Conservative reaction to Mitt's speech

Posted: Thursday, December 06, 2007 11:50 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray

So far, it's mostly positive...
National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "I predict it will get rave reviews. Mitt Romney, who sure looked presidential, explained effectively that he is a man of faith who is committed to America's values. He was sure-footed and polished as usual but appeared today to be fighting back strong emotions when he talked about American exceptionalism."

Ed Morrissey: "Interesting, and somewhat better than I thought. I still think that he won’t have convinced people disinclined to vote for Mormons to support him, but at least he may have made some evangelicals more comfortable with his candidacy."

National Review's Mona Charen: "That was perhaps the best political speech of the year. It was well-crafted and delivered with conviction and — this is unusual for Romney — considerable emotion. I thought his contrast of the empty cathedrals of Europe with the violent jihadis was particularly adroit. He managed to make this a speech about patriotism as much as about religion. Brilliant."

National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru: "It would have been nice if Romney, while making room for people of all faiths in this country, could have also made some room for people with none."

National Review's Jonah Goldberg: "I thought it was a very good speech too. I agree with Ramesh that the failure to mention agnostics and atheists was an oversight... The thrust of the speech was that all believers are good, all believers are Americans. That's a nice sentiment and its message of inclusion would encompass Hindus. But would it encompass non-believers? I'm sure Romney himself would say it would if asked. But he didn't say it in the speech."

The Atlantic's Andrew Sullivan (although many Republicans would not label him a conservative): "Romney flip-flopping on faith?"
"I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith, nor should he be rejected because of his faith," - Mitt Romney, at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum today.
"We need to have a person of faith lead the country," - Mitt Romney, February 17, 2007.

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Comments

I think it is simply insane that people think only a person of faith, of any religion, is qualified to lead this, or any other country. Are we a country full of religious fanatics on par with those in the Middle East and Africa!

Nowhere is it said, that only a religious person can be humane. Hitler was a Catholic, and the Catholic church still hasn't excommunicated any Nazi war criminals. Mormonism sanctioned slavery, and only viewed Black people, Black Americans, as human, because of threat over losing their tax exempt status. Most religions endorse slavery, murder, classism, mysogyny, elitism, child abuse, and a host of other human indignities...even murder, and you tell me that only a religious person is qualified to be a leader. This country is sicker than I thought it was. Religion should be a personal decision. It should not be used to dictate policy to a pluralistic society. I am not religious, but I am a tax paying American. I donate money and time to causes. I work hard, and I am a good human being. I don't need rituals or a book to tell me how to be a decent human being. I don't need a big white dude in the sky guiding my actions, I am a big boy, and I know right from wrong. I am also not going to feel guilty about those things that I like to do, and those things that make me human.

Religion wants everyone to respect them, and to accept them, but they don't want to respect people that don't want to be influenced by their sickness and criticism. Get a life. We have a nut job Jesus freak in office right now...What makes him different than the Allah freak in Iran? Nothing...If all it takes is faith to be president of the US...we are really lowering the bar for any insane asylum to produce our future leaders...sick!

Duane, Baltimore MD (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:35 PM)

Why are people like Fred Pearce so intent on telling Mormons and the rest of the world what they "think" that Mormons believe? My guess would be that Fred has never actually asked a Mormon this question, but has instead chosen to listen to his church leaders or other non-Mormom "friends" rather than seeking the information for himself. I have a pretty good good idea what Mitt Romney believes and I definately know what I believe, and therefore I am sure that those beliefs are much closer to Fred's beliefs than others would want him to know.

David, Sacramento, California (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:45 PM)

America is suppossed to be about Freedom From Religion or freedom to practice your own religion and be left alone by the government and majority. I do not see how freedom and religion are logically linked in any way as Mitt Romney tried to link them. Extremely religious countries, like the muslim world, are less free because the dominant religion dictates laws and public discourse.

Sorry Mitt, you swung and missed on your speech. Those of us who want to live free will avoid religious zealot polticians like yourself.

