Political Analysts Jumping the Gun? Never.

In a similar manner to what I've been discussing pretty regularly for the past couple weeks, here's an article gently suggesting that the religious vote is not inconsequential for the 2008 election, but only has yet to surface strongly.

Aptly stated, the author Rob Boston explains:

“The election is more than a year off. Although inside-the-Beltway political junkies obsess over every new poll and twist in the horse race, the fact remains that most Americans aren't yet engaged. This includes many Religious Right activists. With the Republican field wide open, it's not surprising that religious conservatives are lining up behind different candidates. The same pattern held true in 1988, 1996 and 2000.”

So, he says, let's be more careful about proclaiming the death of extremely significant political movements.

I'm in complete agreement on this, and my view on Boston's article is that, as one example, the upcoming President will have to address the xenophobic issues currently affecting our nation (see terrorism and immigration, to start). Thus, a uniform, dogmatic "Americanism" as suggested by such religious groups may in fact become more enticing to some. With the intensely evangelical nature of its agenda, I can't imagine the Religious Right would back down from such an opportunity to speak its mind on the subject. In other words, don't pin them down for the count before they've entered the fight.