From Deseret News archives:

Romney assails Sharpton's comments about Mormons, says could be considered 'bigoted comment'

Published: Wednesday, May 9, 2007 9:58 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Wednesday denounced the Rev. Al Sharpton's remarks about God and his Mormon faith, saying it could be construed as "a bigoted comment."

"It shows that bigotry still exists in some corners," said Romney, who spoke to reporters after a campaign event. "I thought it was a most unfortunate comment to make."

On Monday, Sharpton said in a debate that "those of us who believe in God" will defeat Romney for the White House. He denied he was questioning the Mormon's own belief in God.

audio extra

Listen to audio of the debate.

Rather, the New York Democrat said he was contrasting himself with Christopher Hitchens, the atheist author he was debating at the time.

"As for the one Mormon running for office, those who really believe in God will defeat him anyways, so don't worry about that; that's a temporary situation," Sharpton said during a debate with Hitchens at the New York Public Library.

Story continues below
Romney's campaign seized on the comments to criticize Sharpton, and the candidate complained about the remarks on Wednesday, calling them "terribly misguided."

Asked if he considered the civil rights leader a bigot, Romney demurred.

"I don't know Reverend Sharpton," he said. "I doubt he is personally such a thing, but the comment was a comment which could be described as a bigoted comment."

Romney added that he was willing to believe Sharpton didn't mean to be offensive.

"Perhaps he didn't mean it that way, but the way it came out was inappropriate and wrong," said Romney.

In a statement, Sharpton accused the Romney campaign of a "blatant effort to fabricate a controversy to help their lagging campaign" and argued that it was Hitchens who criticized Mormons.

"In no way did I attack Mormons or the Mormon Church when I responded that other believers, not atheists, would vote against Mr. Romney for purely political reasons," Sharpton said.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Sharpton denied questioning Romney's belief in God and suggested the Romney camp was trying to stir up a controversy because of their political differences.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight

He is the one who declared last years Utah football team the best ever out of...

Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack

Don't read the New York Times if you don't like post-publishing editing! You...

I like the 8 team new Mountain west

Seeing I'm the first comment here, Congrats to REAL SL for doing a great job...

Athletic directors don't care about the programs' academics, only athletics....

Aggies edge Weber State

BYU won't play UVU because the Coogs are the most elitist team in the country.

TCU stuck at fourth in BCS

A Utah fan with class! Always great to see. Yours is the only reasonable...

Wounded Utes limp home

Its clear that the Utes are finally back to normal.....just like in the...

Utah and BYU are both top notch football programs. TCU is at the end of a...

I think it is helpful for Sister Nelson to share her experience with others....

Advertisements
Advertisement