John, Somerset, NJ (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:45 PM)

John, Somerset, NJ (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:46 PM)

The mormon religion is a cult. Mr Smith discovered some tablets in upstate NY, thus the bases of the religion. Africans are cursed, multiple wifes, Indians are the lost tribe of Isreal. Please I could find a tablet at a storage facility auction and make up my own religion. PS dont drink the kool aid america.

PBarton (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:53 PM)

I don't think that Baptists are Christians either. They are baptists. They do not follow the traditions that Christ did. They read the bible and interpret it their way. There is a big difference. There is no apostolic succession or holy tradition in the baptist religion. How can it be the same religion as the one Christ founded if it was founded by someone other than Christ? I don't think that either Baptist or Mormoms are Christians. They are Baptists with the religion founded by some guy. What annoys me about baptists is that they think they are the only true christians (they don't even think Catholics and Orthodox Christians are Christian). The Orthodox Christian religion was founded by Christ and handed down by apostolic succession through holy tradition with no change whatsover from the religion that Christ founded. The baptist religion was founded by some person long after Christ founded Christianity and it interprets Christianity on its own terms, it does not follow the holy tradition handed down by Christ.

I would prefer that the president be either an atheist or not bring any part of his religion into the job. Any person of faith is not the right person for the job of president if they are prefer one faith to another and allow that preference to make judgments for everyone. It doesn't matter what the president's religion is unless (s)he bases decisions on that religion. It seems that some think that the laws and leaders of this country should force evangelical christian doctrine on everyone. That's absurd. The only things that matter to evangelicals anyway are abortion and homosexuality and voting for Republicans. They are intolerant of other faiths, even true Christian faiths. I don't think Muslims believe in abortion either, but it is legal in this country.

Christian Mount Athos, WA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:57 PM)

Romney has a history of being an includer. He is trying to broaden the spectrum and work with everyone he can. He is not agains evangelicals like they appear to be against him. So, only an evangelical can be President to satisfy them? Well, it isn't going to happen. Romney will listen to evangelicals and is a good religious person. Give him a chance and quit all this religious bigotry. Jim MacArthur, Orem, Utah

Jim MacArthur (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:58 PM)

I love Andrew Sullivan and he is always consistent in this comments and views, so stop bashing him.

I also really like Mitt Romeny's speech, I just hope he is sincere. I'm a Pentecostal Fundamentalist Christian who believes that there should be no litmus test on higher office.

Lynn, Millington (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:04 PM)

You can expect Americans to put their faith in anyone who puts their faith in the hands of Mr Smith who supposedly found some tablets in Upstate NY. Its a cult.

PBarton, St Louis, MO (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:05 PM)

Mitt's speech was AMERICAN INSPIRATIONAL and in order to see it's meaning you have to look at the "big picture" not regional & personal conflicts of your perceptions. VALUES are needed in making decisions and being consistent in our daily lives. Religion helps us to understand the "big picture" and cements our values. Way to go Mitt!

Big Max; Boise, Idaho (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:07 PM)

It is not necessarily that we get "rid" of religions and religious leaders. The point is, if we are to have Peace on Earth we as a civilization must "Go Beyond" all religions and religious leaders. The religious "Masters" were giving directions, not holding up Stop Signs.

Ray of Light (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:13 PM)

Sure, Mitt, your brand of faith doesn't matter when running for president. It only matters when you need to exclude them from your cabinet, i.e., a Muslim.

Mitt Romney: pathetic pandering hypocrisy.

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:14 PM)

Can any of you Republicans out there answer to this...
OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE NOMINATED IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY.

It is irrefutable.

Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:14 PM)

All very interesting and planned to inform us about his faith? Hundreds of thousands of Americans lost through the years defending freedom? Being a CO in a faith of not taking up the hard job of actually defending those principals. WW2 taught me the lesson. I lost 2 brothers, fighting countries that wanted to take away my freedom. He talks a good talk, but could he , in good faith, make the order to defend the people? All the prayers in the world, regardless of your belief, will not stop that bullet or bomb, from the people that want to take away your freedom. I do pray, and believe that every person has a right to their own beliefs but not at the expense of mine. This is not a Rep or Dem thing to argue about at all, any person that will become my President will put my safty and freedom first. If my brothers can die for that freedom, then I want the rest of you to defend it also in any manner it takes.

