Benedict XVI and His Impact on the MMVI Midterm Elections

Normally, the GOP doesn't make stupid statement like some of these in Stu Rothenberg's column in Roll Call (subscription required). Reacting to Pope Benedict's elevation:

First noting that German Catholics make up a large and important voting bloc in the upper midwest, it is hoped that the Pope will encourage these voters to swing Republican.

GOP insiders are hoping that Benedict XVI will agree to spend at least a few hours on a door-to-door voter registration effort in socially conservative areas, especially in German-American areas of Iowa’s open 1st district, which is expected to be in play next year.

While this seems like a good plan, that is all it is likely to remain--a plan. Allow me to play advisor to the Pope. Getting into the trenches by walking door to door demeans the status of the pope. His Holiness should not be involved in partisan politics. He can perhaps make a plea that people register to vote and go out to vote, but since the Holy Father is not democratically elected (the Cardinals, in case anyone wanted to know are appointed by the Pope), it seems improper to deliver such a message. Pope Benedict should not demean himself or the world-wide Catholic Church by getting involved in Congressional elections or even the Presidential election. It simply is not his place.

But lest you think that Democrats are above board on using Pope Benedict for political purposes

Democrats, however, may also have opportunities to benefit from the background, ethnicity and theological views of the new pope.

Party strategists immediately blasted Benedict XVI’s views on abortion, gay marriage, stem-cell research and women in the priesthood. There is already talk of linking him to DeLay and the Rev. Jerry Falwell.

Democrats argue that moderates, women and people who don’t like the idea that the pope was a member of the Hitler Youth, whether involuntarily or not, might be just a bit turned off by Ratzinger.

But moderates, women and the anti-Nazi's might not like any other pope who might have been selected. The Church's position on abortion, gay marriage and women in the priesthood extend much further back than even John Paul II. While stem-cell research is pretty new, given the definition of life promulgated by the Church, their position is pretty consistent. In short, those groups looking for a Pope who may say its okay for abortion or gay marriage are apparently looking for a Pope in an alternate universe. Of all the issues mentioned above, only women in the priesthood holds much hope for happening in the near future. (Keep in mind that near future in Catholic terms might be 100 years.)

Finally, this little paragraph just strikes me as funny:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton and former Congressman Father Robert Drinan also criticized Republicans for mixing religion and politics.

Preachers complaining about the mixture of politics and religion--yeah they are a good authority for that statement. (Kudos to Rothenberg for some sardonic humor).

Of course, Rothenberg whole column is a jab at those who would capitalize on Pope Benedict:

Not everything actually has an impact on the next election. And not every development needs be analyzed as if it were a Congressional election in Indiana. Politics is fine, but it is, after all, just politics.
Benedict XVI and His Impact on the MMVI Midterm Elections