Deseret News | Reader comments: Mitt wins with ease in Iowa straw poll

Reader comments
Mitt wins with ease in Iowa straw poll

Bellamia | 3:17 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Mitt worked hard, and deserved this win. He is the only top-tiered candidate who is pro-life, and pro-second ammendment.

But how many democrats would be willing to cross over and vote for Mitt vs. Guiliani in the general election?

Kevin | 7:42 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I don't get it you have to pay 35 dollars to vote sounds like a good plan then only the rich will vote bet the republicans would love to make this the way to vote in all elections

Andrew | 8:00 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Romney is not an extreme conservative and that is why he has a shot at being President.
Rudy is a democrat and always has been. He changes parties to suit his ambition. It doesn't matter what party he is in he is a democrat. He just doesn't want to get beat in that party by Clinton.
John McCain will never be president. He supports the war too much for about 75% of Americans, and Americans don't like a loser of previous presidential runs. (i.e. al gore/bob dole)
Romney is the only one who has lived a successful family and business life, unlike most of these life long Washington politicians.
If America still votes for people solely on whether they are black or white or a man or woman or a catholic or a Mormon, then we should think twice about our pride in thinking we are the greatest country of freedom and equality in the world.
Romney is the Republicans last hope in 2008, so I hope republicans study and choose wisely instead of making a rash judgment based on religion alone.
I will definitely vote for Romney!

Comments continue below

Carson | 9:05 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I am proud to be an American when I see the way the straw poll seemed to cut through some of the hype created by the media in favor of the over financed candidates.

Back about 1915 or so we had a politician named Woodrow Wilson that accepted a bribe to create the Federal Reserve. They were a group of very powerful bankers and businessmen from around the world at the time. Through the monopoly of being the source of our money and by being outside of our government, or paying any taxes, they have built up a fortune that, I believe, includes owning most of the politicians of the world.

It is going to take a determined, We the People, to restore law and order in our government before we can restore law and order in our once great nation.

"I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world. No longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men."

-Woodrow Wilson

Paul J Dayton | 11:44 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

For all of those Romney fans who feel super cool about the win in Iowa consider the following:

The three top contenders in the race, Giuliani, McCain, and Thompson chose not to participate. Romney was competing with the likes of Huckabee and Brownback, names that garner a couple percentage points each in national polls.

Romney outspent his nearest competitor by 10-1. Add on top of that the fact that this was a vote at a Republican fundraiser, not a vote of all Republicans.

Romney's victory doesn't seem that great to me.

Bob | 12:11 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Giuliani and McCain didn't participate because they feared losing. A loss at the straw poll would have been a significant defeat to either of these candidates.

Jake | 12:47 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Is this the guy who dodged military service during the war in Vietnam and has five sons who are serving their country by helping him get elected - is that lame or what!

Joi de vivre | 1:02 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Interesting quote by Woodrow Wilson. Not mentioned is that the ONLY candidate that is supporting the Constitution AND sound money is Ron Paul. I urge all Americans who love the principles this country was built on to recognize the socialism that has overtaken us, and support the candidate that most defends the Constitution. Ron Paul had a good showing in Iowa from a true grass-roots campaign. Brownbeck is a one-issue candidate. Romney is too willing to sacrifice ideals for votes.

Peter | 1:15 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Romey victory was not a great one. He got about 4,500 votes probably 2500 votes were from members of the mormon church in Iowa. Thereore, he really got about 2000 votes.

Considereing the amount of time, money, 14,000 people didn't show up the event; It means people doesn't care for Rommey at all. He doesn't have a base support.

After all Iowans are not fool with his flip-flopping answers.

By now I know he is not going to the Republican candidate for the Republican party.

John | 1:45 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Re: Jake -- Where did you serve?

