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The outspoken Rev. Franklin Graham claimed today that the “majority of Christians” did not vote.
“We know that from of the statistics that I’ve heard that the majority of Christians in this country just did not vote for whatever reason,” he told the Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody. “The vast majority of evangelicals did not go to the polls.” He added, “God is in control, and if Christians are upset, they need to be upset at themselves. We need to do a better job of getting our people- the church to vote. Now, I’m not trying to tell you how to vote, you can vote, but vote, my goodness, and vote for candidates that stand for Biblical values.”
But Graham’s assertion -- and implication that had white Christian evangelicals just showed up in bigger numbers, President Obama would have lost -- is off base.
In fact, white evangelicals/born-again Christians made up the same percentage of the electorate as they did in 2008 – 26%. They voted for Mitt Romney, a devout Mormon, by a wider margin than they did for Sen. John McCain four years ago.
And, they made up a larger share of the electorate in 2012 than in 2004, when the Christian Right supposedly fueled George W. Bush’s reelection. They also voted for Romney with the exact same margin as for Bush in 2004, 78%-21%.
Not to mention, Obama won the 48 percent of the electorate that was Christian and not Protestant or Mormon -- 50%-48% among Catholics (25% of the electorate) and 50%-49% of "Other Christians" (23% of the electorate).
In Ohio, they were 1 point more of the electorate than 2008; in Colorado, 4 points higher; in Iowa, up 7 points; in Nevada, up 2.
White evangelical voters in select swing states
CO: 25%, 76-22 Romney; 2008: 21%, 76-23 McCain
FL: 24%, 79-21 Romney; 2008: 24%, 77-21 McCain
IA: 38%, 64-35 Romney; 2008: 31%, 65-33 McCain
NV: 18%, 69-28 Romney; 2008: 16%, 72-27 McCain
OH: 31%, 69-30 Romney; 2008: 30%, 71-27 McCain
They did decline as a share of the electorate in North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. But the drops in states like North Carolina (Graham’s home state) and Virginia likely have less to do with apathy and more to do with demographic changes – transplants in North Carolina’s Research Triangle and growth in the Washington, D.C., suburbs of Northern Virginia, for example.
The fact is, Virginia and North Carolina are looking less and less like the Old South and more and more like Mid-Atlantic states.
White evangelical voters in the South (where exit polls are available)
MS: 50%, 95-5 Romney; 2008: 46%, 94-6 McCain
AL: 47% , 90-10 Romney; 2008: 47%, 92-8 McCain
NC: 35%, 79-20 Romney; 2008: 44%, 74-25 McCain
VA: 23%, 83-17 Romney; 2008: 28%, 79-20 McCain
Are there Christian evangelicals who did not vote? Certainly. But that’s true every year and of every demographic group.
Evangelicals make up 26 percent of adults in the country, according to a major 2008 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey. They matched that this election.
The U.S. Census says there are more than 311 million people in the United States. If evangelical adults are 26 percent of them, then there would be 80 million potential voters.
So far, 123 million votes have been counted in this election – and that number will get higher by the millions as votes continue to be counted like in 2008. Evangelicals made up 26 percent of them, therefore, about 32 million evangelicals voted – less than half of their population.
But there’s a need for context here: (1) They make up just 14 percent of the registered-voter base in the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll. They outpaced that percentage in the presidential election, (2) This is true every other demographic group in the country as well.
Latinos, for example, according to the U.S. Census, are nearly 17 percent of the country, but only made up 10 percent of the 2012 electorate. They make up just 8 to 9 percent of the registered-voter base of the NBC/WSJ poll.
That would mean just 12 million of the 52 million adult Hispanics voted.
If this was Australia, and the U.S. had compulsory voting, Graham’s argument that evangelicals would have tipped the balance would not hold up very well.
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Defense Exhibit B of why the Republicans are doomed. When these American Taliban Wack-a-doodles start confusing their bibles for law books and hope the rest of us will do the same, and they are writing the Grumpy Old People party agenda, there really is only one party to support.
