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Mitt dodges questions about LDS faith

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Nathan | 12:57 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Mitt didn't dodge questions about his LDS faith, he refused to answer them. Big difference.

Matthew R | 1:33 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

I read the article in Newsweek. A fine article except the last two paragraphs that say he doesn't know who he is. A devout Christain, former head of the SLC Olympics and former govenor and he doesn't know who he is??????? Why won't the media tell the story and let us decide? I think Mitt doesn't need to answer questions about the church unless he wants to. He is running for president of the US and is not a spokesman for the church. If he did answer questions about the church that is all he would get which would be nice but again, he is running for president of the US. I think he will do well.

Alan Robinson | 2:36 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Mitts favorite movie??? Dodge Ball!!

Comments continue below

Mormon | 3:04 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Does he really have to separate being Momon/American? His statement does not make sense. Yes, he's an American running for pres, but he's also a Mormon running for pres. Can he just "turn off" being Mormon when answering the media? He seems too fickle to be a president.

R Hsu | 3:16 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

There are more than 50,000 young people wearing badges signifying they are official representatives of the LDS Church and all they do 24/7 is explaining this faith to people. Why don't the curious simply ask them? As far as why people are scared? Who knows? Maybe it is because they don't know the faith well enough. It is natural to fear the unknown. So in answer to Dr. Bernstein, the Church is actively engaged in overcoming that fear by continuously sending out missionaries and explaining our faith to people, and it is not Mr. Romney's job to do that.

People who know do not fear.

Odell | 4:25 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

People outside of Utah view the LDS church as different and weird. Romney's faith may not be a concern in Salt Lake, but it is elsewhere. The issue isn't going away for him.

Jay | 4:29 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

According to Mitt Romney, Mosiah 18:9 should be ammended to read "ye are willing to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, except when running for president of the United States."

Cris | 4:35 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Romney needs to answer the questions about his faith. Voters want to know and they're not going to vote for him if he doesn't. Plus he risks alienating members of the church as well. Just answer them once and then he can be done with those questions.

Agki | 5:20 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

If he is running for the presidency of a secular government (and he is) he should adopt the stance of John F. Kennedy in 1960. Kennedy explicitly said that he believed in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute. Where is the candidate with that courage today?

John Shaw | 5:20 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

All politicians these days, that have a chance of being elected, dodge actual questions. It would help if those asking the questions weren't bent on a sensational headline or soundbyte. The person asking the question was from Las Vegas, that place is crawling with Mormons, the City council, the mayor, heck the highest ranking elected Democrat in the Country is from that state and a Mormon. Are they scared of Mormons in Las Vegas, apparently not.

Unique Opportunity | 5:38 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

I'm sure a lot of us LDS would like Mitt to open up and 'set the record straight' on what we believe. I think he is answering what people really want to know and that is something entirely different. They want to know what HE thinks and how that makes him someone who would be a good president. And someone who represents everyone, not just those on the far right or even all who elected him (should he make it).

Having Harry Reid as a Mormon politician but on the opposite side of the spectrum is a good opportunity to illustrate how someone can be LDS, but follow widely varying policies.

So summarizing: Mitt is a Mormon, but one who would make more conservative policies. Just being a Mormon does not make you a political genius or great leader.

I do wish people would spend more time talking about more important issues such as how we would resolve the Iraq situation, how to improve relations wih Russia, Iran, Korea or Cuba (understanding that other parties have mis-behaved), how to improve our leadership in technology, education, etc., etc.

NY | 5:56 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

I don't think Mitt knows the answer to that question. I don't think anybody does. Why anyone would be "scared" of Mormons is simply amazing.

Turk | 5:58 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

He supports abortion, and he doesn't want to talk about his religion? Weird.

jbh | 6:08 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

The answer to the question is that local ministers have been engaged in spreading FUD (fear, uncertainty, & doubt) about Mormonism for decades. As a result their parishioners view Mormons with fear, loathing, and suspicion. How does on give that answer without alienating the very group of people one is trying to woo?

Adam | 6:09 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

The media can't tell the story until Mitt does. If he doesn't hurry up and answer the questions the public wants answered, he will lose his chance. It is not enough to say "don't look here, look over there," like the Church does. His campaign won't last unless he gives same direct answers instead dodging reporters' questions.

To the L.V. Jewish Doctor | 6:16 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Based on previous comments I saw posted on an msn.com blog about Romney, it (the fear of Romney) is either due to people's tendency to shy away from what they don't understand (many similarities between LDS theology and mainstream Christianity but also many differences) or their fear that the White House would really be run by directions from Church headquarters. Either one is unfounded. One lie being perpetuated is that LDS members are not Christians. WHAT?! Of all the myths and lies about my church, that's the only one that saddens me. The fact that we are Christians (I'm talking about the Church as a whole and our doctrine, etc so please, readers, don't write any posts about members you've known who didn't do what they were supposed to....) this is so blatantly obvious to anyone in the Church that anyone's claims to the contrary is pathetically sad. As to the 2nd fear; not gonna happen. Why? The Lord's prophet has been given authority to lead and guide His church, NOT the country. Personally, I wish Romney would explain the Church in more detail and clarity. If he wins, great. If not, he stood as a witness of truth.

Mainer | 6:19 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Why should he be required to answer questions about his faith or religon. How many Americans know the religous affiliation of Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, etc..... We as citizens should be more concerned about national issues, such as: abortion, same sex marriage, our nation's debt, crime, war, etc. Is Mitt Romney or any other candidate the man/woman for the job?