Marty CR Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:17 PM)

Be careful Ray of light. True, religions are the most infectious disease that exist, but like curing a disease it is better to let the ill die off and practice behaviors that don't lead you or others to get ill.
If you suggest killing the disease itself you have to off quite a few folks and that becomes off-putting and is also referred to as holy war.
Religious quackery is so nutty, but we cannot justify it and make ourselves look bad by getting rid of them. We need to let religion run it's natural course as it is doing and allow it to go the way of the dinosaur.

Only if we could design a condom that prevents infection from religion. Thoughts?

A brain...
Books...
Memory...
Reason/Logic...
Science...

Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:21 PM)

right on don, the current president got god's guidance on iraq, iran and his incompetent response to issues facing america.

jerry/corpsu christi texas (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:23 PM)

I am uncomfortable with Willard "Mitt" Romney because he is a member of a religious tradition that is historically (and almost ontologically) racist and mysogynist. I realize that racism has been a part of many religious traditions. However, most of those traditions were not dogmatically racist. I am also aware that a great many religious traditions have been and continue to be sexist. For that reason I am less than entirely comfortable with candidates who are deeply rooted in denominations and faith groups that exclude woman from full participation in the religious community. Thus, when factoring religious background into my voting decisions those with Southern Baptist, Mormon, Missouri Synod Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and fundamentalist evangelical connections give me pause. All things being equal I'd prefer a United Church of Christ, ELCA Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, or Episcopalian.

Gary, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:23 PM)

Regarding Bob's list of Mormon beliefs above:

Uh, no. Not even close. It's misinformants such as you that make people question the LDS view; it is a very tough thing to counteract ignorance.

Frank Davis (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:24 PM)

Apparently Sullivan does not understand the English language. He couldn't have been more clear nor consistent on what he said. The speech was simply magnificent! I was amazed that even some of the tv pundits were a little emotional after watching it! Go Mitt Romney!!! You're the best man I've ever seen running for President!!!

Bob Thomas, Decatur, Illinois (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:26 PM)

"Have only heard bits and pieces from the speech. Did he mention The Church of GoreBull Warming?" - Dave, Tn

Human-induced global warming is a theory accepted with at least 90% certainty by the overwhelming majority of the world's top scientists in relevant fields - like climatology, atmospherics, and meteorology.

Hating all Gore is up to you but understand that denying the scientific consensus on global warming doesn't make you a bona fide conservative...

http://truthalert.net/Green%20Libertarian%20Nationalism.htm#_Toc183353745

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:27 PM)

Mitt seemed honest and spoke with conviction. I believe him on this one. It takes guts to not back down from his religion when so many around bash and accuse him based upon it.

Mike, Washington (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:36 PM)

jerry is that really you? Are you saying that you don't believe in Republican's religious quackery.

Let me say first that I'm shocked but somehow pleased in regards to your post. There may be hope for you yet.

Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:36 PM)

I hope that we all will consider carefully all of the candidates and select the best one according to his/her character, proven ability and overall positions to provide a strong balance of doing no harm and doing the best to bring people together to solve our multiple problems. We should realize that being bankrupt in our ethics in many circles has cost us real money and stagnation in many fronts of our society. Just think of Enron, Worldcom, etc. Just think of the endless bickering in Congress! They are really getting little done. We do have real threats to our futures and the futures of our children and grandchildren. At this point I don't know who I would vote for, but Mitt appears to me on solid grounds on the ethical front. He is impressive as a leader. I will seriously consider him from now on.

Bruce Warner, Sandy, Utah (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:37 PM)

An old song says, "You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything". I have no problem with Romney standing for solid values.

Some of the comments imply that we shouldn't have a president who believes in honesty, conviction, morality, etc. How would you expect us to be civilized if all were allowed to do whatever popped into their head and had no morality or value system?

