By CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Nearly half of Americans can't name President Obama's religion.
A new Gallup Poll shows only 34% of those surveyed correctly say that Obama is a Christian.
11% say he's a Muslim.
8% say Mr. Obama doesn't have a religious affiliation.
And a stunning 44% say they don't know what he is.
Where have these people been living?
President Obama has been in office for three and a half years and went through a grueling campaign to get there. A campaign during which his former minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and his controversial sermons played a key role.
It's just one more example of how uninformed many of us are.
Of course people who don't like the president continue to raise questions about both his religion and his birth place. And it seems that their efforts could be convincing – or at least confusing – some Americans.
The Gallup Poll also found a partisan gap here: Democrats are more likely than Republicans to correctly name the president's religion. In fact, 18% of Republicans say the president is a Muslim. That's nearly 1 in 5 Republicans.
The poll shows Independents are closer to Republicans than to Democrats when it comes to their knowledge of Obama's religion. That might not help the president in November.
Interestingly Americans are more likely to correctly name Mitt Romney's religion. Romney is a Mormon. Only 33% say they don't know that.
Some of that increased awareness when it comes to Romney is no doubt because he ran for president four years ago. A great deal was made of his being a Mormon back then.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean if nearly half of Americans can't name President Obama's religion?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jackson in Rome, Georgia:
It means people don't do their own research and believe what their preferred news outlets tell them to believe. Present company excluded, of course, Jack.
Susan in New Jersey:
Pres. Obama has stated he is Christian. If he is, he rarely seems to practice it. Previous presidents have always had their picture taken coming out of church giving the public the idea he does not think he is God. Pres. Obama has not done this.
Dave in Seattle:
It shouldn't be important. The candidate's ability to run the country is what is important. It's right up there with: boxers or briefs?
S.:
It means my suspicions are true: we're kinda dumb over here.
Mark in Topeka, Kansas:
That is a lot better than the same percentage saying "Islam".
Floyd in California:
It's obvious. Half of America is either totally ignorant or Republican.
Mario:
It confirms our world rating in education. I believe we are 17th. The ignorant will decide this election - or maybe not.
Connie in Indiana:
Let’s see, Jack. 50% of America does not know who the vice president is. 50 % of America doesn't know who you are. I guess it proves we need to be spending more on education not less, or we are wasting what we do spend. For the record, Obama is a Christian. Romney is a moron, sorry I meant Mormon.