According to a Pew Research Center survey about 50% of Americans say its important to have a president who shares their religious perspective. Rabbi Brad Hirschfield says that Americans know what the presidential hopefuls’ believe, in terms of doctrine or church affiliation, but “are willing to support a candidate who aren’t tied to a church or tradition” like theirs as long the candidate’s “sense of policy and purpose resonate with their, the voters, religious values.”