If you don't take a stand for time-proven values, you are taking a stand against those values! Gov. Romney is a proven leader and has proven to be a person of convictions. The rest of the field has not proven to me that they are of equal calibre.

Tom (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:42 PM)

Excellent speech. He won my vote.

Stewart, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:43 PM)

Oh My Goodness Bob, from Arizona!!!!! Not one of your facts, I repeat, not one are in the books you recite. You don't even know the name of one of them, it's The Pearl of Great Price. I don't know what anti-Mormon site you got the other one from. From your remarks, its obvious that you've never read any of the books, and (2) wherever you got you info from didn't have the foggiest idea what they were talking about, or else they were outright lying.

Bot Thomas, Decatur, Illinois (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:44 PM)

no peace until we are rid of religion? Hey Ray of Light -- that's anarchy! That's communism! That's PolPot. That's anhilation! If you are trusting the innate goodness of man to save you, you will be forever looking at emptiness.

David Rupert (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:44 PM)

Comments like those of Bob from Phoenix are exactly why Mitt felt a need to go on television today. Though his speech did not exactly clear up misconceptions about Mormonism, he realized there is little one can do to counter the criticisms of those who are willfully ignorant or biased toward Mormons. Which is why he steered his theme to that of tolerance. People like Bob take overheard tidbits (usually out of context), twist them into some contorted shape, and then pass them along as "facts". Though I'm not of the Mormon faith I have relatives that are and know that almost all of the stated 'beliefs' he listed are so off whack that there is barely a shred of truth to them. Personally the patriotism portion of Mitt's speech is what inspired me. To bad the Mormon thing has to keep geeting in the way of people's opinions. I'm afraid that many conservatives are going to lose the possibility of a having a strong runner against 'Hillobama' due to their bigotry and being uninformed.

Ed, Maine (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:44 PM)

I love that the GOP's own issues are biting some of their best candidates in the butt. But I suppose they will forgive Mitt on this one. They didn't like Clinton enhaling but Bush got a free pass on Cocaine. This proves that the Republicans don't care about religion. They just use it to win elections.

nick, walled lake, mi (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:45 PM)

Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusettes when they started the Big Dig. Remember, the huge tunnel under Boston that was crumbling down on drivers? He signed off on the shoddy work and cheap inferior materials. This is not who we need as president.

pat huntington ny (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:50 PM)

Terry Stover. Didn't you learn your lession the last time you voted for a religious man?

And if Romney is so honest, how come he isn't being honest like Ron Paul?

Don Jewell, heavenly father? That's why Christians should not make fun of Mormons. Our stories are just as fairy tale ish as theirs.

And if Bush didn't teach you why we need to seperate church and state, nothing will. Bush is just as radical as the extremist muslims and extremist jewish people. They are all planning for the end of days and the holy war. That's what this Iran/Iraq thing is all about. Well, partially what it's about. Oil & $ mostly. Hypocrits.

Anyone that votes Republican is a fool. They practically murdered our constitution and country for the past 7 years and just because Bush/Chaney aren't running, doesn't mean these new batch of Republicans will be any better. They only care about corporate America. Rich Americans. You are not rich.

nick, walled lake, mi (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:51 PM)

The only problem I have with Romney is "Pandering". He gave a good speech but he panders a lot. He has changed is view on Immigration, Privacy, Iraq War and Religious tolerance (No Muslim in his cabinet).

Bee (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:54 PM)

I can't believe the GOP used Religion to divide America and America is not going to use it on them. I will vote for any Democrat, despite their religion. But Republicans must be Christians. And they can only be of my faith. Greek Orthodox. Especially after Bush's bible belt born again type of Christianity. Those people are scary. So the GOP better run Petraius or Tenat. I believe they are Greek Orthodox.

nick (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:55 PM)

The fact that this speech even had to occur is pretty pathetic. Many southern preachers who try to teach Jesus love and gospel on Sunday's also teach hatred toward others they deem non-believers to their God the rest of the week. Where is the charity in that? I call on evangelicals to show their true colors and either let us know if they are biggoted or if they have true charity towards all men. If they do, religion and personal beleifs will have zero bearing on this election. Values and stances on the issues will.

