Would you ever vote for an atheist to lead you nation?

[ShaneOfan]

Let's be honest the United States 43 of 43 Presidents have been Christians. There were three who were at best Unitarians but regardless were religious (including Jefferson who damn near every group in the US claims as one of "them"). Pretty much the same for the Prime Ministers of the UK and Australia. And honestly none of that is likely to change any time soon. But would you personally vote for an Atheist? What about a Jew? A Muslim?

[PorkChop]

Don't care about their faith, as long as they do a good job and aren't a dick.

[SKS]

According to FOX News President Obama is a Muslim terrorist, I can't imagine what would happen if an Atheist ran for president. If he/she had good ideas and wasn't corrupt then I would vote for them. Someone's religious views really don't affect me as long as they don't use it to gain an advantage. But this is almost always the case.

[Str8Shooter]

I don't think I would have a problem with it necessarily, as long as I felt they were a good leader and decision maker.

My only concern would be that many countries that they would have to deal with are devout religious nations and having an atheist leader might rub them the wrong way or cause problems for the country as a whole.

[The Legend]

While I have never really cared about the religion of America's leader, I'm not sure I would ever vote for an Atheist for the simple reason that people in that group tend to also have some other pretty radical world views in other areas that I far more often than not don't agree with how to look at the world. If I found an Atheist whose political views were in line with mine I would have no problem voting for them, I just doubt that I could ever find that person.

[Westcoastvibes]

I don't think religion should have anything to do with it. A President should be chosen based upon their moral values and their abilities as a politician, not who they pray to.

[PorkChop]

I'm not sure I would ever vote for an Atheist for the simple reason that people in that group tend to also have some other pretty radical world views in other areas that I far more often than not don't agree with how to look at the world.

If we're talking radical world views, based over the course of history, I'd argue it was the other way round.

[Str8Shooter]

I don't think religion should have anything to do with it. A President should be chosen based upon their moral values and their abilities as a politician, not who they pray to.

The US, especially the south, are incredibly religious and devout in their belief systems. There's no way an atheist would win the Presidency. I actually think a gay President has a better chance of happening.

[blackparade]

I totally would. I'm all for Jesse Ventura running for president in 2016, so yeah, I'd vote for an atheist. I've always wondered about the backlash if/when I run for a public office. I'm an atheist, and people thumb their noses at me when I tell them. It's nothing new, but I'd imagine that I'd lose a shit-ton of votes right off the bat for not being a christian.

[BSM]

Sure, as long as he's got good ideas that would benefit the country. I'm not overly concerned with what someone's religious preference is.

[Taveus]

Atheists are the most distrusted minority in America. While I would vote for one, because I'm an atheist myself, there's a slim-to-none chance that I would ever get the chance.

[prophet]

Yes because to the best of my knowledge faith doesn't really play any part in the world of British Politics. At least not to the extent of it potentially becoming a hurdle. Quite frankly I'd vote for literally anyone at this point as opposed to the four major idiots we're stuck with at the minute in Cameron, Clegg, Milliband and Farage.

[UTK]

I'm not sure I would ever vote for an Atheist for the simple reason that people in that group tend to also have some other pretty radical world views in other areas that I far more often than not don't agree with how to look at the world. .

They do?

[Locke]

We've probably already had at least half a dozen in office already, they just claim otherwise for appearances.

Like someone mentioned earlier, FOX viewers claim Obama's a Muslim.. as if it's supposed to mean something bad.

[CavingSiberian]

I don't vote for people based on the flavor of their religion...
..... I suppose I vote on them based on the character the mass media does the best to portray them to be.

It feels like such a sham these days. You NEVER know who you are really voting for since they all pretend to fence sit to get the largest voting audience...not to mention how big the country is. You can't truly know who you are voting for...only who they want you to think they are or what "faux" news wants you to think they are. Ha ha....

[Everlong]

As Locke said, I'm sure we've already had at least one or two Atheist presidents. Whether you're Christian or not, if you're serious about a big-time political career you're going to have to market yourself as one on a national level. That's just the way it is in the States.

That being said, I'm a fairly religious person myself, but the religion (or lack thereof) of anyone running for president would be a non-issue for me.

[DBSoT]

I would guarantee that some presidents have been atheist, but don't claim it for political reasons. Like everything in life it really depends on the person. It really depends on the extremes of the person. Are they just a person who doesn't believe in God or are they the kind of atheist that spends all their time telling you why your wrong for having a religion. The latter starts to become the same kind of person as the overly religious guy because they start to make decisions that forces an agenda.

[Locke]

Not like it could get much worse. Bazinga

[UTK]

Australia's last prime minister was atheist.

If a candidate reflected your views perfectly, but you wouldn't vote for them because they're an atheist or Muslim, your vote shouldn't count.