Romney will emerge just fine from the latest dust-up over his Mormonism

Conservative Home USA ^ | 10/10/2011 | Ryan Streeter

[rzman21]

Mitt Romney has enjoyed a long hiatus from “the Mormon thing.” But now it’s back with a vengeance after the recent Rev. Jeffress comments urging Christians to support Perry over Romney because the latter is a Mormon.

The “Mormon things” always makes for good political theater. The question is whether or not it will matter to Romney’s candidacy.

It most likely won’t. While unexpected events could always turn public opinion against him on account of his faith, there’s simply not enough evidence at this point that enough evangelical Christians will sit at home rather than vote for Romney if they conclude he is the candidate most likely to beat Obama. For the same reason that Mormonism fades into the background when other important matters are at stake in the case of other Mormons, Romney should emerge from this okay.

For example:

I’m sure a lot of Americans didn’t realize Rulon Gardner was a Mormon when he stunned everyone in the 2000 Olympics by beating Alexander Kerelin. But if they had, would they have cheered less? Maybe some would have, but overall, people’s enthusiasm for an unexpected American victory in the Olympics would have dampened their views on Mormonism.

Or do people boycott Amy Adams movies because she still thinks fondly of her Mormon upbringing (she reportedly doesn’t practice now)? Or would they admire Haloti Ngata less when he blows open holes for Baltimore Ravens running backs because he’s a Mormon?

Some will argue that being President is simply different – and they're right. Religious views can shape the actions of a public official in a way that affects all of us, while a Ngata block won't affect me (unless I'm unfortunate enough to be a down lineman opposite him). But the important lesson from the sports and entertainment arena is that other important objectives – winning a contest, enjoying a movie’s plot – matter more than the religious faith of the people on the field or screen.

The prospect of another Obama term will drive his critics in the populace to the polls even if they are uncomfortable with his faith. Sure, some will stay at home. But in general, voters are not single-issue voters in this regard. The thought of more job losses, higher taxes, skyrocketing health care costs – all of these things and more will make Romney a more appealing alternative if he continues to keep and grow his frontrunner status.

The other factor the media often overlooks when it covers this issue is that it’s Democrats – not Republicans or independents – who have the most misgivings about voting for Mormons.

Gallup found over the summer that 27% of Democrats said they wouldn’t vote for a Mormon, compared to 19% of independents and 18% of Republicans. So the “Mormon thing” doesn’t even pose a huge general election problem for Romney in so far as it’s not a turn-off for independents.

Still, 22% of Americans oppose a Mormon President, which is no insignificant barrier. However, as Gallup notes in its write-up on Mormonism, opposition to a Catholic for President fell from 25% in 1959, before John F. Kennedy was elected, to 13% in 1961, and eventually down to 8% a few years after that. The same thing will happen if Romney can persuade enough of America that he will make a better President than anyone running. That - not defending his faith - is his biggest challenge right now.

[Reagan Man]

If Romney wants to believe in the planet Kolob, an afterlife where Mormons become gods, Jesus and Lucifer are brothers, magic underwear, etc etc etc, that's his business.

Conservatives should be more concerned that Willard is a statist liberal pig and a phony and a fraud who must be stopped from getting the gop nomination.

[TheOldLady]

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[meatloaf]

I don’ t have a problem with Mormons. I have a major issue with liberals and that includes Romney.

[Terrence DoGood]

Heck no! Over my dead body will I have an evil Mormon in the White House! (insert scary horror movie music here)

Hey here’s an idea really good idea, let’s avoid that Herman Cain guy too. Don’t you realize he’s black?! Sure he says he’s Conservative, but how can w trust him after Barack Obama. Hmmmm????

Wow dude really? What ever happened to “...freedom of religion...”?

[Godzilla]

since 9/26/11 to post a piece putting mitt in a good light. Take a hike romneybot.

[Georgia Girl 2]

This is not a dust up. Everybody who had a problem with Romney being a Mormon in 2008 still has the problem. It is what it is. Its going to be a problem for him. Its not just going to melt away.

[Jack Hammer]

Wonder if he’ll emerge as well from considerations of his Liberalism and his waffling on key issues...