Press Advisory

ADVISORY: Values and Voters

John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and the Role of Religion in Presidential Politics

February 9, 2009, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

WASHINGTON, DC—In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected the first Catholic president of the United States. How did Kennedy approach religion–and what can we learn from his campaign about the role of religion in politics today? Are there parallels between Kennedy’s approach to religion and Obama’s? What role did Catholic and evangelical voters play in both elections? How has the politics of religion changed since 1960? Would Kennedy’s response to his religious critics suffice today? Join E.J. Dionne and Shaun Casey for an illuminating and provocative discussion of Casey’s new book, The Making of a Catholic President: Kennedy vs. Nixon 1960.

Copies of The Making of a Catholic President will be available for sale at the event.

Featured Author:

Shaun Casey, Wesley Theological Seminary

Discussion Moderated by:

E.J. Dionne, Jr., Brookings Institution and Op-Ed Columnist, Washington Post

Introduction by:

Sally Steenland, Center for American Progress

A light lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Click here to RSVP for this event

Location

Center for American Progress 1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20005

Map & Directions Nearest Metro: Blue/Orange Line to McPherson Square or Red Line to Metro Center

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