When was war a qualification for being President? Oh wait, it only matters when we are talking about a Republican. Tell me what war B. Hussein Obama, Clinton or Edwards served in? Bingo! None of them served but for some reason it is not an issue. Go liberals! Always hypocritical. At least you show some consistency there....

Chance | 2:08 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Forget about polls for a moment. Let's just have them take an IQ test. Maybe a written exam on governmental policy and federal history. I know, lets give them a polygraph and ask only questions of morality. hmmm. I wonder who would win then? Guilani-cheated on his speouses...will cheat on America. McCain panders to media and illegals. Huckabee has made some of the worste decisions in the history of the state of Arkansas. Ron Paul is a cut 'n' run whacko. Brownback is toooo right for the rest of us. Tancredo is cool, but has only one topic to run on. Fred Thompson is a bag of hammers.(just listen to him speak.) Thompson cant get a word in edge-wise. That leaves only one who is acceptable on every side. Guess who.

My Opinion | 2:41 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Questions of Morality?
I don't think Rommey will pass the test since he is a flip-floper and does and says anything to get just to get elected.
He even question about polygamy pretending that he doesn't know and gave wrong answer about the second coming of Jesus contradicting mormon teachings.
He may be a good person but a political charlatan. He doesn't have a change to get elected.

Thomas | 2:54 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

It is disturbing that the top two in the Iowa straw poll were governors. Those tend to spend lots of money and add lots of programs as presidents.

Ken Baguley | 3:21 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

This straw poll to me proves the point that Romney, when he is heard, seen with his family and all...Coupled with his winning experience of Family Life, Business Ventures and As a great and successful Governor...Is going to be the winner with good, moral and insightful citizens of this nation. He is charasmatic, the greatest communicator, has original ideas and solutions...What more do you want from a candidate..??? Let's elect him...He is the One...

Bob | 3:29 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Flip flopper?

Why don't you enlighten us on when and how Mitt Romney flipped? Or are you saying he pulled a John Kerry and, flipped and flopped?

I think you will be hard pressed to show he has changed his stance more than once on anything outside of barely being pro-choice to being solidly pro-life.

Just look at his proven track record: turned around Staples, Dominos, Sports Authority, the Olympics and Massachusetts. Find anyone else currently serving in government or running for President with a better record.

Like Romney said, and I paraphrasing here, "We have three Democrats trying to become CEO of the largest private or public company in the world with a trillion dollar budget and millions of employees. Yet, not one of the three has even run a corner store. The President of the US is not to be treated like an internship. We need someone with experience."

Mitt is the man for the US.

LydiaJane | 3:50 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Maybe the most of you have not followed as much of the news as I have, or you don't know facts of LDS or history?? The LDS believe the FIRST place Jesus will return to is the Mount of Olives(see the candid camera radio video) Mitt said it right on. He said he was PERSONALLY pro life but effectively pro choice during term as gov as he had promised not to change laws on the books when he was elected. He DID vote pro life in EVERY chance though. I heard he had a member of his extended mothers family die in a non safe abortion. -- LOOK AT THE RECORDS-- Gov. Romney brought them OUT of debt, with no raised taxes!!!
-- Fighting "the GOOD fight" is what the Apostle Paul called missionary work- so I believe that covers Romney and sons on that. Anybody else give up 2 years of their lives for the Lord- paying for it themselves to bring others to Christ??? We have a CAREER choice these days to enter the military and the sons made their choices. Romney is for the Constitution, and our freedoms. Check out his stands people, and his record! ONE partial change to the BETTER choice, does not make for a "flip flop"- it is called progress and it was made years before any thought to run for President!! Also, I do NOT believe that it was effectively "all the Mormons in the state" that brought in the votes at the straw poll! That is absolutely ridiculous! How many of the LDS are children, how many adults must work or take care of their children etc!!! I am a grandmother and sub teacher, with WAY limited income yet I put some of my money where my heart and mouth is. GO MITT!!!

Karl | 4:51 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I see John is back.

