“Even as it’s become riskier for mainstream politicians to use negative dog whistles like “thug” or “welfare queen,” the word “Christian” remains the right’s most effective signal to white conservatives that “our values,” “our heritage,” “our way of life,” and “our influence” are under attack, and “we” must respond. Christianity and American-ness are both raced.” Christian NationalismDog Whistle Politics Book:The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy Source: The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy