Posted on 08/07/2011 11:35:29 AM PDT by Kaslin
How bad would it be to have a Mormon President in the White House?
"The Marxism that exists in the White House right now is waaay more disturbing to me" noted Phil, a recent caller to one of my daily talk shows. "If we could replace that with Mormonism, I think that’d be a huge improvement..."
I completely agree with Phil. But if a recent Gallup poll is any indication, lots of Americans think differently than us – and this should be a wake-up call for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and the entire Republican Party.
I’m not assuming that Mr. Romney will necessarily end up being the Republican presidential nominee. He's the current frontrunner in fundraising, ground game support, and popularity among likely voters, but as other candidates drop out – Newt Gingrich, for example – will Romney pick up those supporters? Time will tell.
For now, Republican strategists have to think seriously about how to hold together the divided coalitions on the right, and how to get over the "religious hurdles" that nobody wants to talk about. And those of us rank-and-file voters are going to have to wrestle with my question – "how bad would it be - really?"
Before I go further, let me be clear on where I stand. I was honored to vote for Mr. Romney during the 2008 Republican primary races, even though at the time I was a resident and registered voter in "McCain Country" (Arizona).
I also grew up in a theologically conservative, Protestant Evangelical, church-going family, and was taught that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a "cult." As an adult, I earned a graduate degree in Philosophy at a fairly reputable Evangelical divinity school, where, among other things, I learned about the theological differences between Evangelical Protestants and Mormons.
I disclose these things simply to make this point: I understand the theological tensions between Mormonism and other faith traditions, and my choice to be friends with and supportive of Mormons is by no means an uninformed choice.
I also know that, generally speaking, Mormons love America; they regard the U.S. Constitution as something that is to be respected; and Mormons generally have a profound understanding of the importance of individual liberty. These are all essential and necessary ingredients for American statesmanship, and if it takes a Mormon to return these ideals back to the White House, well, then, so be it.
But back to the polling data. According to the Gallup organization, roughly 22% of Americans simply will not vote for a Mormon to be President. Period. It doesn't matter who the incumbent is, or the party affiliation of the respective candidates. If a presidential candidate is identified with the L.D.S. Church, these voters simply will not cast their ballot for that candidate. Among Republicans and Independents that number drops down to 20%, and among Democrats, specifically, the number skyrockets up to 27%.
So, can Mr. Romney win against these odds? We'll see how things shape-up once the Republican Primary process unfolds. But one thing is for sure: Team Romney most avoid the mistakes of the previous campaign.
Early in his last presidential bid, Mr. Romney claimed that he didn't want to talk about his church, but instead, wanted to talk about being President. But the "Mormon thing" proved to be unavoidable then, and will be that way again this time.
Thus, Mr. Romney should stop trying to prove to "them" - theologically conservative Evangelicals, and Catholics - that he is one of "them." The more he insists that we are all "on the same page," religiously speaking, the more that theologically conservative Catholics and Protestants will say "oh, no we’re not..."
Instead, Mr. Romney should explain why his Mormonism matters to the cause of American civic leadership; that his faith enables him to understand the dignity of the human person, the sanctity of life, the profundity of marriage, the necessity of human liberty, and so forth. He needs to honestly admit that, while the theological divide is real, our American values are universal.
On this point, Romney could borrow from the immediate past Commander-in-Chief. In a little-known speech from March of 2001, President George W. Bush spoke at the opening of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington. Bush, of course, is a Methodist (with strong ties to non-denominational Evangelicalism), yet he managed to do a remarkable job of stating to the Catholic hierarchy, "I may not be a parishioner…but I'm a sojourner with you..." and then brilliantly went on to say that we are "one" with our values.
Romney must avoid appearing as though he's denying the existence of theological tensions. At the same time, he needs to stay out of theological debates, and steer the "religious questions" in to a discussion about values.
It is a difficult task at hand for Mr. Romney, yet his Mormonism nurtures our American values. He needs to say as much.
Romney’s Mormonism is a non-issue to me. I’m opposed to Romney because he’s a political chamelian who’ll say anything to get elected and who doesn’t believe in anything in particular.
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This sums it up for me after doing my own research on Romney. I do think he is a smart businessman with some good ideas but he DOES NOT seem to be absolutely committed to conservatism based on his record.
He is also the selection of the MSM and that should tell you everything you need to know. Never forget, they “selected” McCain.
I could vote for a Mormon and I am a conservative Christian. However, I am from the South and know he will lose votes there, right or wrong, based on his faith. You can count on that and it would make a major difference in southern states. The media understands this and I am not sure why more FReepers don’t see it or even admit it.