Hey Johnny Boy, guess what, when you go around touting you are tough on terra, you should know something about it.

Mitt was out preaching fairy tales for 2 years, just like his chilluns. That's 12 years of fairy tale telling and no WAR service.

If you want the wars, then fight the wars.

Carlos | 5:24 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Has anyone read the words of Ezra Taft Benson? Both parties are so far off constitutional principals. I'm sure if any of you took the time to read, ponder and pray, then you too would be supporting candidate Ron Paul. Romney's voting record is horrible.

Mormon Religion? | 5:38 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I would love to know where in the mormon teachings mentions that Jesus in his Second Coming will go firts to the Mount of Olives then to Missouri?

Rommey as a mormon bishop should know better. He is just a deceiver but could be a nice person.

I know for a fact that the Bible do not mention Missouri as the promise land, it is just a mormon desire.

Peter | 5:45 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Muff | 6:02 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Well I guess for those that think Mitt is bad we can all go out and vote for Hillary and go to hell in a hand basket or Vote for Mitt and have some thing left when the fight is all over with.

Craig | 6:34 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Romney is no flip-flopper. He changed his mind once & won't change back again. He is now pro choice and always will be. If he was a flip-flopper he would have been pro choice, then pro-life, then pro-choice again. He's incredibly intelligent. Watch him speak compared to any past President in history. He knocks the socks off all of them. He makes Bush & John Kennedy look like children. The greatest candidate to ever run. He can learn as much as Ron Paul about the constitution in a month. Ron Paul has no prayer, even if he knows more about the constitution. No-ones heard of him. Only die hards (which is like 1% of the republican population). You'll regret voting for Ron Paul or supporting him when you wake up & find that your vote for Ron Paul was a vote for Giuliani instead of Romney. Giuliani is the fip-flopper. Anti-gun 2nd amendment in New York, now suddenly pro-gun in Texas? Not. Hasn't changed his mind about abortion (still pro-choice). And how many wives has he flip-flopped? He doesn't live his religion. His religion cant trust him, his family cant trust him, why should we? Romney is the clear choice!

Professor | 6:43 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Our Chief Executive needs the following qualifications:

1. Record of being able to financially manage large and difficult business enterprises.
2. Record of difficult problem solving.
3. Record of successfully bringing all sides of the political spectrum together.
4. Ability to stand tall in the global arena.
5. Admits mistakes and corrects them.
6. An understanding of the Constitution.
7. Will defend the Constitution.
8. Honor
9. Integrity
10. Honesty

Of all the candidates, which is the best fit?

Utah Expatriate in Alaska | 7:15 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Jake - dodging military service is defined as actively attempting to evade military service once one is called. Bill Clinton was called to service, and exercised every possible strategem to avoid it. Therefore, one could correctly state that Clinton evaded service.

Mitt Romney never was drafted, so he never evaded service. Merely choosing not to enlist does not constitute an evasion.

Guys like you constantly try to massage and reinvent definitions just to confuse people and stir things up.

Gretzky | 7:46 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

Go Mitt Romney!!! It's fun to watch him campaign. He definitely has that Bill Clinton charisma, even more so and yet he actually knows what he's talking about. I am happy for him now that he won the Iowa Straw Poll.
He has the momentum early on. If he wins Iowa and New Hampshire then he has a bright future in the rest of the primaries as the Publicans put money in his coffers. One win brings another right through the Publican's convention. I hope there is stiff competition just like Reagan had. This will bring more support in the end from the pubs and hopefully enough to beat Hillary and the dems.
If the media hangs with him and continues to support him then he has a definite chance.
If the media turns on him then forget about it. The main reason the media would turn on him is that he is too good or too clean without skeletons in the closet that make for a continual news story like Lindsey Lohan, Brittney Spears, Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton and the like. News stories sell advertising and advertising buys presidential campaigns.
I liked the Woodrow Wilson quote if it is true. It supports my thoughts that the power is now concentrated in Big Money. I haven't heard much lately about the likes of the the New World Order if you subscribe to that conspiracy theory but that goes along with the Pres. Wilson "quote". How Hillary and Mitt fit into this remains to be seen.

