Posted on 12/17/2005 8:39:05 AM PST by Mr. Blonde
HE MADE millions as a businessman, saved the scandal-plagued 2002 Winter Olympics, appeals to social conservatives, is liked by moderates, boasts chiselled good looks and has been a successful Republican governor in one of America’s most liberal states. In Mitt Romney, the Massachusetts Governor who all but threw his hat into the 2008 presidential race yesterday, Republicans have the almost perfect candidate. Except for one potential problem: Mr Romney is a Mormon.
After announcing that he would not be seeking a second term as Massachusetts governor, a widely anticipated move that clears the way for a 2008 White House bid, Mr Romney implicitly posed a fascinating political question: can a Mormon win enough votes to become President of the United States?
Mr Romney, whom analysts on both sides of the political divide say will be a serious contender in 2008, was elected governor of Massachusetts — one of the bluest of Democrat blue states — as a social moderate. In the past year, however, he has changed his stance on social issues important to religious conservatives, the base of the Republican Party that wields enormous influence in the Republican primary race. Mr Romney once said that abortion should be “safe and legal”, but now opposes it. He denounced the decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court to legalise gay marriage. Calling himself a “red speck in a blue state”, he has emphasised socially conservative positions on the death penalty, stem-cell research and birth control.
But Manuel Miranda, head of the Third Branch Conference, an alliance of conservative groups, said that many evangelicals view Mormonism — the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — as a cult. Mr Miranda said that in 2000 he worked for Orrin Hatch, the Utah senator and a Mormon, during his unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination. “Hatch had a poll done. He found that over 60 per cent of Americans would not vote for a Mormon.”
Richard Cizik, of the National Association of Evangelicals, said that Mormons were not Christians, and that profound doctrinal divisions would shape reactions to Mr Romney as a candidate for the White House. The view among evangelicals might change if Mr Romney’s main opponent is Rudy Giuliani, the former New York Mayor, who is socially moderate and supports abortion.
Frank Luntz, a Republican pollster, believes that Mr Romney’s religion will not be a significant issue. His biggest problem, Mr Luntz said, is that he comes from Massachusetts. Although he balanced the state’s budget, lowered taxes and improved education, “the last time Massachusetts produced a Republican candidate was never”.
Mr Romney may also face the charge of being a “flip-flopper” — an accusation that did so much damage to the last presidential candidate from Massachusetts with impossibly thick hair: John Kerry.
The last president to come from Massachusetts was John Kennedy, who successfully overcame concerns about being the first Roman Catholic in the White House.
Mr Romney can also take encouragement from the experience of his Mormon father, George Romney, who was Governor of Michigan. His 1968 presidential bid imploded after he said that he had been “brainwashed” into supporting the Vietnam War. “But until then,” Steve Hess, of the Brookings Institution, said, “there was no question he could have been elected.”
No, the isolation is a basic tenet of the religion. Monasteries are an off shoot of a larger religion.
What proof do we have that it is any less true than the rest of the Bible? Just because it isn't in the Bible? There were a lot of editorial selections in creating that Book. Also how do you know it doesn't lead people to true salvation in Christ? It could be the Mormons who have it correct and everyone else is wrong. You never know, at least not until it is too late.
Nope.
Struck a raw nerve did I?
True, Catholicism doesn't call for the isolation of average members.
But so what if a given religion does? The Amish and most Chassidic Jewish groups, intentionally seek to live apart from most of mainstream society because they don't want to be subjected to what they see as its corrupting influences. What is wrong with that? Does that make those religions cults?
I'm a mormon and don't really think there are "questionable" practices which separate us from Christians. I was raised as a mormon and we all look down on polygomy.
Well, in that case, there would be no presumption of innocence since he was already convicted.
I grew up near a major Folgers plant...one of my childhood smells...
But I don't buy preground coffee. All that implanting led to me want the good stuff.
Which, btw, you can buy in Utah. Cause I do.
I would not vote for Romney, even knowing a lot of Mormons who I would be willing to vote for for elected office. Don't like his politics.
(((shudder))) You have no idea. Don't dooooooo dat!
;o)
"Throw in the special undergarments"
Hadn't heard about those - what's that about?
I'm not concerned about the fact that he's a Mormon, but he's too wishy-washy for me.
This makes no sense
The Amish and Hassids live apart from mainstream society, but have regular/daily interaction. The Amish through tourism and the Hassids through commerce. Both also maintain the classic family structure.
For the record, there is a surprisingly large population of Mormons in NYC -- both practicing and non-practicing.
LOL Never again!
I don't think, in the end, that his religion will play a big role either way.
His views are what won't get him elected or even nominated....not his religion.
BTW I know a couple mormon families and they happen to be the nicest people I know.
It'll come down to the lesser of two or three evils as always......politics for ya etc ....:o)
I'm not certain yet that I'd vote for THAT Mormon, but I wouldn't have a problem with voting for a Mormon.
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