In a Wednesday conversation between former Congressman Dave Brat and Faith & Freedom Coalition’s Ralph Reed on Steve Bannon’s War Room, the two conservative figures discussed the mobilization of Evangelical and Catholic voters, JD Vance’s debate performance, and how grassroots efforts are shaping the 2024 election. Reed shared detailed insights from the campaign trail, noting the incredible enthusiasm among religious voters, highlighting a surge of faith-driven patriotism.
JD Vance’s Debate Performance: A Rising Star
Reed opened the discussion by praising JD Vance’s performance in a recent debate, noting that Vance is “one of the brightest guys” he’s encountered in his political career. Reed emphasized that Vance’s authenticity as a "gentleman” who’s “in this for the right reasons” resonated strongly with voters. Reed criticized Vance’s opponent, Tim Walz, for focusing on personal attacks rather than addressing the real issues.
Walz, according to Reed, was forced to defend a “failed administration” on the heels of major global and domestic crises, including “nearly 200 missiles” raining down on Israel, the southern border crisis, and economic instability. Vance, on the other hand, stayed on message, focusing on core voter concerns such as inflation, crime, and border security.
Grassroots Power: Mobilizing the Evangelical and Catholic Vote
The conversation shifted to the impressive grassroots efforts underway. Reed reported that Faith & Freedom Coalition had knocked on over 417,000 doors in Pennsylvania alone, with more than 4 million doors reached across battleground states. Reed emphasized that this figure is “four times the number” they reached in 2016 and “double the number” in 2020.
“We’re going to reach 10 million by the Sunday before the election,” Reed confidently predicted, underscoring the relentless efforts of volunteers and paid staff. According to Reed, the focus is on "low-propensity voters,” encouraging them to vote early and make a plan to vote ahead of time. This door-knocking strategy is essential in driving up turnout, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Evangelical Surge: A Return to Duty Under God
Reed dismissed concerns that Evangelical and Catholic voters are disengaged, explaining that there is a palpable sense of “duty under God” returning among religious communities. He credited this resurgence to a growing awareness of the nation’s spiritual and moral challenges, with people returning to core values like patriotism, family, and faith.
"I get the sense that love of God, love of country, and love of family are coming back,” Reed remarked, adding that prominent cultural figures like Tucker Carlson and Jordan Peterson are also encouraging this shift toward faith-based values.
Reed estimated that Donald Trump received around 34.5 million Evangelical votes in 2020—10 million more than in 2016. For 2024, Reed predicted that Trump could gain another 3 to 6 million Evangelical votes, emphasizing the movement’s growing strength. Additionally, Reed noted that Trump is winning the Catholic vote 52-47, with an overwhelming 70-30 margin among frequent Mass attendees.
Inspiring a Nation: Faith and Freedom on the Rise
As the discussion concluded, Reed emphasized that faith-based communities are coming out in record numbers for the 2024 election. "They’re coming in big numbers,” he asserted. The strategic efforts of groups like the Faith & Freedom Coalition, combined with an intense voter mobilization strategy, are expected to impact the upcoming election profoundly.
In an era of political uncertainty and cultural upheaval, Reed and Brat’s conversation highlighted the powerful role that faith, patriotism, and grassroots organizing play in shaping the country’s future. As Reed pointed out, religious voters are ready to make their voices heard—and they’re doing so with renewed conviction.
For more on Ralph Reed from the WarRoom:
Christians, Wake Up! Your Vote Could Change Everything
For more from Ralph Reed and Dave Brat, watch this whole segment: