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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
posted by Kyle Hampton | 6:39 PM | permalink
Michael Kinsley at the Washington Post, while doing a mostly unserious look at the advantage of being a male in the Presidential race because it takes less time to get ready in the morning, says one thing that shouldn't be forgotten:
A year ago the big dinner-table question was whether it is a bigger disadvantage in running for president to be an African-American or a woman. It seemed for a while as if neither one was a particular disadvantage. In fact, the prize for biggest burden of prejudice to be lugging around the primaries went to Mitt Romney for being a Mormon.

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Saturday, January 5, 2008
posted by Jon | 8:58 PM | permalink
As I surveyed the campaign coverage of post-Iowa, mid-Wyoming, and pre-New Hampshire I found pretty much a mixed bag. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen, but everyone’s willing to hazard a guess.

Then I happened upon Michael Medved’s latest Townhall column and I started to get just a little miffed. I don’t really have an opinion on Medved – I’ve never really listened to his show, I don’t read his stuff and my only exposure to him has been via Blogfather Hugh’s radio show. Medved has now come out as a McCain backer, but his latest diatribe will most likely find its way to Team Huck for distribution.

Medved would have you believe there is no anti-Mormon bigotry behind Huck’s success in Iowa and in other evangelical heavy states. I’m not going to take Medved’s data apart here, simply because its not necessary to prove my point. I’d simply like to pose a question which turn’s Medved’s logic on it’s head:

But for religion, where would the race stand today?

But for religion, Mike Huckabee would be lagging back in single digit polling no matter what state he ran in. He’d be rightly labeled as a populist tax and spend governor of a state that – were it not for its alphabetical ranking – most Americans would never have heard about. His attitude toward and record on crime – demonstrated by his seemingly endless string of pardons – would subject him to an endless barrage of questions and commentary which would subsequently consign his campaign to the Dukakis Memorial Dust Bin. His Carter-esque foreign policy ideas would lead most responsible Republicans to run screaming from the room – to say nothing of his economic ideals which appeal to the masses but portend fiscal danger and disaster should they ever actually be implemented.

So what, pray tell, is Huck’s appeal? He plays the religion card and manages to convince some Iowans that he’s one of them. He brands himself as the “Christian Leader” thereby calling into question the religiosity of every other candidate – a not-at-all veiled jab at Mitt Romney. He then takes an even less-veiled broadside at Mitt specifically and Mormonism in general with his throwaway line to the New York Times Magazine specifically designed to put religious and not political differences on the front page – again.

While Huck may have apologized for that insult, and Mitt may have accepted said apology, the intent was clear. No, I don’t buy Huck’s explanation and I don’t accept his apology. After so many years at the pulpit, Huck knew exactly what he was saying and the publicity and religious furor it would generate. Huck’s “apology” is a bout as valid as Typhoid Mary’s would have been weeks after she came to town.

In short, but for religion, Huck would already be an also-ran.

On the other side of the spectrum you find Mitt Romney. Here is an exceptionally accomplished man – by any yardstick you choose to measure him. He has succeeded at nearly everything he’s ever even thought of attempting – be it professional, personal, or political. When the chips were down and conventional wisdom said it couldn’t be done, somebody called Mitt and the impossible got done.

Mitt has made over a quarter-billion dollars for himself, and untold billions for others in the private sector. Unlike any other candidate, he has created and saved untold millions of jobs for Americans. He enjoys new challenges, so he took it upon himself to save the 2002 Olympics and then serve his state. Having given Uncle Ted the race of his life and not being stymied by defeat he took a shot at the Governor’s chair and turned a state around. Most people would think Mitt had done enough and deserved a well earned early retirement.

In any other universe, Mitt would be so far beyond any other candidate – Democrat or Republican – this race would all but be over. He personifies the all American family man – married to the same woman for nearly four decades with five strapping sons all successful on their own merits. Norman Rockwell couldn’t have painted a better picture of a presidential candidate.

And yes, in case you were wondering, my picture does include all Mitt’s rightward shifts on the issues he takes hammers on. It wouldn’t matter – and in reality it doesn’t matter.

But for religion, Mitt would all but be sworn in. Were he Baptist, Presbyterian, Unitarian, Catholic, or Methodist the only questions in this campaign would be aimed at policy. But Mitt is Mormon, and evidently that changes the rules set down by over 200 years of American political tradition.

Were there no Mormon Question, the media might have to focus on issues that really matter rather than the actual location of the Garden of Eden or the actions of Mitt’s long dead relatives. They might actually have to work for a decent newsworthy story.