I suppose all the Latinas and African Americans who voted to re-elect President Barack Obama aren't real Christians in "Reverend" Graham's eyes. What a self-deluded fool.
(and I'm an atheist).
The nonsense spewed forth by those on the right never ceases to amaze me.
Jesus is a certified liberal Franklin, he's the total opposite of you! You are more like Satan in many respects!
The Rev. Franklin Graham is worthy of neither the title "Reverend" nor the name "Graham". He is not his father's son.
Evidently this guy will have a long time before he gets another invitation to the White House; that is if he will ever be invited. Billy Graham is a religious icon and has been an emblem to the stability of religious principles in the White House. He has become a symbol and of course, everyone believes and even does what he says, at times. Now, that does not say if he were to infringe on the Rights of citizens, as probably in the cause of what his son Franklyn seems to be doing, that he would still be loved like he has been loved today. Why cannot the Republicans not pack it in, accept the election defeat and move on? I am saying this because evident the Grahams would have rather seem the Willard Mitt Romney's policies accepted via the voting system other than the one the Barack Hussein Obama implemented four years ago. Clearly that was not the case, for the result speaks. Romney wanted to get rid of the "Obamacare" and the people spoke that he will not have that change. never again. President Obama did not win the election because Christians did not vote. That is the worse one I have heard of all the arguments thrown out there. If that were the case then, there is a strong argument that the United States is a Christian nation, which I do not buy. Yes, it is a nation that happens to have many Christians. We need to remember one thing: that everyone has a vote albeit he or she being Christian and or non-Christian, and the democratic principle surrounding this is you are entitled to vote your conscience. The Grahams are literally throwing president Barack Obama under the bus simply because he endorses Gay and Lesbians marriages. Big deal! Let's see what will happen after four years when a new campaign bus runs around. Many of these individual who are against same sex marriages are probably doing worse things. The are the biggest bigots and religious separatists that this country ever seem. They are only using the pulpits to promote their ideologies. The worst thing about it is they have a quorum--they are getting support from deep-pocketed individuals. I know the election was fair and clear, and I know the American people have seen that it was clear. Imagine it took Florida so many days to produce their result--it was a toss-up state, but he (Barack) did not need it to declare him a winner. What is the matter with these people. Frankly, I like many others have lost faith in there religious fanatics. They are worse then some of these politicians and it's about time they show their true selves... Gays and lesbians are coming out of the closets, so let's see some of these hatemonger, presumed Christians who are only preaching but they are not living the life. Stop hating and love. Be the example that God proclaimed us to be. The election is over, so let's move on--For Christ's sake let's live together... if not at one at least peaceful.
ABOUT FRANKLIN GRAHM’S RANTS ABOUT WHY ROMNEY LOST AND CHRISTIANS WHO DIDN’T
TURN OUT.
FRANKLIN GRAHAM DOES KNOW GOD--he only know the god
of racism, money, and division. What did he say when Romney creating hate and
division? Nothing--because birds of the same feather flock together. What did
he say when Romney was saying all those nasty things against the poor? Nothing!
Instead, he condones assault of the poor by talking about the "left."
If Franklin Graham really knows and understands his Bible, he would have
recognized that Christ was a lefty and a socialist. He was for the poor, the
oppressed, the sick, the naked, prostitutes, the rejects of society. On the
hand, he did not side with the rich and power and Graham and so many evangelical
leaders do today. In his youth, Franklin was a rascal who shot up the
neighborhood. Later, he saw a way of life in becoming a part of a church hierarchy
that exploits the poor by its constant appeal for money and tithes as a means
to receive spiritual service of any kind. You see, evangelicals have made God
expensive--and young people don't want any part of that. They recognize that
you don't need any intermediaries to reach God. That is why the church is
losing its power. The days are past when they ruled in fear, with the likes of
Billy Graham (a man who said and did nothing about racism in Deep South)
wagging his fingers and shouting fire and brimstones. It was mostly and act. You see, Jesus reserved
his greatest condemnation to the religious leaders of his time--and get examples
with many memorable parables like the Good Samaritan. Graham, in my view,
doesn't know Christ and doesn't understand his teaching that fundamentally is a
gospel of love, oneness and unity. He
is a phoney! Christ said, everyone is
your brother; Graham obviously doesn't accept this! During the campaigns, Graham and his father said
pompously that they will help Romney win—that they will “do something about that.”
