With the “Ready for Hillary” Super PAC already $4 million-strong and the “Correct the Record” research group supporting and defending Clinton in the media, an overwhelming level of support casts optimism on the prospects of a Clinton presidential bid in 2016. However, while some groups are buying bumper stickers and lending their support to the Clinton conversation, others may need more convincing.
According to the spring 2014 Harvard Public Opinion Project poll, Clinton is polling well with key demographics, capturing support from 77 percent of African Americans and 61 percent of Hispanics. However, the data collected demonstrates a salient divide in support for Clinton among religious groups. We can take these numbers to construct a less typical narrative regarding the role of religion in young people’s politics.
Most notably, Clinton is favorable with only 35 percent and unfavorable with 62 percent of Evangelicals. This data challenges the common conception that fewer young people believe religion is important in their lives. The fact that faith can define the party lines that young people toe and the candidates whom they support affirms the power of religion as a political influence, even in the youngest voting blocs.
Should she ultimately declare her candidacy for president, Clinton may need to consider how to engage young voters influenced by religion, a force that will undoubtedly factor into the political landscape of 2016.