Grace Thompson
Joe Biden is the second Catholic president in US history, and his faith has been a topic of public interest. While most Americans, including Catholics, are aware of his religious identity, opinions vary on how religious he is and whether his views on abortion should disqualify him from receiving Communion. A slim majority of Catholic Republicans believe his views on abortion should disqualify him, while most Catholic Democrats disagree. Biden's approval rating among Catholic voters has been mixed, with his performance as president being a key factor in their views.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Approval rating among Catholic voters | 46% approve or strongly approve |
| --- | 52% disapprove or strongly disapprove |
| Approval rating among Hispanic Catholics | 50% approve or strongly approve |
| --- | 47% disapprove or strongly disapprove |
| Approval rating among White Catholics | 44% approve or strongly approve |
| --- | 54% disapprove or strongly disapprove |
| Approval rating among African-American Catholics | 90% approve or strongly approve |
| Views on Biden's suitability for Communion | 55% of Catholic Republicans think his views on abortion should disqualify him |
| 87% of Catholic Democrats say he should be allowed to receive the Eucharist | |
| Views on Biden's faith | 63% of Republicans think he is "not too religious" or "not at all religious" |
| 79% of Democrats feel he mentions his faith the right amount | |
| Views on Biden's suitability for a second term | 58% feel he should not run for a second term |
| --- | 22% support a possible re-election bid |
| Views on Biden's handling of inflation | 81% say inflation has impacted them |
| --- | 54% don't have confidence in the Inflation Reduction Act |
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What You'll Learn
Approval ratings among Catholic voters
Joe Biden is the second Catholic president in US history, and his faith is central to how he views the world and conducts his politics. However, Catholic voters are divided in their approval of Biden's performance as president. An EWTN/RealClear poll found that 52% of Catholic voters disapproved of Biden's handling of his job, while 46% approved. There was a notable difference between Hispanic, white, and African-American Catholic voters. 50% of Hispanic Catholics approved of Biden's performance, compared to 44% of white Catholics and 90% of African-American Catholics.
Catholics, like most Americans, have been impacted by inflation, with 81% saying it has affected them. 41% of Catholic voters blame Biden and his administration for inflation, while 32% attribute it to the global slowdown and events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The poll also revealed a decline in support for Biden among Hispanic Catholics, with a majority (54%) lacking confidence in the Inflation Reduction Act to address the issue.
The majority of Catholics (58%) believe Biden should not seek re-election in 2024, with only 22% supporting a second term. These sentiments may be influenced by issues such as abortion, where Biden's stance has been labelled as "single-minded extremism" by some Catholics. The debate over whether Biden's views should disqualify him from receiving Communion in the Catholic Church has highlighted the divide between Catholic Democrats and Republicans. While most Catholic Democrats (87%) believe he should receive Communion, a slim majority of Catholic Republicans (55%) disagree.
Despite the mixed approval ratings, Biden's Catholic faith is well-known, and he has spoken about how his faith shapes his values and politics. Allies have noted that Biden focuses on faith rather than religious doctrine and that his faith is authentic. However, some conservative Catholics have criticised his stance on abortion, and there is a perception among some Republicans that he is a "fake Catholic" or "Catholic in name only."
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Abortion and receiving Communion
Biden's views on abortion have been described as "radical" and "single-minded extremism". He has expressed his desire to make Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that established a woman's right to abortion, the "law of the land". This has led to some Catholic clergy calling for Biden to be denied Communion, with US bishops potentially producing a document on the issue. A slim majority of Catholic Republicans (55%) agree that Biden's views on abortion should disqualify him from receiving Communion.
On the other hand, nearly nine-in-ten Catholic Democrats (87%) believe that Biden should be allowed to receive the Eucharist, and seven-in-ten Catholic Democrats do not think disagreeing with the church on abortion should disqualify Catholic politicians from receiving Communion. Biden himself has stated that he does not think the church will deny him Communion, calling it a "private matter".
The debate over Biden's Communion reflects the partisan divide among Catholics, with Republicans questioning the depth of Biden's faith and calling him a "fake Catholic" or "Catholic in name only". However, it is important to note that most Catholics believe political leaders' stances on abortion should not be an obstacle to receiving Communion.
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Inflation and the economy
Joe Biden is the second Catholic president in US history, after John F. Kennedy. However, Catholic voters are divided in their opinions of him. A 2022 EWTN poll found that 52% disapproved of his performance as president, while 46% approved. A majority of Catholics (58%) felt he should not run for a second term in 2024, while only 22% supported his re-election bid.
A major concern for Catholic voters is the state of the economy and rising inflation. In 2022, inflation in the US hit a 40-year high of 9.1%. Catholic voters ranked inflation and the economy as the most critical issues facing the country, with 81% saying inflation had impacted them. A plurality (41%) blamed Biden and his administration for the inflation, while 32% attributed it to the global slowdown caused by COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Biden administration's stimulus package, enacted in 2021, included policies like the child tax credit and $1,400 checks to qualifying households. While these measures provided economic stimulus, some economists argue that they contributed to inflation by injecting too much money into the economy, leading to increased spending and rising prices. The administration's supporters counter that this spending will kick-start the economy.