They lost, big time!!! Do I have to say more about the efficacy of their
prayer and the current reality of social power.
QUOTE "Every once in a while I screw up and leave my tv on............and the 700 club comes on.
Wow, talk about biased. That program is not about religeon, it's about Politics"
Right. And that is why it is time to start taxing those political churches!!! After all... churches are getting a free ride.... or as our Repub friends call it, A HANDOUT!!!
Another post I'd like to thumbs up 20 times. I think I'll write the President and see if we can get the ball rolling on taxing religious/political organizations. I would suggest others do this too.
Oh, the repubs don't consider paying zero tax a handout. Even if you are a multi-billion dollar corporation, paying nothing back to the country is a-ok by them. But if you are a poor working stiff, who lost his job to outsourcing so that the multi-billion dollar corporation who pays zero tax can take advantage of slave labor in some god-forsaken third-world country, and you need foodstamps to feed your children while you get back on your feet? Well, THAT'S a 'handout" and the working stiff is a lazy good-for-nothing leech!
Another "head-in-the-sand" intolerant babble-mouth.
No doubt Franklin would be welcomed to klan meetings and be asked to be a guest speaker.
Moved my post.
Great. Another idiotic church coming up with baseless excuses. It's time all of those churches lose their tax exempt status and start paying their own way.
Franklin Graham is not the man his father is, never has been never will be. He was called out on MSNBC for saying he did not think President Obama was a Christian. Franklin is definitely in the GOP column, and since his guy did not win then those that voted for President Obama must not be Christians.
A reporter once asked Billy Graham what race Jesus was. Billy Graham told the reporter "I don't know but my commons sense tells me that his skin had to have been brown." I bet that just scorches sonny boy's britches
I think Mr. Montanaro should review his article. There might be 311 million people in the US but not that's not the number of eligible voters. What does it take to get a journalism degree these days? One would think they would do a little fact checking.
Hey! Both sides are right. The majority of Christians did not vote, because they NEVER vote!
I am speechless! Wow!
Rev. Graham, I think you are the one who has forgotten what it means to be a Christian! Have you forgotten that Jesus references the need to help the poor, and most vulnerable members of our society numerous times? How can you call yourself a Christian AND support a candidate who has no problem cutting social programs (FOR THE POOR) and pandering to the very rich (in a much circulated video re the 48%)? I am puzzled by your hypocrisy because you have definitely lost your way!
F. Graham, it wasn't because Christians didn't vote that Romney lost. It was because you preached hate, and white, brown, yellow or black, people don't like hatred. Most people also realize that politics and religion should be separate. Religion has nothing whatsoever to do with government, and the sooner you realize this and go about trying to help the sick and poor (for which you were supposedly called to do), you won't have time to dabble your long nose into politics. And another thing, don't you think it's time you quit hanging onto your father's coattails? Get a life.
Another right wing nut case. Remember a few days before the election ole dad said Mormonism was a cult, when he got his hand called he said he misspoke and was sorry.
These nut cases are driving a real wedge between people of faith. The Grahams are no better than Jimmy Bakker or cryin Jimmy Swaggart. It's all a show and for nothing but money.
I don't go to church and I have no plans too. I don't need to associate with idiots like these "preachers" are, and that is using the term loosely.