No matter what Mr. Medved claims, there is an undercurrent of religious bigotry which has and will continue to dog the Romney campaign. Bear in mind with the exception of the occasional reference to “faith”, Mitt has been fairly neutral on the subject of religion. He’s gone to great lengths to avoid bringing religion into a race for a secular office. Never the less, Mitt’s opponents and their surrogates seem to revel in reverting to religion at every opportunity.

What proof do I have of this undercurrent? I won’t bother pointing you to the surrogate blogs filled with a never ending diatribe of combined anti-Mitt and anti-Mormonism. I’ll just point you to Mike Huckabee’s officially sanctioned blog. What you’ll find there is just one example of many I could point you in what is fast becoming little more than a cesspool of anti-Morminism. Spare me the “Huck isn’t responsible for comments” excuse. It’s got his name on it, he’s responsible for it.

I’m not going so far as to blame all the woes of Team Mitt on religious bigotry – I’m not quite that naïve. What I am saying is that Mitt has one hurdle the other candidates are free to bypass – and it makes this campaign race much like Mitt having to run100 yard dash in knee-deep water while his opponents sprint down the track.

Even with that obstacle, Mitt is still running neck and neck with them.

That says more about Mitt that I ever could.

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4 Comments:


Whew! You got a lot off your chest on that blog. I wish I could have said it so well.

Medved was pro-amnesty. I think, whether he admits it or not, he is not favorable toward Gov. Romney's tough stance on immigration.



Great analysis and spot-on!



On the other hand, if Romney weren't LDS, he might be on his second or third wife by now like many of the other candidates.



I have been on top of this this issue TrustMitt.org

Shazam, Iowa results are proof positive that inbreeding and frigid temperatures yield irrational decisions. Despite Huckabee’s liberal record, Gomer Pyle charisma, and hate mongering against Mormonism, Huckabee pulls out a victory. Since Huck has no chance of beating Obama in a national election, the people have spoken and they would rather tear The Republican Party up then vote for a viable candidate. Thanks Iowa for splitting the party between social and economic conservatives, leaving us with McCain (who has no money to run a campaign) right before one of the most difficult presidential elections in recent history. If Mitt loses in New Hampshire and Michigan due to the blow in Iowa I will be obligated to vote for Obama in retaliation for Iowa's bigotry. TrustMitt.org




Monday, October 22, 2007
posted by Justin Hart | 10:00 AM | permalink
None of this information is the campaigns, it is Justin's interpretation of events

Regardless of what you think about "Romney the candidate"... "Romney the campaign" is unmatched in its ability to execute.

Take this last week for example. Think of it in terms of a business case study, outlining the "challenge", proposing a "solution", targeting specific "benefits" and measuring "results".

CHALLENGE: Disolve concerns about Mitt's Mormonism among Conservative Evangelicals.

SOLUTION: Highlight the Governor as the only leading candidate meeting 100% of the SoCon values and win endorsements from leading Evangelicals leading up to the seminal pre-primary "Values Voters" conference.

BENEFITS: Develop day after day endorsements followed by a good showing at the straw poll giving serious momentum to the campaign among Evangelicals and building qualified talking points to address the Mormon question.

EXECUTION PLAN

2 weeks out - Lead up to the conference. Look for "Mormon questions" addressed to Perkins, Bauer, Land and others. Rely on their even-handed past dealings with this issue as a positive sign. (check, check)

1 weeks out - Letter from Mark DeMoss addressed to numerous Evangelical leaders contrasting Romney and Rudy and laying the foundation for a larger swath of backers. (check)

5 days out - First endorsement, ideally, from far extreme of the religious right showing that anyone could endorse Romney (check - Chancellor and Dean of Bob Jones)

4 days out - Letter from James Bopp, Jr. highlighting the growing movement of Evangelicals behind Romney (check)

3 days out - Talking heads start to notice the pattern. Experts concur. (check)

(reach out to blogger base for email-only campaign for the online straw poll)

2 days out - Pull out the big guns. Lengthy, detailed article by new Evangelical endorsement laying the intellectual framework in which Evangelicals can accept a Romney candidacy. (check - Wayne Grudem)

1 day out - Endorsement by an excellent conservative Evangelical coinciding with Romney's speech to the "Values Voters" Conference in DC. (check - Dr. Don Wilton).