CT (Dallas, Texas) (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:05 PM)

This Speech could go down in history as the defining script, second only to the constitution, as to the role of religion in the United States of America. It was delivered by a man with great moral authority on the subject and the religious experience Mitt has under his belt is matched by few. He served two and a half years of unpaid service to the study of faith and the sharing of his beliefs to people of an other country. He raised a family that demonstrates a deep belief in god. He served several years as a bishop and nearly a decade as a stake president both of which were entirely unpaid and voluntary. He presided over many bishops as a stake president. Bishops in the Mormon Church are similar to pastures such as Huchabee.

This one will go down in history.

Jacob (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:23 PM)

Bob of Arizona, that heat must be getting to you. For your own sake, stay indoors where it's cooler and if you really want information about the mormons go to www.lds.org

That church has done more for the good of the world than most other churches have. Sure the members are n't always perfect and not all of them look like Donny & Marie. Their humanitarian efforts alone are unmatched and the last time I checked, they're the fastest growing religion in the country if not the world. That should tell you that more people in this country are learning what the mormon church is really about and they want that for them and their families.

It is unfortunately and too common these days for people to bash churches other than their own. I would rather have people be part of a church than no church at all. Can we focus on what is really the issue here? Sure he has great hair and is a poster child for the mormon church. He is a also a quality politician and a businessman who is not willing to give up his religion just to hold the highest office. Mitt Romney is something this country could use. He is a proven leader and a man who takes his faith seriously. Imagine if his dedication to his country matched that of his dedication to his family and his faith. Now that is something this country cannot afford to pass on.

You're voting for a candidate, not a religion.

DP, California (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:25 PM)

An excellent and well-delivered speech by Romney. Finally, a presidential candidate with the charisma that the office deserves. Faith is fundamentally rooted in every aspect of this country.

As cited in a previous post, for those evangelicals who might be "scurrying" to the internet and searching out mormon beliefs because of Romney's speech, why not try a reliable source or information, a mormon himself. Or, why not try the church's website mormon.org. I doubt you'll find anything truthful on a website set up by an anti-mormon group. Do you also visit a liberal democratic site to find information about conservatives?

Ben (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:25 PM)

Discussion about faith IS important. Even faith that is 'different.' That's what we are all about in this country. I dont agree with Mormon teachings, but I appreciate the fact that Romney is
1) passionate and serious about what he beleives
2) is willing to live out the tenents of his faith
3) freely talks about it.

For an evangelical's perspective, check out

www.redletterbelievers.blogspot.com

David Rupert (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:34 PM)

I see that the Republican establishment and the MSM have once again side tracked the political discussion with religion. Wow, people of faith are so easily manipulated into fighting with each other over their different religious beliefs.

The country is going bankrupt, the dollar is going to be devalued by the Fed when they cut interest rates again, we're still at war in Iraq, our civil liberties and our national soveriegnty are being destroyed.. but hey, let's talk Morman vs. Evangelical presidential candidates.

Once again if we just followed the Constitution, Article VI, and people of faith would act like citizens instead of acolytes when their country needed them to perform a civic duty, the political debate could return to the issues that impact all Americans.

Ron Paul 2008.

Meg, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:35 PM)

Romney is asking citizens who fundamentally disagree with his religious convictions to not judge him by his beliefs in his presidential actions. I find this ironic because he simultaneously will not support gays and lesbians serve in the military when their personal lives have no bearing on their professional duties. He wants it both ways. He is a flip flopper. You cant have it both ways: the same tolerance he is seeking from voters is the same tolerance all Americans seek whether it be religion, sexual preference, abortion rights, etc. What kind of US will you lead Mitt? One that is inclusive or one that is inclusive of what you believe today?

Bronte Brussard, Seattle WA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:36 PM)

This would all be a moot point if we'd stop letting special interest groups decide who we get to vote for. In this case, the religious right, who refuse to accept someone not of their mindset.

dangitall, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:37 PM)

What...
Faith is fundamentally rooted in every aspect of this country.
Faith is fundamentally rooted in every problem of this country.