I am not making a judgment of the man or his faith. I am simply stating the obvious to anyone who understands the Bible Belt. National elections are won and lost on the margins. The Obama machine wants to run against Romney for a reason. Romney is not embraced by the conservative base, the Tea Party, and evangelicals. He is another “compassionate conservative” who wants to be liked and get along with the other side. That is the last thing we need right now.
How about Marxist Mormon Mitt Romney, who passed the prototype for Obamacare as governor of Massechussettes?
Mormonism IS an issue to me (as well as flip flopping etc.) Mormonism is a religion of works, not grace. That’s why you are more likely to end up with meddling like Robamneycare. Also, the only way to get your own planet is through ‘good works’, not what our nation needs. Religion does matter.
That’s not factually correct. There was persecution of Mormons outside law that is equivalent to what was done to the American Indians and African Americans. It was done on a small scale in numbers relative to those other groups, but the persecution is what caused Mormons to move west.
Religious bigotry outside the law.
“You seem bitter”
I am sick of Mormonism’s fraud. There is nothing for evil than “chocalte covered poison.”
However, I am not bitter...I am RESOLUTE! If Utah wants to elect a Mormon because they best represent that State...so be it. They can have their senators and reps. However, I won’t contenance a “Mormon” POTUS. Besides, he would be a bad choice even if he weren’t a Mormon.
the problem isn’t that he would be a Mormon, the problem would be that he’s Mitt Romney
Testimony? You insinuated a personal attack simply because someone expressed their socio-political position, which, btw, is opposed to your socio-political position. You issued an unsolicited statement in response to a post, and accuse those who disagree with you to be ignorant; “...you will never realize it.”
Well, I guess one could describe your post as a “testimony”.
More red-herrings from Town Hall. Romney’s Mormonism is a non-issue for most people. His phony conservative/crypto-liberalism is why many people, me included, will NEVER vote for him—even against La Bomba.
I was raised a Mormon. Somehow I didn’t attend the same cult meetings as you did. I tended primary class, Sunday School class, Sacrament meetings. Temple endownments, missionary meetings, family home evening, etc.
It’s amazing how persons like you get twisted in your views. It’s sad and I wonder how can get the point where your attitude is so far from reality.
Pretty much took the words right out of my mouth.
Just like it doesn't matter that Obama is black. It matters that he's a narcissistic socialist scumbag.
“There was persecution of Mormons outside law that is equivalent to what was done to the American Indians and African Americans.”
Nonsense...you forget to mention that he had his own private army and called himself Lieutenant General Smith when this was considered bad form. Joseph Smith was a dangerous man. By the way...he DIDN’T die a matyr. He had been smuggled two pistols which he used to kill some in the “mob” that came to get him. Plus, he was in jail for destroying a newspaper that was publishing stuff against him. Smith was a David Koresh and L. Ron Hubbard. He was a flim flam man.
It wasn’t a socio-politcal position. It was a crazy, factually inaccurate characterization of Mormons like some kind of cult.
Remember, early, devout Christians right before the apostasy in the 1st century, were also considered part of a cult. That’s often used by the popular culture of the time to fight again truth.
He won’t lose enough votes to make his religion matter.
Look at Barry.
10 reasons, easily, why he should have never been elected but he was.
People always want Hope and Change.
Most people aren’t all that informed as they live their lives, try to do what’s right and love their families.
That’s life.
Joseph Smith’s life was threatened dozens of times by evil men long before he was actually killed. The Newspaper issue was a mistake, but that was just a small thing.. Mormon Newspapers were also destroyed by mobs. It was a raw and lawless society at the time.
The bottom line. Evil men (who think you perhaps) were responsible for killing a Prophet of God. He was called and ordained by God. You will find that out at the judgement seat of Christ.
Move on.
“testimony” and “testify” are tokens of their claim of truth.
You’re not going to get anywhere with this.
Of course it’s socio-political because it involves views which impact both his social as well as his political convictions. You can’t separate your beliefs from its social and political impact.
Christians, as described by the Bible, are followers of Jesus Christ. Mormons deny the death and resurrection of Christ. Furthermore, they deny the triune God.
There is a clear distinction between followers of Jesus Christ of the Old and New Testament, and Joseph Smiths The Book of Mormons Mormons.
Move on? It’s a good thing I wasn’t trying to “get anywhere”.
Christians, as described by the Bible, are followers of Jesus Christ. Mormons deny the death and resurrection of Christ. Furthermore, they deny the triune God.
That’s not a serious post. I should probably move on, your analysis is like DU’s analysis of conservative prinicples.
Moronic analysis. In the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, Romney won 50% to 45% (with the Greeniac and the Losertarian getting most of the rest). Obviously, Gallup is wrong.
Mormon has nothing to do with anything.
The fact that he is a nutless vajayjay repubic has everything to do with it.
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