Day of straw poll - Final endorsement before the conference ends. This time taken from another campaign. (check - Dr. Willkie founder of a pro-life effort)

Goaline: Place or show in the straw poll to drive some good press. (check - or win it :) )

None of this happens by accident. The plan is laid, the efforts set and the execution is nearly flawless. Classic Team Romney.

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1 Comments:


Excellent, Excellent, Excellent Post!

This is why Romney will win -- he has, by far, the most superior organization of all the candidates.

We have an "embarassment of riches" when it comes to candidates as Matthew E. Miller said at www.race42008.com.

What will make the difference?

Organization on the ground.

The candidate who has the best organization as far as grassroots and "boots on the ground" in each State will be the victor.

I see this as being Mitt Romney.

He leaves nothing to chance.

That is one of the reasons I admire him so much.

This is also the reason that I trust him to be the President of the most powerful country in the world.

Mitt Romney - 2008!




Saturday, August 4, 2007
posted by Myclob | 7:36 AM | permalink


From the YouTube Comments:

theaustinpeay says:

Romney is very impressive. Even when he doesn't know he's being taped. He's very classy.

darthmills says:
wow, first time i have seen mitt get upset. refreshing. Go get em mitt! President Romney 08!!

5M1L3 says:
I wonder if all the people who complained that Mitt Romney's clips were to short will appreciate the length of this video? I do like the candid, off the air part, at the end.

SCOTTMSTER says:
I feel Jan Mickelson had a pre-planned agenda for Mitt Romney to explain his views on his LDS religion and make his religion an issue in his run for the presidency. It however turned into a GREAT off air and genuine perspective of how Mitt views his moral and religious convictions, how those morals and views intertwine to make him what he is and yet separate as a President.
Mitt wins again, what a classy Presidential candidate.
Scott Rasmussen
Gilbert. Az.

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6 Comments:


This is a strange link...

http://barackobama.inthenewstonight.com/2007/08/04/mitt-romneys-mormonism/

Is this from Barak Obama's site?



This is why there is no positive reason to give "the speech". People feel that reading one blurb about an issue they believe is Church doctrine trumps a person who has been a lifelong member, a bishop,and stake president. Anything he says is not going to change the mind of people like this because they are under the false assumption that we are all mindless sheep who never question, never think for ourselves. Let me tell you, sitting in Church meetings for three hours every Sunday, studying for an hour every day you go to high school, and taking several religion classes during college do give you countless hours to question, observe, and aply the principles our Church espouses. So for those out there who want to tell Members of the Church of Latterday Saints what we do and don't believe, remember, don't ask the question if you do not want to hear the answer.



Well said Kim. With few exceptions (scholars who devote years to the study of a particular religion), those who are convinced they better understand a religion than those who participate in that religion are delusional. It is a sign of an uneducated and egotistical mind.



Mickelson is a jerk. Romney did a great job in containing himself with this idiot. If I were Mitt I would not meet with this guy again. He's more interested in having the public hear him than having them hear Romney. Showing the off the air conversation was very smart on your part. Mitt handled himself superbly.
Jeff Bookman

By Anonymous Anonymous, at August 5, 2007 at 9:20 AM  


Romney has a clear understanding of his religion, and the separation of church and state. Mickelson reads a paragraph on the Mormon church and thinks he's an expert. Once again, Romney handles himself with reasonableness and class. He is always on -- sharp as a tack.



The very simple truth of the matter is if the method by which Mitt worshiped Jesus Christ where different, he would be the clear front runner. -----
God help us all.
--- How is this any better than the Sunnis and the Shias?????

By Anonymous Anonymous, at August 7, 2007 at 9:18 AM  



Wednesday, June 13, 2007
posted by Jon | 6:46 PM | permalink

I know I’m a late-comer in reviewing Blogfather Hugh’s most recent book “A Mormon in the White House?: 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney”. With the way my life works, or doesn’t work, I don’t really have time to read much. Most of the books I consume are recorded – they make commuting much less dull.

But before I get to my book review, let me present for you some of my “Street Cred” so you’ll understand from which vantage point I’m coming from. First off, I’ve been listening to Blogfather Hugh for a long time. I’m not one of his KFI Eagles, but I caught his show shortly after he launched his KRLA morning program. He was my main source of information on the morning of September 11, 2001 and I’ve been with him ever since. My one claim to fame on the Hugh Hewitt Show is being the author of The Jimmy Malone Theory of International Relations. If you know what that is, congratulations. The Hewitt Radio Juggernaut has yet to penetrate my home market, so I’m part of his podcast audience – thus his “Evening Grace” is always my “Morning Glory”. I don’t mind because I can listen to his three-hour broadcast in about an hour and a half. Shhh. Don’t tell his advertisers.