John | 9:17 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

RE: Karl

Nice try Marx errr Karl.

Looks like you need some education and looks like "Utah Expatriate in Alaska" has started your education.

It appears like you forgot or never knew that that we as a nation (the U.S.) have AN ALL-VOLUNTEER MILITARY.

This means you sign up for this career. Yes it is a career choice. A very small percentage of our population choose it and yes they are brave and keep us free.

Some people choose other more lucrative careers, BAIN Capital, that allow them to send their children to the best schools in the nation and that is their choice. We do live in a capitalistic nation.

The only people who display jealousies about "some people" providing an above-average for their children are usually those who want our nation to descend into Marxism, whereby everyone receives the same, basic, taxpayer-paid below average generic education and then is "sent to" wars and public service because the state commands them so.

Mitt Romney did not serve in the war (or evade the war) instead he served a 2.5 year mission in France from age 19-21.5 and that experienced prepared him for a lifetime of unpaid, un-salaried leadership positions in his church.

All five of Romney's sons served 2 year missions for their church. The church does not support you nor pay you for your time. It is the true definition of service to your fellowman.

Of course there is no comparison between campaigning for their dad and serving in the military, but Romney didn't make a comparison either. His boys are clean cut, well-educated married dads. Men in the military made a choice to do that. The Romney's made a choice to serve mankind in another way and then chose to enter the business world (from LA Dodgers Exec to Doctors). You cannot argue that his boys are great examples for young husbands and fathers the nation over.

We need Mitt now more than ever and his family is a great example of what make this the greatest nation on earth.

John | 9:21 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

RE: Peter

Quit reposting your tired act.

It is lame and baseless. If you know Mitt is not going to win then why are you still reading and posting to the articles about him?

Plus your flip flopping comment is so uneducated it is laughable. This is the only thing the DEMS and MSM think they have on Romney.

Please promise to move to Canada when Mitt wins in 2008.

Dennis Doddridge | 9:32 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

M Romney is okay - but he is not the only 2nd Amendment endorser - in fact, he is a bit weak on it. I do not care for his idea of forcing everyone to buy health insurance or suffer penalties and fines as way to solve that problem. Duncan Hunter and Mike Huckabee are far better on the 2nd Amendment, Fair Tax, immigration policies, etc..

reader in iowa | 9:35 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I am a Utahn living in Iowa going to school. I was in Ames for the straw poll. Trust me, as a member of the LDS church, there wasn't more then maybe a 100 of us. I was sitting in a peprally for him and a lady turned to me and asked if I was mormon...i told her that I was, she asked if Mit gets elected will he be controlled by the church leaders. I told her that that was far from the truth. if you want any proof that the church isn't going to force you to do anything just look at Harry Reid. Mitt and Harry are very far apart on a lot of issues yet both are active LDS members. This lady, like many Iowans that I talk to, are not sooo shallow as to let a religion they don't know much about get in the way of picking the best candidate. The take it very serious..and when they look at his values compared to the others, they vote for him. He recieved a bigger percentage of the votes then Bush did in 99.

Bill | 11:29 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007

I find it interesting that Peter is so quick to discount a number of voters because of their religious beliefs. This country has never qualified the value of a vote by the religious beliefs of the individual voter. Even if his number is accurate the votes still count.

I wonder if he thinks all the Cathlolics that voted for President Kennady shouldn't have been considered either??

Pete | 11:55 a.m. Aug. 13, 2007

Mitt Romney is the best candidate for President. Giuliani and McCain didn't participate because they knew they could not win and it would reflect poorly on their campaign. In America, a person's religion should never be a factor on whether to vote against or for an individual for President.

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