The Almanac of American Politics on Moore's path from outsider to subject of presidential gossip

Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 0:53 GMT by Maryland Matters
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Gov. Wes Moore (D) went from political outsider with a compelling story and sorry ratings to a rumored 2028 presidential candidate -- rumors he repeatedly rejects. Along the way, he has faced fiscal and political challenges and tempered goals.

The Almanac of American Politics: Tracing Moore's Unconventional Path in the Political Landscape

In the ever-evolving tapestry of American politics, few figures embody the chaotic intersection of ideology, controversy, and resilience quite like Roy Moore. The latest edition of the Almanac of American Politics delves deeply into Moore's tumultuous journey, offering a comprehensive profile that highlights his rise, falls, and persistent influence within the Republican Party and beyond. This analysis, drawn from meticulous research and historical context, paints a picture of a man whose career has been defined by defiance against the establishment, fervent religious convictions, and a series of high-profile scandals that have tested the boundaries of political viability.

Roy Moore's entry into the public eye began in the heart of Alabama, where he served as a circuit judge in Etowah County. Known for his strict adherence to conservative Christian values, Moore gained national attention in the 1990s when he installed a wooden plaque of the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. This act of symbolic defiance escalated into a full-blown legal battle when the American Civil Liberties Union challenged it, leading to a protracted fight that culminated in Moore's removal from the bench in 2003 after he refused a federal court order to remove a massive granite monument of the Ten Commandments from the Alabama Judicial Building. The incident not only solidified Moore's reputation as a crusader for religious freedom but also catapulted him into the realm of conservative heroism, where he was celebrated by evangelical groups and right-wing activists who saw him as a martyr against secular overreach.

Undeterred by his ousting, Moore leveraged this notoriety to launch a political career. He ran unsuccessfully for Alabama governor in 2006 and 2010, campaigns marked by his unapologetic blend of populism and biblical rhetoric. However, his persistence paid off in 2012 when he was elected Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, a position that allowed him to further entrench his views on issues like same-sex marriage. Moore's tenure was again short-lived; in 2016, he was suspended and later removed for instructing probate judges to ignore the U.S. Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalizing gay marriage nationwide. These episodes underscored a recurring theme in Moore's path: a willingness to prioritize personal convictions over institutional norms, often at great professional cost.

The Almanac explores how Moore's story took an even more dramatic turn in 2017, when he emerged as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. Backed by Steve Bannon and the insurgent wing of the GOP, Moore positioned himself as an anti-establishment firebrand, railing against Washington elites and promising to "drain the swamp." His campaign, however, was derailed by explosive allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple women accused Moore of pursuing them when they were teenagers and he was in his 30s, with one claiming he initiated sexual contact when she was 14. Moore vehemently denied the accusations, framing them as a political smear orchestrated by Democrats and the media. The scandal dominated headlines, splitting the Republican Party and drawing condemnation from figures like Mitch McConnell, who urged Moore to step aside.

Despite the controversy, Moore's base remained loyal, viewing the allegations as part of a broader war on conservative values. President Donald Trump, initially hesitant, eventually endorsed Moore, emphasizing the need for a Republican vote in the Senate. The election became a national referendum on the #MeToo movement, party loyalty, and the limits of scandal in the Trump era. In a stunning upset, Democrat Doug Jones narrowly defeated Moore, marking the first time in 25 years that Alabama had elected a Democratic senator. The Almanac details how this loss was attributed not just to the allegations but also to high voter turnout among African Americans and suburban moderates, who were repelled by Moore's history of inflammatory statements on race, religion, and LGBTQ rights.

Post-2017, Moore's path has been one of attempted comebacks and ongoing legal battles. He announced another Senate run in 2019, but faced skepticism even from within his own party. Trump publicly discouraged him, tweeting that Moore "cannot win." Undaunted, Moore pressed on, but finished fourth in the Republican primary, a humbling defeat that highlighted his diminishing appeal amid a GOP increasingly aligned with Trump's brand rather than Moore's theocratic style. The profile in the Almanac examines Moore's lawsuits against accusers and media outlets, including a defamation case against Sacha Baron Cohen for a satirical prank on his show "Who Is America?" These legal skirmishes reflect Moore's combative nature and his refusal to fade from the spotlight.

Beyond the personal narrative, the Almanac contextualizes Moore within broader trends in American politics. His story exemplifies the rise of Christian nationalism, where faith intersects with governance in ways that challenge the separation of church and state. Moore's influence can be seen in the rhetoric of contemporary figures who echo his calls for a return to "biblical principles" in lawmaking. The analysis draws parallels to other polarizing conservatives, such as those in the Freedom Caucus, who prioritize ideological purity over compromise. It also discusses the demographic shifts in Alabama, a state undergoing urbanization and diversification, which have made Moore's brand of politics less tenable. For instance, the growing influence of moderate Republicans and independent voters in suburbs around Birmingham and Huntsville has reshaped the electoral map, making firebrands like Moore outliers rather than frontrunners.

The Almanac doesn't shy away from critiquing Moore's impact on public discourse. His campaigns have amplified debates on judicial independence, the role of religion in politics, and the accountability of public figures amid misconduct allegations. Supporters argue that Moore represents a bulwark against liberal secularism, while critics contend that his actions undermine democratic institutions and normalize extremism. The profile includes insights from political scientists who note how Moore's near-victories signal the enduring power of grievance politics in the South, where historical resentments and cultural conservatism continue to fuel voter turnout.

Looking forward, the Almanac speculates on Moore's legacy. At 76, he remains active in conservative circles, speaking at events and maintaining a presence on social media. Whether he mounts another campaign or fades into advisory roles, his path serves as a cautionary tale of how personal ambition and ideological zeal can both propel and derail a political career. In an era of deep polarization, Moore's story underscores the fragility of party unity and the high stakes of moral controversies in elections. The Almanac concludes that while Moore may not hold office again, his influence lingers in the DNA of the modern Republican Party, a reminder of the turbulent forces shaping American democracy.

This extensive profile, rich with historical anecdotes and analytical depth, captures the essence of Roy Moore as a figure who defies easy categorization—part zealot, part survivor, and entirely emblematic of the fractious state of U.S. politics. Through detailed timelines, voter data breakdowns, and interviews with key players, the Almanac provides an indispensable resource for understanding how individual paths like Moore's reflect and influence the national narrative. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Maryland Matters Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/almanac-american-politics-moore-path-025044673.html ]

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