Now to the Mormon question. Yes, I’m a Mormon – have been my entire life. I served a mission in Brazil a long time ago. Since then I’ve held multiple church callings (sometimes several at once) and am currently married with children. I know my doctrine well enough to tell if someone is making a valid argument or whether they’re just parroting what they read from the latest anti-Mormon tract or heard at the latest barn-burning.

Enough about me, on to the book.

Blogfather Hugh writes a tightly woven, well documented description of Mitt Romney that focuses on the entire package and not just the religious aspect of his candidacy. Hugh knows his stuff because he does his research. He carefully chronicles Mitt’s formative years in Michigan, his college experiences at Stanford, BYU, and finally Harvard, and details his personal, professional, and political life in the years leading up to his run for the Oval Office. In all of his details, I found few flaws – none of them very important. Hugh miscounted the number of Romney grandchildren, exaggerating the total by one. Knowing the prolific nature of Mormons, I’m pretty sure Hugh’s arithmetic error will be a self-correcting one. The other error, again not important, was Hugh’s description of Mormon missionaries as wearing white shirts and black ties. For the record, I do not now, nor have I ever owned a black tie. Missionaries are permitted to make their own choice in neckwear – within reason. Some make good tie choices. Some wear ties that look like they shot a 50 year old couch and stripped off the fabric. Again, an unimportant error.

Where the Mormon religion is discussed – and the subject does take a good portion of the book – Blogfather Hugh does something few other authors do when confronted with daunting task of writing about a religion of which they are not part. Needing a source for the fundamental beliefs unique to Mormonism, Hugh went to a man he considered to be a reliable, well reasoned, and well spoken Mormon. Rex E. Lee, former Solicitor General of the United States and former President of Brigham Young University, wrote a book entitled “What Do Mormons Believe?” Lee’s work gives the basics in an easy to understand manner and the quotes chosen by Hugh did a great job of explaining the historical details of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hugh did not attack the Mormon belief structure, nor does he show any signs of joining the LDS Church. He simply laid out the facts as he saw them. This is a far cry from what most journalists and erstwhile reporters do because conventional wisdom dictates that Mormons talking about Mormonism won’t sell books, magazines, or newspapers because there are no fireworks. As documented here at B4M, Article VI, and other similar blogs, most people writing about Mitt and his Mormon roots will waste little time before jumping off the proverbial cliff into polygamist ancestors and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Sensationalistic subjects of centuries past matter far more to the average journalist than does a lifetime of success in the private and public sectors. Mitt has to answer about the events of September 11, 1857, but his views on the dangers of the spread of radical Islam aren’t newsworthy. Why that kind of logic makes sense to anyone is beyond me.

Mitt Romney is an exceptionally smart and phenomenally successful businessman with a proven political track record on every issue which really matters to conservatives, republicans, and every American. He also just happens to be Mormon. To some people the Mormon question overshadows every other aspect about Mitt. That is a truly sad state of affairs in a country whose founding document both guarantees Freedom of Religion and specifically forbids a “religious test” for public office.

When the Prophet Joseph Smith was questioned as to what members of his faith believed, he penned what came to be known as the Thirteen Articles of Faith. These basic tenets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make up the foundations of the Church. The eleventh of the thirteen articles reads:

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. (Emphasis Added)

Wouldn’t it be nice if everybody involved in this debate could abide by that admonition? Yes, Mr. Pastore, I’m talking to you.

This election cycle is full of candidates from the left, right and fringes on both sides. The winnowing process will refine the field rather quickly and the fringe kooks on both ends of the spectrum won’t last long. At the time of this writing, Mitt has a better than average shot at running the table in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. If the stars align properly and Mitt ends up with the nomination to run against Hillary, America will have a real choice before her.

Anyone who questions whether Mitt’s Mormonism should be a factor in his White House run should read Blogfather Hugh’s book. He has no axe to grind other than he wants a Center-Right Republican in the White House. As for myself, I’m a charter member of the Al Davis Republican Caucus. In other words, “Just Win, Baby”.

There are rumored reports of a host of evangelical Christians who are said to be unwilling to vote for a Mormon in any circumstance. I, for one, believe any Republican candidate would be vastly superior to another Clinton presidency. I just happen to think that of the current crop of Republicans, Mitt has the best background, intellect, and skill set for the Big Chair. That he sings from the same hymnbook that I do, while allowing for easy harmonization, is fundamentally unimportant to me. That’s how the Founders set it up, and I think they had principally sound judgment in doing so.