Evidently this guy, and by this I mean Franklyn Graham, will have a long time before he gets another invitation to the White House; that is if he will ever be invited. Billy Graham is a religious icon and has been an emblem to the stability of religious principles in the White House. He has become a symbol and of course, everyone believes and even does what he says, at times. Now, that does not say if he were to infringe on the Rights of citizens, as probably in the cause of what his son Franklyn seems to be doing, that he would still be loved like he has been loved today. Why cannot the Republicans not pack it in, accept the election defeat and move on? I am saying this because evident the Grahams would have rather seem the Willard Mitt Romney's policies accepted via the voting system other than the one the Barack Hussein Obama implemented four years ago. Clearly that was not the case, for the result speaks. Romney wanted to get rid of the "Obamacare" and the people spoke that he will not have that change. never again. President Obama did not win the election because Christians did not vote. That is the worse one I have heard of all the arguments thrown out there. If that were the case then, there is a strong argument that the United States is a Christian nation, which I do not buy. Yes, it is a nation that happens to have many Christians. We need to remember one thing: that everyone has a vote albeit he or she being Christian and or non-Christian, and the democratic principle surrounding this is you are entitled to vote your conscience. The Grahams are literally throwing president Barack Obama under the bus simply because he endorses Gay and Lesbians marriages. Big deal! Let's see what will happen after four years when a new campaign bus runs around. Many of these individual who are against same sex marriages are probably doing worse things. The are the biggest bigots and religious separatists that this country ever seem. They are only using the pulpits to promote their ideologies. The worst thing about it is they have a quorum--they are getting support from deep-pocketed individuals. I know the election was fair and clear, and I know the American people have seen that it was clear. Imagine it took Florida so many days to produce their result--it was a toss-up state, but he (Barack) did not need it to declare him a winner. What is the matter with these people. Frankly, I like many others have lost faith in there religious fanatics. They are worse then some of these politicians and it's about time they show their true selves... Gays and lesbians are coming out of the closets, so let's see some of these hatemonger, presumed Christians who are only preaching but they are not living the life. Stop hating and love. Be the example that God proclaimed us to be. The election is over, so let's move on--For Christ's sake let's live together... if not as one, let us at least live peaceful.We will not all agree, which is what makes this Democracy so strong. Shame on this Christians though, for he was the last sect that I or anyone expects to heer of see as the big participant in such huge stirring of strife. So far that is precisely what he is doing.
The Rev Billy Graham would at least have the common sense to keep such a view to himself. It's too bad that his son, Franklin, didn't seem to inherit his father's grace and class.
Well for all of you who believe in this invisible person that is suppose to know all, see all, etc. apparently it was decided that Obama was the guy on not Romney. Oh I know maybe you folks didn't pray hard enough. I know how about actually educating your people instead of feeding them B.S. from some fairy tale book. Having been raised and educated in the evangelical system, I know for a fact that most of you are not stupid, however you do use your religion as an excuse to be ignorant and believe that this is o.k. If any of you that actually read your fairy tale book should remember that it was said that "faith without works is nothing." So in the end no whining it's your fault if you did not get your butt off of the pew and go vote is no ones fault but your own.
Most Christians believe in Jesus therefore they are willing to help the poor their fellow man, they are Democrats, you ding dong
I did vote but I voted for Obama. Not like I really care, but I thought he was also a Christian. This is why I stay at home on sundays because of old school dumb asses like this fool. Just look at a picture of of the RNC crowd and then look at a picture of the DNC crowd. RNC picture looks like a picture of old America and the DNC picture is the new America. There is no turning back now which means the republicans better get with the program. And what made this guy think that all Christians were Republicans. No wonder why they lost.
Oh my, what a pathetic conclusion for explaining the loss. I am an Evangelical Christian and I voted for Obama, and wasn't happy about it. The reason the Republicans lost the election is because their platform is not civic-minded, and shows no concern for the communities they live in. I agree with them that our government is wasteful with money, but what do they offer instead besides a gamble that the rich will hire the poor in this country with their tax savings and some really disturbed opinions on rape? Where are the fruits of spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22,23? "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Seriously, as a follower of Christ, I'd like to know why anyone would conclude that the Republican party is more Christ-like than anyone else.
Rev. Franklin Graham charges $7 so you can donate to his scam job shoe box charity, 'Samaritanpurse'. That's just one of the reasons he can live his fancy life style. Hope it makes you gullible Christians feel good because Rev. Franklin Graham is all for himself. Another fake Republican Christian.