Conservative Party

NPR's Sunday Story examines whether Democrats running for office as ordained or former clergy can strengthen the party's appeal in conservative states. The discussion focuses on whether a ministerial background of moral messaging, community trust and service can resonate with voters who have drifted from the party, and what it would take for faith-rooted candidates to compete statewide.

Despite what critics call a partly hysterical campaign by the Springer press, federal politicians, mainly but not only from the Union, and several state premiers, the debate in Berlin is now moving toward a red-red-green coalition. A state party executive is reportedly involved in the process, and discussion of the shift is spreading in German political circles.