Well done, Blogfather.

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6 Comments:


What a wonderful review!!! I haven't had time to read the book yet, but you're making me even more excited than I was before! Thank you for taking the time to write all of this out. I need to go buy the book. Have you read Turnaround? I haven't read that one either yet, but I want to!

Hava
mittforpresident.wordpress.com



I think Mormons contribute to the haze regarding their beliefs. I wish they were more forth-coming instead of trying to sound like run-of-the-mill evangelicals. For example,proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God but hiding their belief that He is one of many gods and by the way we're hoping to be gods too. That additional information kind of changes things. Believe what you want, but be up front about it. That's why people like me have a problem with Brother Mitt. He has that Mormon tendency to adjust his foundational beliefs based on new revelation. Upon further review.....

By Anonymous Anonymous, at June 13, 2007 at 10:34 PM  


Hey anonymous,

This is about politics--not religion. Nobody is intentionally increasing the "haze level" in the room relative to Mormonism. Look into Mitt's church if you wish. Then, join it or leave it alone. Let others focus on important things. Geez!



Hugh and many other Christians have found natural ways to align w/ Mitt, despite theological differences w/ him. It's really not that hard to do. You need to discuss these issues w/ heavyweights such as David French et al. at evangelicalsformitt. They've got healthy positions on the Mormon issue and still manage very well w/ respect to their own faith.

The growing number of Christians (and non-Christians) aren't going to go to HELL for supporting this Mormon. In fact, they'll likely be safer, more prosperous, and more proud as Americans w/ Mitt sitting in the "big chair."



I would like to respond to Anonymous. His/her understanding about Christ being just one of many Gods does not reflect LDS doctrine.
1. God is our Father. He will always be so - he will always be our God, no matter what our future potential.
2. Jesus is our Saviour - through his atonement we receive the grace necessary to return to our Father.
3. CS Lewis describes our potential in a way that would resonate with any Latter_day Saint, in Mere Christianity. Paraphrasing, "Gods wants us to become gods, reflecting His light as He transforms us." Note the small "g".
4. We know precious little about other worlds and other Gods. Moses chapter 1 gives a glimpse, and early leaders expounded their thoughts. It is the logical extension of the concept that God wants us to become like Him. However, the key principle is that God will always be our God, that it is through Christ's atonement and the workings of the Holy Spirit that we are lifted from our carnal state into the state God would bring us to.
Beautiful doctrine. It is unclear to me why other Christians resist it so much.
BTW - as a British member of the church I am following this critical election for the wellbeing of the world, and hope with all my heart that Mitt makes it.

By Anonymous Anonymous, at June 14, 2007 at 7:12 AM  


Just read Turnaround, it was my husband's father's day gift but he couldn't wait either so he's reading it now. I could care less about business concepts, but I still found the book a fascinating, even enlightening read. I appreciate Mr. Romney's unapolgetic expectation that anyone that deals with him have integrity and understand the concept of loyalty. My husband is locked into the book because he is into the budget talk and business concepts. We wish we could see the Olympics again now we have greater insight into the miracle the Games were. Great read all around.

By Anonymous Anonymous, at June 14, 2007 at 4:41 PM  



Sunday, February 25, 2007
posted by Jon | 10:05 AM | permalink

The Associated Press’ Jennifer Dobner and Glen Johnson are loving life. They did some digging under Mitt’s Family Tree and found [drum roll] Polygamy. I know you must be shocked. The MSM was. Dobner’s and Johnson’s piece was picked up by no fewer than sixteen media outlets who think this revelation is newsworthy.

What’s the matter, boys and girls? Slow news cycle? Before people get too wrapped up in this, realize that Ms. Dobner and Mr. Johnson had to dig back to Mitt’s Great Grandfather Miles Park Romney and Great Great Grandfather Parley Pratt to find this information. How many of you (Mormons excluded) can name your Great or Great Great Grandaddy? Do you know anything about them? Are you responsible for their actions?

Get back to me when you can answer those questions. Till then, stuff a sock in it. Yes, I’m a bit perturbed because you don’t have to shake my family tree too hard before the polygamists start falling out. If we’re going to start this with Mitt, then I suggest each presidential candidate submit a seven-generation ancestry chart complete with family history so we can see exactly what his/her ancestors were up to.

As every family tree has some strange branches in it - especially when you look at history through the politically correct lens of today. I think some candidates would be surprised by what's in their tree. Hillary might find her forebearers practiced something worse than polygamy. Some of them were no doubt [gasp] Republicans.

