandments didn't come from Jesus. They're not properly Christian.

[bobbys]

Translation:
Duh...where am I?
What am I doing here?
Anybody got a dime?
Is that you, Lord?
Aw, hell, it's only Glen!

.

You still have my vote Glenn!.

Why your my Fav Commie anesthetic pinko !

[Glen Longino]

.

You still have my vote Glenn!.

Why your my Fav Commie anesthetic pinko !

I'm moved bobbbyss!
Your my Fav Fundamentalistic Troglodytic John Bircher Oligarchist!

[RonW]

Just curious, but was wondering if any one had one of them thar pie charts that show what percentage of atheists are gay/lesbian as it would see to me that the 2 kinda goes together..

[Shang]

Would you vote for some snorting, Gawd's On Mah Side, An We Say To Hell Wiff Yo, fundamentalist holy roller, whose last intelligent thought was to have his burger super-sized?

Or might you prefer a candidate whose religious beliefs were humane and at least marginally acceptable to Christians, Jews, Muslims , Buddhists, Mormons, atheistics, and even a few fundamentalists--but not exclusive to any one of these?

[David G]

Though my wife is a minister, I don't believe that the churched have any monopoly on brains, morality, spiritual awareness, self awareness, or leadership skills. I would have no problem at all voting for an Atheist.

[hokiefan]

It all depends. I don't like religion to influence politics. If a candidate were a simple atheist, I'd hope I wouldn't have a problem.
But, it's my belief that most atheists are very anti-religion. They despise religion and I fear that might lead to persecusion. That, I could not abide in a political leader.

..."most atheists are very anti-religion..."...

Maybe so, Richard, but most religious people are very anti-atheist.
Have you not noticed that the focus of most religions is to either rehabilitate all atheists or send them to Hell as soon as possible?

Religion is a disease of the human spirit, an admission of failure to believe in oneself, and a willingness to cling to myths as infantile as Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.

I would vastly prefer to have an adult to vote for, than someone still clinging to childish fantasies like those.

Wow! A lot of amazingly good people, including many in this community, were just thrown under the bus.

Bobby

[Glen Longino]

Just curious, but was wondering if any one had one of them thar pie charts that show what percentage of atheists are gay/lesbian as it would see to me that the 2 kinda goes together..

Eight(8)percent.
About the same percentage as Fundamental Troglodytic Bigots, like you!
Are you a lesbian?
C'mon....out of the closet with you!

[Mrleft8]

The 10 condiments is what I always go for at the TGIF salad bar......
But to answer the question..... Of course I'd vote for an atheist.... I'd vote for a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Pastafarian, a Wiccan, a Druid, a Entymologist for cryin' out loud..... Who cares about all that?.... As long as they can do the best job of the people to choose from...... Hell.... I'd even vote for another Texan, if they were worthy..... Not that that's likely in my lifetime, but, still.......

[elf]

Wow! A lot of amazingly good people, including many in this community, were just thrown under the bus.

Bobby

I never implied that childish people couldn't be good. Nor did I throw anyone under a bus. I just said I'd rather have an adult who's not gullible as President.

[RonW]

. I'd vote for a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Pastafarian, a Wiccan, a Druid, a Entymologist for cryin' out loud.....

I would consider (briefly) voting for an atheists, but under no circumstance could I ever vote for a Muslim.............

[wardd]

I never implied that childish people couldn't be good. Nor did I throw anyone under a bus. I just said I'd rather have an adult who's not gullible as President.

and romney would rather have a gullible electorate

[Glen Longino]

I would consider (briefly) voting for an atheists, but under no circumstance could I ever vote for a Muslim.............

Is anybody surprised by this heartfelt admission?
No?
I figgered!

[Steve McMahon]

I would consider (briefly) voting for an atheists, but under no circumstance could I ever vote for a Muslim.............

I would have never guessed. Shocking.

[Arizona Bay]

Sure.... but a Dervish might be more interesting.

[Lew Barrett]

Just curious, but was wondering if any one had one of them thar pie charts that show what percentage of atheists are gay/lesbian as it would see to me that the 2 kinda goes together..

Funny, I always thought it was old, fat, white Republican guys (and gayness) that were the secret combination.

[Dan McCosh]

Question isn't what religion, or lack, but how fanatical.

[Lew Barrett]

Bingo. What I don't want in office is anybody who feels compelled to convince me that his "faith" is the only path.

[Paul Pless]

The 10 commandments didn't come from Jesus. They're not properly Christian.

old testament versus new testament

[Paul Pless]

Religion is a disease of the human spirit, an admission of failure to believe in oneself, and a willingness to cling to myths as infantile as Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.

Wow! A lot of amazingly good people, including many in this community, were just thrown under the bus.

Bobby

Emily spews so much ignorance and so much hate so often why would you give this bit any more credence than most anything else she posts here. . .

[David G]

I'd be favorably inclined toward a Druid.

[John Smith]

It all depends. I don't like religion to influence politics. If a candidate were a simple atheist, I'd hope I wouldn't have a problem.
But, it's my belief that most atheists are very anti-religion. They despise religion and I fear that might lead to persecusion. That, I could not abide in a political leader.

I think most atheists would follow the first amendment, and would veto any legislation designed to impose religious beliefs onto other via legislation. I'd prefer atheists in office.

I'd also prefer atheists on a jury.

Congress begins every day with a prayer: how's that working?

[John Smith]

..."most atheists are very anti-religion..."...

Maybe so, Richard, but most religious people are very anti-atheist.
Have you not noticed that the focus of most religions is to either rehabilitate all atheists or send them to Hell as soon as possible?

Most religious people are anti- people of other religions. Atheists pretty much just ask you to practice YOUR religion, but let others practice theirs, and let those who don't believe simply not believe.

Look at some of the leaders in the world that thought they were doing God's work.

[Glen Longino]

Emily spews so much ignorance and so much hate so often why would you give this bit any more credence than most anything else she posts here. . .

Bullshyte!
Emily has not spewed half the hate in the last year as bobbys or RonW spew in a single post!

[skuthorp]

Satire is not a lost art in the US after all, so many good self-satirical posts here...................... The professionals will be quaking in their boots.

[Paul Pless]

Bullshyte!
Emily has not spewed half the hate in the last year as bobbys or RonW spew in a single post!

Does the phrase, "Damned by faint praise." mean anything to you?

[Captain Intrepid]

Religion is a disease of the human spirit, an admission of failure to believe in oneself, and a willingness to cling to myths as infantile as Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.

I would vastly prefer to have an adult to vote for, than someone still clinging to childish fantasies like those.

I would consider (briefly) voting for an atheists, but under no circumstance could I ever vote for a Muslim.............

Two ugly sides to the same coin.

[Glen Longino]

Does the phrase, "Damned by faint praise." mean anything to you?

Heheh! Perhaps!

[Gerarddm]

Of course I'd vote for an atheist. Jeesh.

[bobbys]

Bullshyte!
Emily has not spewed half the hate in the last year as bobbys or RonW spew in a single post!

.

Thats very hurtfull Now Im going to my safe place where you cannot hurt me, Just to show you im a bigger man then you I shall not respond in the same hurtfull fashion.














You Poo poo face!