Open your eyes. You don't need faith

Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:42 PM)

To Carol Neese of Columbia, S.C. who wrote......"His speech answered nothing much about his Mormon beliefs...as I understand, Mormons belive Jesus was a son of God...not THE SON of God."
Carol, you're understanding is, quite frankly, incorrect. Mormons (i.e., members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) believe that Jesus Christ is "THE" Son of God. Was he "a" son of God, yes, he was, just like you are a "daughter" of God. (Go read Romans 8:16 - 17 in which it says quite clearly that all of humanity have God as our common Heavenly Father). However, we revere and worship Jesus Christ as THE son of God, ie, the ONLY one who is our Savior and Redeemer, indeed the only one who COULD be the Savior of all mankind. Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Gordon B. Hinckley or any other Mormon figure. We worship God, the father of us all, His son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. And, if you'll go back and watch the speech again on the internet, you'll see Mitt CLEARLY say that he is a Christian in the fact that he believes that Jesus Christ is his Savior. How do I know what Mormons believe? Because I am one and have been, by choice, for over 34 years. I debated about voting for Romney before but after watching his speech today...his wisdom, his passion and patriotism for our great country, he just won my vote for good! Good luck making your decision as well.

Dan Maloy, Enid, OK (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:42 PM)

Mormonism is not Christianity. It is a deceptive cult. The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said, "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers". I'm with him. I would never vote for Mitt Romney.

John C. Lawrence (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:42 PM)

I wonder what country Bill Edwards lives in. Doesn't sound like this one. Meanwhile, the so-called Ray of Light proves the lack of morality in the non-religious.

Bruce, NV (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:45 PM)

John C. Lawrence (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:45 PM)

To Bob in Phoenix, AZ....
The Mormons' fourth book of scripture is not called "the book of the Law of the Lord" but instead is called "The Doctrine and Covenants". And....almost all your other statements about beliefs held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is incorrect, particularly your claim that Mormons believe that Jesus was married to multiple wives while he was here on the earth. There is NO official Mormon position or doctrine on Jesus' marital status while He lived on the earth. Please do not say otherwise because it isn't true. If you or anyone else wants to know what members of the LDS church believe, please go to mormon.org and learn for yourself. Signed, A 34 year practicing Mormon.

Dan Maloy, Enid, OK (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:52 PM)

Voting for or against Mitt Romney because of his faith, is as fundamentally wrong as not voting for Hillary Clinton because of her gender, or Barack Obama because of the color of his skin. As AMERICANS we have a Constitutional obligation to vote based on who it is we feel is best qualified to hold office. Test yourself on the issues, are you for or against abortion, same sex marraige? What about the war in Iraq? Where do you stand as an American? Religious descrimination should not factor into the American voting process. In America it is against the law to hire or fire someone based on any of the following clasifications: Race, Sex, Religion, Age, and Disability. If you believe in this practice of equallity, then as an American you owe it to yourselves, and your country to vote solely on who is the most qualified for the job. I know I will look at the issues that I hold dear, I will pray about them, and then I will vote accordingly. And in no way will my vote be influenced by my evangelical beliefs, because I am not voting for a new Pastor, I am voting for President of the United States.

Lesli, Syracuse, Utah (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:55 PM)

Mitt Romney took a lemon and made lemonade today. He is a great man and I am could not be more proud of him. Whats even more powerful is what he'll do with the American Economy.

Now hopeful we can focus on the issues of the day ! And thats where you'll see Romney shine !

Scott Taylor
Chandler, AZ

Scott Chandler, AZ (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:56 PM)

This is in response to Bob from Phoenix. It is because people like you that have no idea what Mormons believe that they get so much grief. I echo the words of the others who say go to www.mormon.org Romney gave a very moving speech, it won my vote and I believe strongly that the Mormons are some of the best people of faith that I have ever seen. Get your facts right.

Josh (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:57 PM)

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