You might think so, but I think the Obama will throw Harry Reid under the bus without the slightest qualm and the MSM itself will not quibble because attacks against Mormonism are unlikely to hurt politicians at the state level. They figure, probably correctly, that local issues (i.e. pork and patronage) will always be more important to Congressmen and Senators than religion.
These anti-Mormon attacks are aimed at the national audience, especially the deeply religious Southerners, evangelicals, and the secular Independents. They are working to build up an “ick” factor by focusing on controversial aspects of LDS history, doctrine and faith — and then (never directly) imply that anyone who is associated with such a screwball religion has no business in the White House.
The message will be subtle, but unmistakeable in the overall context.
But, I really don’t give this plan much of a chance of success. And there are a number of reasons why.
First, speaking as a God-fearing agnostic (yes, I know that is a contradiction in terms, but leave it alone for now) I don’t find the Mormon beliefs to be any more or less odd than various other “standard” Christian doctrines and beliefs. My feeling is that on the secular side, people will just shrug it off along the lines of “every religion has its own particularities”, while on the religious side, Christians of all denominations have learned along time ago not to let differences in doctrine to become sticking points in the political arena. Overall, he’s a lot closer to their side of the pitch than Obama is.
Second, any focus on Mormonism will inevitably touch on some extremely positive aspects. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, they are staunch defenders of the family, etc. Mormons in general are though of as frugal, shrewd, honest, patriotic, and for the most part - virtually incorruptible. Those are values that are going to resonate strongly with the secular and the religious.
In the final analysis, I think that Mitt’s Mormonism is going to be a net plus, and that MSM attempts to use it as a wedge issue against him are likely to irritate people more against the media itself than it is to hurt Romney.
The nation desperately needs a grown up at the helm. A grown up with a good solid (shall I say sterling?) career in business, a wealth of executive experience, and a strong sense of being in tune with traditional American values is going to be hard to resist come November.
But I could be wrong. We’ll just have to wait and see.
“But, I really don’t give this plan much of a chance of success.”
I agree with your reasons, but I still think Harry Reid will be a factor. How can they denigrate Romney without denigrating Reid? But again, it’s Romney’s job to call them on this.