Could an atheist be elected president?

[Sir Mohamed]

Could someone, let's say a successfull Senator or Governor, who publicly claims to be an atheist be elected president? He or she has to run as Democrat of course.

[NeverAgain]

Could be possible, as long as they aren't an ardent religion hater. If they can come off as a moderate or are running against a "Vitter" of sorts, then yes. I could see it.

[Young Conservative]

No. The plurality or even majority of Americans state they aren't comfortable with this. They wouldn't win Iowa, Ohio, or Florida for Sure. This ends their national chances.

[tallguy23]

Not until the Millennials are a large plurality of voters. They are the most irreligious group in American history.

[Bojack Horseman]

"Nones" can get elected (see Tammy Baldwin). Not sure about an open atheist though.

[Bigby]

Why can't the atheist be a Republican? It would have to depend on if they're tolerant or a fedora. If they're a fedora, they wouldn't win either party primary. An antitheist atheist would lose evangelical Republicans and minority Democrats.

[Sir Mohamed]

Why can't the atheist be a Republican? It would have to depend on if they're tolerant or a fedora. If they're a fedora, they wouldn't win either party primary. An antitheist atheist would lose evangelical Republicans and minority Democrats.

It would be much harder to win a (Republican) primary I think. I also assume, that a vast majority of atheists are more liberal.

But to make it clear: I don't think of somebody who is totally against religion. Just someone who says: "I respect every religious person, but religion should be a personal issue. I, for myself, have decided to be an atheist".

[Kingpoleon]

Yes. Trump's religious beliefs are questionable, though I do admire the man.

[Hillary pays minimum wage]

We have one in office now.  For anyone with a brain they can see what I'm talking about.

[President Johnson]

Yes. Trump's religious beliefs are questionable, though I do admire the man.

He's likely not a big religious person like most candidates, but I doubt he's an atheist.

But yes, I could see an atheist being elected as long he's not anti-religious.

[StatesPoll]

I think possible. I heard there is a rumor sanders is a actually atheist. and he having notable democrat support when general election poll to vs with GOP candidate.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are both likely atheists.

[NeverAgain]

Why can't the atheist be a Republican? It would have to depend on if they're tolerant or a fedora. If they're a fedora, they wouldn't win either party primary. An antitheist atheist would lose evangelical Republicans and minority Democrats.

Could you explain what a fedora means for you in that sentence. All I understand is that Indiana Jones is a closet atheist and can't win any party's primary.

[pbrower2a]

A non-militant atheist can be elected President. What is necessary is that the atheist be able to show a very conventional family life and a clear moral compass -- and a respect for the sensibilities of the devout.

[Young Conservative]

Not until the Millennials are a large plurality of voters. They are the most irreligious group in American history.

Still majority christian, Also, with age comes heightened religiosity especially after having a family studies show

[Mike Thick]

If they don't make a big deal out of it, it's possible if slightly unlikely. If they get all SJWy about it, I don't think it's doable, at least in the foreseeable future.

[pbrower2a]

America has millions of closet atheists.