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7 Comments:


I posted this comment already on this blog, but I want to tie it to this particular post:

I did a bit of background checking on these two AP journalists.

Jennifer actually works out of their Salt Lake City office -- obviously not happy by her LDS surroundings. If you look at her story history, she reports on polygamy all the time. If anyone wants to contact her and call her out on this shameful story, email her at jdobner@ap.org; or call her at (801) 322-3405.

Glen Johnson on the other hand, a known Romney basher, reported from Boston where they are looking for every possible way to smear their former governor. And he is always looking for ways to highlight the other candidates. Take a look at this glowing piece that Johnson did on Obama that doesn’t mention a negative thing in it, and of course doesn’t mention that Obama’s own father had multiple wives - http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/231641,3_1_EL27_A7OBAMA_S1.article.

The editors and publisher of the Associated Press should be ashamed.



Anyone have Johnson's email address?



I just don't understand the relevance of what Romney's ancestors did more than 100 years ago. The piece talks about Romney condemning polygamy, but that his great-grandfather had multiple wives? How does the fact that his ancestor practiced polygamy negate Mitt's views on the matter?!? I'm sure that other candidate's ancestor's were slave owners. Does that mean they must condone slavery today, despite what they say? Sheesh! The press is so transparent--and STUPID--sometimes. Like anyone is going to care about this smear piece or give it one ounce of creedence.



It is interesting how much the press is interested in, *golly,* the generations of Romney family...why, not even Lincoln, Washington, or Jefferson get this much attention to family history in the modern press.

Yeah, yeah, anyway...

If it weren't such a veiled hit piece (this is muckraking? This is all they can come up with?), it is interesting to see obscure Mormon history suddenly become so relevant to everything political. You'd think the press was genuinely threatened by Romney's ancestors, but no, they're just scared of Romney and his potential, so they have to create an asinine hit piece.

Also, just to echo the commentary above, Romney wasn't the only person who had polygamist ancestors. See this post about Obama's daddy: http://tinyurl.com/38l6p9

So, where's the fair treatment? Sheesh.



Great editorial! AWESOME! Please post the email address of Johnson if you find it.

Their reporting on this along with all the other "hangerson" is hillarious. Gotta love it.

My grandmother (not Mormon) loved geneology as a hobby. I found out in my youth that I had a horse rustler for a g-g-g-grandfather in Arkansas or some place like that. They hanged the guy --- it is a good thing he had kids first tho.

To 206's point: My personal opinion is that it doesn't matter what the church thinks on this; for Americans and me at least. The most important issue at hand is to get the most qualified and best person in the President's saddle (If that person were a Quaker, I would be doing what I could to help him/her). That person is MR, hands down. I am sure the people who run the Mormon church know what could be coming and are well prepared for it. And I doubt they are complaining about all the free publicity.



This is ridiculous. Why don't they find out which candidates had great grandfathers who were slave holders or something like that. I mean, c'mon



It's all just too funny...

I know who my great grandfather and my wife does too. Come to think of it, you may know her's as well...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_v._United_States

His name is George Reynolds, and his case (albeit not completely correct in description on Wikipedia) is a cornerstone of current debate on marriage. My wife is a lifer and I'm a convert (6 years after being married to her from being an Agnostic). It didn't stop me from marrying her - we had common values, end of story.

They (the AP) can't stand a discussion on real issues - sideshow antics are what keep them alive and selling papers.

FWIW for 206: As a second-gen Arizonan, Ev Mecham was perceived as a nut, not for the Mormon angle but because he took a hard line on things rather than lay down like a nice politician.

MD




Wednesday, February 21, 2007
posted by Justin Hart | 9:29 AM | permalink
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR "THIS WEEK" BELOW

I should note at the outset that a good number of our bloggers here are NOT Mormon. With that caveat I have this to say about George Stephanopolous.

Listen, it's one thing to knock my candidate for President. It's quite another to say that Mitt has his Mormonism wrong or that I DO for that matter.

Here's how it played out: George asks Mitt over the weekend about a specific Mormon doctrine and how Muslims might perceive it. Mitt corrected George and said we believe the same as other Christians that Christ will come to Jerusalem and set foot on the Mount of Olives.

George goes and asks a "Mormon spokesman" about it and then comes on the air to say that Mitt has his Mormonism wrong? He repeated it again yesterday!

George you are no Mormon theologian!

