Opponents raised questions about Smith's allegiance to the United States, insinuating that his first loyalty would be to the Pope. Voters ignored the New York governor's long-standing support for the separation of church and state, confirming the adage that perception rather than reality usually prevails in politics. Prominent Protestant leaders inflamed church members' anxieties about Smith's religion. Methodist bishop James Cannon Jr. led strong attacks against Smith in the South. As the organizer of the Southern Dry Democratic Conference, Cannon broke ranks with traditional Solid South Democrats and campaigned for the "moral necessity" of electing Hoover rather than the wet Catholic.

A Referendum on Prosperity.

Despite cultural and religious conflicts the 1928 presidential campaign ultimately became a referendum on the national economy, and Hoover had the benefit of being identified with continued prosperity. Realizing that he had the advantageous position, Hoover refused to debate...