Anti-Muslim Rhetoric in the 2012 Primary

The Takeaway

While political mud-slinging is de riguer in primary races, 2012 has brought several not-so-thinly-veiled anti-Muslim soundbytes from its frontrunning candidates. Last week, Newt Gingrich said that he would not support a Muslim president unless they would “commit in public to giv[ing] up Sharia.” Rick Santorum also expressed his thoughts on Islam,  saying that the concept of equality “doesn’t come from Islam” or “Eastern Religions.”  Instead, he said, “it comes from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Nezar Hamze is executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations in South Florida, and is a Republican. Hussein Rashid is professor of religion at Hofstra University.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!