I am literally getting saturated with emails from my friends (disclosure: I am Mormon) upset about this strange turn of events. And it's not just Mormons questioning this media approach. See Thomas Lifson here.

I will let a BYU Professor say his peace on the matter:
Mormon eschatology is complex and multifaceted, and George Stephanopoulos's seeming "gotcha" with regard to Mitt Romney rests on his own illusion that he has our doctrine pinned down. He doesn't. Romney is right.

I'm afraid that benighted Mormons such as myself are in for a long and perhaps unpleasant season of hearing our beliefs defined for us. We may often not even recognize them. I'm reminded of a comment that Barry Goldwater made after the 1964 presidential election, when he finally got a chance to go through his press clippings: "I didn't realize what a son of bitch I am until I read the newspapers about me."

- source

Here's the contact information for This Week.

E-mail: thisweek@abc.com
Phone: (202) 222-7100
Fax: (202) 222-7074

If you call, be polite, and tell them that George is wrong about Mitt being wrong on some Mormon doctrine and that he should stop bringing minute theological debates into his press reports!

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To show he's not prejudiced George should ask Hillary on air how she thinks the Muslim world would respond to a woman as Commander in Chief since Jihadists believe women are sub-human. Wouldn't that go over swimmingly. Sigh*



Stephanopolous doesn’t care at all what the Muslims will think about a President's personal religious tenets. It was just a ploy to try and get Romney to admit he believes in an unusual doctrine. Instead of trying to strike differences, Romney wanted to touch on similarities of his faith with America's dominant Christianity. There's nothing wrong with that. People don't need to know about the meaty tenets of Mormonism in order to elect a ripe candidate. But the liberal media won’t let this go; they think Mitt needs to give a lecture on Joseph Smith, and if he leaves anything out, he can't ever be trusted. Can we respect (all) other's personal faiths by not forcing them to admit they have unusual differences? Mere tolerance is not enough.



Here's my email:

I enjoyed your interview this past Sunday with Governor Romney and his wife Ann. However, I was a bit puzzled by your questions regarding Mormon eschatology. I'm not sure at all what difference this makes in a presidential race. Radical muslims consider all Christians to be infidels, so I'm pretty sure that they really are not all that concerned with the views of particular Presidential candidates on the "end times."

I have a BA in Religious Studies, so I do have some passing interest in the subject. Therefore, I will be looking forward to hearing all the Presidential candidates that you interview discuss their eschatological views. I imgaine that a least one of the candidates might be a dispensational premillenialist. I would hate to think that you're not going to ask all the candidates these questions; that would show a tremendous anti-Mormon bias.

Kyle Farmer




Wednesday, January 31, 2007
posted by jason | 10:03 AM | permalink
anti-mormon, gloria haskinsRomney's visit in South Carolina had a not so surprising McCain/Anti-mormon moment.

In the Boston Herald we read:
"I don't think that I could see someone who is a member of a faith so contrary to my faith having my support," said state Rep. Gloria Haskins. Haskins is backing Sen. John McCain of Arizona, as are a number of key lawmakers.
McCain has been playing on the Mormon train for quite a while. It was a supporter of his who ambushed Romney with Doctrinal questions not too long ago. This of course seem redundantly hypocritical. On one hand McCain plays the Anti-Mormon card in South Carolina, yet he has taken great pains to run a Mormon coup as seen with Utah Governor Huntsman and Atty. General Shurtleff.

At some point Johnny, you will have to explain to your huge community of home town Mormons your need to use 'em and loose 'em. What will come of this? Probably more of things like this.

***Update***

Thanks to Dave I have this quote to add from Cindy Mostellar, the lady I previously mentioned who attacked Romney's religion last year.
Yesterday, Charleston County GOP chairwoman Cyndi Mosteller, a Baptist, said, "The question is: Does Governor Romney support Joseph Smith's doctrines? We as evangelicals don't believe we can go in and change Paul's doctrine. I don't see how you move around this."
No need to hide your feelings Cindy, just say what you think about Mormons.

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It's a wildly amazing coincidence that the people who have a problem with Romney's faith just happen to be McCain supporters.



here is her e-mail address: GAH@schouse.org

I don't know what to say to someone who says, "I don't think that I could see someone who is a member of a faith so contrary to my faith having my support." What would you guys say to her? If Mormons are too stupid to be in politics, should they be allowed in the military? Should they be allowed in Business? If they are too stupid to be in government, do you want to hire stupid people in your business?



I separate Romney's religion from his politics. In politics, the specifics of his faith have no bearing on his worth as a candidate. Remember Kennedy? McCain and his minions would have you believe otherwise. Hence, the quotes.

