Romney Talk

A Mormon Times columnist reviews recent Romney talk. [I'm sure I could find other columns on this topic if I tried.] I like Hewitt's summary of "Romney's M's" (message, money, Michigan, and Mormonism), but basically it's all a variation on the "he'd be a great candidate except for the Mormon thing" theme. Quoting the column: "For some, Romney's faith is an attraction, but for many it remains a negative." More directly, quoting a political commentator's observation: "In addition, Romney's Mormon faith was an issue for some evangelical Christians in the primaries."

In a democracy, voters are entitled to their biases. If a voter goes into a polling booth and won't punch the chad for a particular candidate because of the candidate's race, gender, or religion, so be it. It is publicly broadcasting one's biases — and even defending them — that seems out of place, especially on sectarian religious grounds. Would Evangelicals publicly wring their hands about voting for an African-American candidate because they don't want "one of those people" in office? Have their public opinion leaders declare their opposition to Catholic candidates just because of their Catholicism?

It might be disingenuous for Evangelicals to publicly identify minor political differences in order to justify publicly noising against Romney, but it would at least put them in line with 21st-century political mores. It is like they'd rather have McCain name a weak VP and lose to Senator Obama than make Romney the VP, which doesn't seem the right bargain to make given Evangelical policy preferences. Can anyone figure out Evangelical politics? On any other basis than simple religious identity voting, that is.

Comments

[BrianJ]

Well, one more option is that EVs simply state why religious grounds are reasons not to vote for Romney. I really don't have a problem with the idea of someone basing their vote on religion, but I want to hear the reasons. (and I want them to be honest and consistent with those reasons)

[Clark Goble]

I think their reasoning is that a Mormon VP would make Mormonism more mainstream and acceptable. They'd then fear losing more of their flock to us. Which seems odd given demographic conditions. But I think that's their fear. They are still thinking in terms of our growth in the 80's and early 90's.

[Seth R.]

The reason Romney lost is because the POLITICAL accusations of his "flip-flopping" played into Evangelical RELIGIOUS stereotypes of Mormons as nice-seeming, but ultimately dishonest and deceptive.

[Randy B.]

I'm largely with Seth. Flip-flopping / superficiality wasn't Romney's only problem, and it wasn't only a problem because it played into Evangelical religious stereotypes, but I agree that it was a critical factor in his ultimate defeat.

[John Mansfield]

"Have their public opinion leaders declare their opposition to Catholic candidates just because of their Catholicism?"

The only substantial thing evangelical voters got out of Bush's presidency is appointment of two Catholics to the Supreme Court.

[Tim]

It's religious bigotry for some Evangelicals for sure. The "flip-flopping" was just the excuse they needed not to vote for him. I didn't vote in the primaries but I wouldn't have voted for Romney because I know he can't win because of his Mormonism.

Don't get too excited about the VP slot. A VP can't win an election, only lose one. If Mormonism is a liability for Romney (for whatever reason, legit or not) don't expect McCain to take that liability on.

[Clark Goble]

John, there also was the issue of how sex education was dealt with and how the US funded family planning overseas. (i.e. no condoms) Two places I strongly disagree with Evangelicals, but it's hard to say they didn't get something there. Add in the stem cell issue and Bush gave them a lot.

I do agree that McCain might see Romney as a liability but may promise him a cabinet spot.

[Sister Aloha]

Just found your blog...I like it. Good place, good stuff :)

I'm not too political, but it would be intersting to see how everything unfolds for Romney and McCain individually, or as a possible pair. ???

www.sistersomebody.wordpress.com

[Karen]

I'm not against Romney because he's a Mormon. To me, that's the very least of the issues. I'm against him because I'm from Massachusetts and lived under his administration. Thank him for me for using Massachusetts as a stepping stone for his own objectives, and ruining our economy in the meantime.