From Deseret News archives:
Romney shouldn't give religion speech
After careful review of Kennedy's religion speech, joined with the importance of reputation to presidential candidates and knowledge of present-day American society, it would not be wise for Romney to deliver such a speech.
While delivering a religion speech such as Kennedy's would reaffirm Romney's stance that he will do what is in the best interests of the country and not his church, and while this speech would also attempt to deflect focus from his religion to the country's issues, and while this speech may also open a dialogue about his religion, the present-day nature and character of American society would reject such an appeal.
Present-day American society has little interest in privacy or secrecy. Events such as President Bill Clinton's indiscretions and the powerful effects of technology and the media, including the rapid transfer of information across large distances, encourages the American public to get involved with the private affairs of statesmen, especially presidential candidates. Candidates are exposed to the public through TV, radio, e-mail, Internet, blogging, phones, etc. The choices they make are instantaneously broadcast to the world. Because of this openness, presidential candidates must guard their image and reputation, the most important tool to recommend themselves to their constituencies.
Reputation is paramount to any presidential candidate, and JFK's speech, though powerful at the time, would not help a present-day Romney. In Kennedy's speech, he appeals to his constituencies to think logically about the "real" problems, then asks the American people to pity him as a victim, then employs scare tactics (you may also be victimized). All these tactics were employed to move the American people away from their focus on his religion.
In our now open and nonprivate society, if Romney gave such a speech, he would be considered condescending and strategizing (arrogant); he may also reinforce the popular opinion of secrecy in his religion. Such a speech may invite more questions about his religion than he is willing to answer. (The nature of Mormonism does invite many questions.) If Romney begins talking about Mormonism, more and more pointed questions could make him look ridiculous.
Where identity and image make up a person's reputation, and where reputation is almost the single most important tool to a successful candidate, Romney should not give a religion speech that could adversely affect his reputation.
Andrea Hellewell lives in North Salt Lake.