Despite strong headline economic growth numbers, stock market records, and GDP growth under Biden, inflation has negatively impacted Americans' financial sentiment. According to the government's consumer price index, inflation was up 20.1% during the first 45 months of Biden's term, compared to 7.1% during Trump's first 45 months. However, it is important to note that Trump's term included the COVID-19 shock, while Biden's growth was concentrated in 2021, slowing in 2022 and 2023.
Catholics are divided in their expectations of the Inflation Reduction Act. A majority of Catholics (54%) express little confidence that it will curb inflation, while 37% are optimistic. Hispanic Catholics, a traditionally Democratic voting bloc, show a decline in support for Biden, with 47% disapproving of his performance. White Catholics express stronger disapproval, with 54% disapproving of his handling of the presidency.
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Education post-pandemic
Catholic voters, like most Americans, have been impacted by rising prices and inflation, with 81% reporting that inflation has affected their personal finances. They also express concern about the state of education, especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns. A majority of Catholics (58%) feel that Biden should not run for a second term, with only 22% supporting a possible re-election bid.
Hispanic Catholics are more supportive of Biden, with 50% approving or strongly approving of his performance, while 47% disapprove or strongly disapprove. White Catholics, on the other hand, strongly disapprove of Biden's job as president (54%), and only 44% approve or strongly approve. Among African-American Catholics, Biden enjoys a very high approval rate of 90%.
The impact of the pandemic on education has been significant. Catholic voters, in particular, are concerned about the state of education, and it is ranked as one of the most critical issues facing the country. As schools and universities resume in-person learning, there are several key areas that require attention to ensure a successful post-pandemic education system.
Firstly, there is a need to address learning loss and inequalities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This includes providing additional support for students who have fallen behind, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Schools and institutions should implement targeted interventions and tutoring programs to help students catch up and fill in any gaps in their learning.
Secondly, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL). Students have experienced various challenges during the pandemic, including social isolation, anxiety, and trauma. Integrating SEL into the curriculum can help students develop essential skills such as emotional management, responsible decision-making, and relationship building. These skills are crucial for their overall well-being and academic success.
Additionally, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in education. Moving forward, it is essential to leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning. This includes incorporating blended learning approaches, utilizing online resources, and providing professional development for teachers to effectively integrate technology into their instruction.
Another critical aspect of post-pandemic education is ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. Schools should continue to implement infection control measures, such as regular handwashing, sanitization, and ventilation improvements. It is also important to address the mental health needs of students and provide support services to help them cope with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.
Finally, there is a need to rebuild and strengthen the connection between schools and communities. Schools should actively engage with parents, caregivers, and community organizations to support students' learning and well-being. By fostering these partnerships, schools can create a network of support that will benefit students both academically and socially.
In conclusion, as the country moves forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the concerns of Catholic voters and all citizens about education is imperative. By focusing on learning recovery, social-emotional support, technology integration, safety, and community engagement, we can create a resilient and equitable education system that meets the needs of all students in the post-pandemic era.
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Religion and politics
Biden's Catholic faith is central to how he views the world and shapes his values and politics. He often speaks about his faith and how it influences his views on racial justice, the treatment of refugees and immigrants, and social doctrine. However, his faith has also been a source of controversy, particularly regarding his stance on abortion. While some Catholics appreciate the way Biden mixes faith with politics, others strongly disagree with his views on abortion, considering them to be "single-minded extremism" and calling for him to be denied Communion.
There is a significant partisan divide among Catholics regarding Biden and his religious beliefs. While most Catholics are aware that Biden shares their religion, Catholic Republicans and Democrats have vastly different views on how religious he is and whether his views on abortion should disqualify him from receiving Communion. A slim majority of Catholic Republicans (55%) believe that Biden's views on abortion should disqualify him from Communion, while almost nine-in-ten Catholic Democrats (87%) disagree. This divide extends to Catholic voters' approval of Biden's job performance, with white Catholics more likely to disapprove (54%) and Hispanic and African-American Catholics more likely to approve (50% and 90%, respectively).
Overall, Biden faces challenges in garnering support among Catholic voters. A majority of Catholics feel that he should not run for a second term, with concerns about inflation and the economy playing a significant role in their disapproval. However, it is important to note that views on Biden's religion and his handling of the presidency are complex and varied among Catholics, reflecting the diverse nature of religious and political beliefs in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
While most Catholics believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, some conservative Catholics have called for Biden to be denied communion because of his stance on abortion. A slim majority of Catholic Republicans (55%) think that Biden’s views about abortion should disqualify him from receiving Communion in the Catholic Church.
Most Catholics are aware that Joe Biden is Catholic. However, there is a partisan divide when it comes to how religious he is. While 79% of Democrats feel that Biden mentions his faith "about the right amount", only 42% of Republicans agree. Some conservative Catholics have called Biden a "fake Catholic" or "Catholic in name only".
A poll conducted by EWTN found that 52% of Catholic voters disapproved of Biden's performance as president, while 46% approved. A majority of Catholics (58%) also felt that Biden should not run for a second term in 2024.
Inflation has impacted 81% of Catholic voters. 41% blame Biden and his administration for it, while 32% blame it on the global slowdown due to COVID-19 or the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A majority of Catholics (54%) do not have confidence that the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce inflation.