However, I argue that values and a moral compass matter. And many faiths help one develop a sound moral compass--even the Mormon Church. Those two women--Haskins and Mosteller--struggle with such an understanding of religion in politics. They play by the old-boys' club rules. In effect, they say, "Your Mormon views are intolerable, so no votes for you."

In contrast, Mitt's supporters at Evangelicals for Mitt know when religion is important. What Mitt chooses to believe about Joseph Smith and other dogmas is a personal matter, and won't influence him politically. These women and others need a little education.



my email to Rep. Gloria Haskins of South Carolina:

to: GAH@schouse.org
date: Jan 31, 2007 5:50 PM
subject: no religious test for the presidency?

Rep. Haskins,

I've been following both McCain and Romney closely, and ran into your quote in the Boston Globe. I'd think you'd be experienced enough to keep these thoughts private. To oppose Romney on religious grounds alone is unbelievable. What a poor example of leadership!

At least raise other objections to cover your concerns for his religion. Oppose past Romney positions if you must, but his faith? Geez! The United States can handle someone who has an oustide-the-mainstream religion if he/she is the best. On religious grounds you have defined Mitt Romney as an intolerable candidate. The specifics of his religion have no bearing in politics. His morality and leadership are paramount. Your quote and old-boys' club religious mentality is deplorable.

"I don't think that I could see someone who is a member of a faith so contrary to my faith having my support," said state Rep. Gloria Haskins.

Dr. Richard Land (of the Southern Baptist Convention) gets it when he says, 'We're not electing Mitt Romney as pastor in chief."

Sincerely,

Neal



For all of you who say that Mitt Romney's religion should play no part in how he is perceived as a candidate, I wonder how it would play out for you if a Wiccan or other Pagan were running? Would you hold yourself to the same principle then? I somehow doubt it.




Tuesday, January 30, 2007
posted by Kevin Davis Jr. | 3:36 PM | permalink
Check out this clip from an article on the American Prospect Online website:

But none of this has stopped some of the Christian right's most influential power brokers from offering endorsements and strategic help, signaling that Romney is doing more than pandering on abortion and gay marriage. He’s on board to change the courts and their interpretation of the Constitution.

Jay Sekulow, the head of Pat Robertson’s American Center for Law and Justice (ALCJ) and one of the most prominent evangelical figures in the country, has placed his seal of approval on Romney and signed on to advise his campaign. Gary Marx, a former Bush campaign liaison to the evangelical community, is Romney’s Conservative Coalitions Director. Marx also heads up the Judicial Confirmation Network, which last year ran an ad ominously portraying "left-wing extremists" opposing the Alito Supreme Court nomination as supporting legal positions that were antithetical to "the real America."


You see, the "Mormon issue" is overblown. If you still need more evidence, I encourage you to visit Evangelicals for Mitt. What more can be said?

Support Mitt Romney! Donate to Mitt Romney's Presidential Run Today!


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Sunday, January 28, 2007
posted by jason | 7:46 AM | permalink
The topic of Romney's religion and his ability to remain independent is always a hot topi on the blogs. The Deseret News has an article on it today.

University of Utah Political Science Chairman Ron Hrebenar had these remarks:


Noting that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is not only LDS but a Democrat, he said there's no evidence the church has sought to dictate to him in any way, though he went against the church's public position in opposing a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

"National observers often confuse (LDS voters') ideological homogeneity with direction from the LDS leadership. ... Because LDS voters tend to be conservative, there is the appearance of unanimity," Patterson said.

Reporters who have covered the Evangelical Christian view of religion and politics "apply that wholesale to the LDS experience, and it's not comparable," he said. "It's very different. You see instances of Christian Evangelicals taking positions in politics and being engaged in ways the LDS Church has not."


I have no real opinion of how true that is on the Evangelical side. I do find it hard to say it is the case 100% with Evangelicals since they do not have one leader and the Protestant movement as a whole is definitly a "GrassRoots" style religion.

But for those worried about an LDS influence I have quoted some important parts from the official LDS statement on church political neutrality:


Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.(Emphasis added)



and...

The Church does not:

-Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.

-Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.

-Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

-Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.



This is a pretty upfront and strong statement. Two overall points: 1) Romney does not speak for the LDS Church 2) The LDS Church does not expect anymore out of an LDS politician than an a non-LDS politician.

Now a request for all those who don't trust Romney based on his religion: Please show where Romney's religion has compromised his ability to govern. No one has ever come up with anything.

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