Why is Jesus on the ballot?
Unlike other Western democracies, America's politics are infused with religion. God is everywhere, all the time, especially during election season. As we get closer to the November polls, it would seem Jesus is personally invested in the outcome of the vote if you listen to candidates up and down the ballot.
Doug Heye says Republicans and Democrats have used religion to attract voters in the past but evangelical fervor for Donald Trump has turbo-charged the Republican ticket in different ways.
President Trump, who struggles to quote Bible verses and is no poster child for the Ten Commandments, has a loyal and powerful base among evangelical Christians. Trump and his supporters say they are doing God’s work because, in spite of the fact that he slept with a porn star weeks after his wife gave birth to his son, they see him as a savior on single issues around abortion, IVF and even gun control. It’s a Faustian bargain for the true believer, but it’s one that millions of Christians are willing to make this November.
WHy is jesus on the ballot?
Doug Heye (Part 1)
Unlike other Western democracies, America's politics are infused with religion. Why is God part of the get-out-and-vote plans? Republican strategist Doug Heye says Republicans and Democrats have used religion to attract voters in the past but evangelical fervor for Donald Trump has turbo-charged the Republican ticket in different ways.
3 day weekend in nyc in 1951
Doug Heye (Part 2)
In this bonus episode, Republican strategist Doug Heye shows his foodie side by listing his favorite restaurants and imagining his dream dinner party with Julia Child, Thomas Jefferson and Hank Aaron. When Robyn Curnow asks him about his favorite Presidents, Doug Heye gives a surprising answer.
Favorite piece of music or movie: Frank Sinatra singing
What makes him cry? Maybe a few tears were shed' seeing Bruce Springsteen sing "Thunder Road"
First job: Mr Barbecue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "I'll never forget the customer who returned his french fries because they tasted like potatoes."
Where would you go if you could time travel in american history & other bonus questions
Three words to describe America?
Divided. Nervous. Hopeful.
If you could time travel, which era in American history would you like to visit?
Two eras - Revolutionary/Founding and late 40s/early 50s New York City
Where did you grow up?
Lewisville, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia, by way of Red Bank, New Jersey
Iconic American landscape that means something to you?
The beauty and enormity of Yellowstone are tough to beat.
Dream dinner party guests? Which Americans would you invite to your Thanksgiving celebration (dead or alive?)
Thomas Jefferson, Julia Child & Hank Aaron would make for a lively dinner.
Best job
Working in Congress. There's a standard line that when you walk up to the Capitol and don't feel a sense of awe, that's when it's time to leave. That fortunately never happened to me.
Is there a piece of American art or music that sums up your America?
Frank Sinatra's "The House I Live In," a song and short film for which he won an Oscar, opens with the line "What is America to me?" It means something different to all of us.
When did your family arrive in the USA? Where are they from originally?
Family comes from England, Ireland and my last name originates from Germany. Family came mostly to the northern New Jersey area throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
When was the last time you cried?
Well I cry at everything. But there were probably a few tears as Bruce Springsteen played Thunder Road last weekend.
Why is America so divided?
The incentive system of media and money reward the loudest and angriest voices, moving the parties - and people - away from each other and does so on practically every facet in life.
Have you lost friends or family because of politics?
Only one. Oh well.
What issues are driving you to vote? Or not?Every issue. Our economy, our standing in the world, the debt, and on and on.
An American president you admire?
Ronald Reagan inspired me as a kid. George Washington still sets the standard. I'm fascinated by Nixon. JQA's post-presidency. And on an on.
An American president you don't admire?
Donald Trump. Andrew Johnson.
Sports team?
Tar Heels/Yankees/Steelers
What were your parents' careers? How did they influence your career?
Dad was a banker, mom mostly stayed at home. Both were politically interested, but neither really influenced my working in politics
What can be done to bring Americans together?
This is something I think about a lot and it's easier to identify the problems than the solutions. We need more calm voices and focus on issues confronting the lives of our citizens. The good news is that these all can foster bipartisan conversations - which happen everyday in Washington. They just need more attention and dedication
Favorite American meal or restaurant?
I love the old school places that have stood the test of time. My first job was behind the counter at Mr. Barbecue in Winston-Salem, still the best BBQ in the state. Vincenzo's in Winston-Salem. PJ Clarke's, Patsy's and Tribeca Grill in New York. Bistrot du Coin in DC. Bojangles & In-Out Burger, for fast food. All make me feel at home.
Do you listen to, read or watch the news? Where do you get your information?
So many places. Cable news, the internet, reporters I follow on social media and, whenever traveling, a hard copy of the local paper.
Biggest misunderstanding the rest of the world has about America?
One are issues around race. I remember a French college student telling me that they hated that "American would never elect a black man." That was 2008, and, well...
Also, that everyone owns a gun.
Who do you think will win in November?
Honest answer: I don't know