As I dive into this week's Associated Press story on Hillary Clinton's faith, I'm hopeful of learning more about what makes the Democratic presidential frontrunner tick — from a religious standpoint.
Here at GetReligion, of course, this topic has come up before:
In the latest story, the lede sets the scene:
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sunday mornings at Baptist churches fall right into Hillary Clinton's comfort zone.
"This is the day the Lord has made," Clinton said recently at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, as sunshine streamed through the stained-glass windows and hit the packed pews. "Being here at this church with these beautiful people, knowing how grateful I am for this spring day. I feel blessed and grace is all around us."
Black Baptist churches may not seem like an obvious match for Clinton, a white Methodist from the Chicago suburbs. But the Democratic presidential candidate, who's been criticized for her tentative, even awkward political skills, often seems most at ease in houses of worship. It's where she's shared her faith for many years and earned a loyal following.
"One thing not a lot of people really understand about her is the central role of faith in her life," said Mo Elleithee, Clinton's spokesman in her 2008 White House campaign.
OK, you have my attention. Please tell me more.
However, here's the problem: The story never leaves the shallow end of the pool.
The wire service offers a few anecdotes and quotes to support its thesis that church represents a comfort zone for Clinton. The AP also quotes a Donald Trump supporter who calls Clinton "very, very liberal" and suggests that she's "the absolute wrong choice for a voter of faith." The Trump supporter adds balance to the piece, yes, but no true insight.
And sure, it's good to know, as the story reports, that Clinton says she loves how prayers and hymns make her feel.
But what exactly does she believe? How does she view God and his place in the world — and her life? How is her faith different than that of, say, a conservative evangelical such as Ted Cruz?
Deep questions such as these beg for answers. Alas, this story makes no attempt to provide them.
All in all, that makes for a disappointing read.