How many of us could list the religions of the other presidential candidates? hummmm.....

tim sirois | 6:21 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Mitt Romneys statement says it all, "he's an American running for president, not a Mormon running for president." His religion matters not. His ability to see what needs to be done and lead does matter.

Tom Lindsay | 6:22 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

By not taking this opportunity to recite the Articles of Faith, Mitt seems weak and lends credence to the assertions of others that he lacks convictions and vacillates. If he won't stand firm for his faith, what will he stand firm for? Even if people don't like some of our doctrine, they will admire him for being strong which is just the medicine his campaign needs. Gird up you're loins Mitt and be whoever you are, for heavens sake.

Serena | 6:40 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Better questions:
"What is it about news reporters that makes them focus on little oddball questions rather than the important issues?"
"What is it about news editors that makes them write headlines that will stick in voters' minds rather than read and think about the whole article?

He changed his stand on 2 issues, then someone called him a flip-flopper, without asking why he changed. Now the parrot press mindlessly repeats the label. Most politicians change with the wind.

Come on, Morning News, you can do better.

Patriot | 6:42 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

We need to watch very closley Mitt's stance on illegal aliens and border security. Could be a problem developing there.

Dave | 6:49 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Nathan,

Please expound...

What is the difference between dodging a question and not aswering it? I always though that they about the same thing. the difference being that when you dodge, you pretend to answer without answering. When you refuse to answer, you simply state that you will not answer the question.

Please help ignorant people like myself understand the difference that you obviously see.

Jewish reader | 7:00 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Jewish by heritage, Christian by choice, we have many feelings for any candidate who is constantly challenged about his religion.

But it is ridiculous that Mr. Romney is always being asked the same lame questions.

It seems contrived that there is always some *seemingly* spontaneous, sincere questioner at every stop, asking questions they could get answered locally, about his faith.
(Or is it just that the reporters notice them?)

We don't see anyone repeatedly asking Giuliani or McCain these dumb questions.

Let's get back to relevant questions, about his plans or his track record.

Jedediah Thunder | 7:03 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

For me it impossible to discern what Romney really believes in - he's made just about every contradictory statement it is possible to make. Perhaps that is why the Newsweek article suggested Romney doesn't know who he is. If Romney actually does know who he is, he has certainly confused the rest of us.
If Romney would simply be an honest Mormon and stick with what he really believes, he wouldn't be in the mess he's in. But he's made his bed, so let him sleep in it.

Sam Hofer | 7:02 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Leroy Bernstein got part of his answer indirectly. What scares people is the fear of the unknown, and the Mittful Dodger didn't shine much light on it.
People should take a look at the mormon theocracy that is Utah. Then they can fear the known.

Frederek Bastiat | 7:03 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Mitt needs to stop apologizing for his religion. When you won't answer questions or dodge the questions it means you are sorry or embarrassed. "Let your light shine before men. . . " He's running from who he is. Newsweek was right - he doesn't know who he is. He's got an opportunity to help the most important cause on earth and he's blowing it.

Chance | 7:04 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Let's ask all of the other candidates about their faiths...and then keep probing when we discover that they believe differently than we do. Nothing short of bigotry. Romney is strictly honest with himself and the God he serves. His religion teaches him that he is to love others, serve others and be honest. Sorry to way that I cannot honestly say that about others running for office.

Frederek Bastiat | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Mitt's campaign staff needs to read these comments, mostly from Mormons, and see that he's blowing it by not answering questions about his religion. He is coming across as weak.

Jimmy's Sneakers | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Jimmy thinks Mitt will answer questions about his religion in due time. But Jimmy is sure Mitt is aware of Ann Coulter's recent comments and probably decided that answering questions about Mormonism in front of the Jewish Coalition was not the correct time. Jimmy is sure that Mitt was worried about the followup question regarding babtism's for the dead and holocaust victims.

Carl | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Slamming Mitt or any other candidate is a LOT easier than asking thoughtful intelligent questions.

And John Shaw is right. In Las Vegas, a new LDS ward is created every weekend. My cousin, a Mormon, is a city councilman.

If Dr. Bernstein really wanted an answer, he could get it easily. It's just a red herring to keep the media talking skeptically about a viable candidate.

deegammon | 7:24 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

The campaign is long...knowing when and where to say things must be paced. Mitt and his campaign advisors know what it takes to get the job done. His "Kennedy" speach is forthcoming and it will be politically and religiously precise.

Helen | 7:25 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Romney wasn't dodging a question. The question was vague. Could you have seen Romney throwing out an answer and the pediatrician saying 'no, the other reason people are afraid of you!' It is clear, people either want to support a candidate or don't and will come up with reasons, excuses or rumors...Let's just do the secret ballot thing and stop the slandering of decent people. The slandering is making hate-mongers out of a bunch of otherwise decent people too.

Qweenmum | 7:25 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

I demand to know every jot and tittle of Obama's and Clinton's faith!! TELL ME NOW. I can't vote for someone of that faith - if indeed they have one. While were at it, I demand every candidate for president, house, senate etc, make a statement and explain their faith. See how dumb it sounds? See how when the foot is on the other shoe, it makes no sense? When Romney is acting as a church official, then he can explain his faith. Right now, he's simply running for president. I'd much rather hear what his vision is of our Country. If you want to know about Romney's faith, call the missionaries or go to LDS.org or Mormon.com.
Oh, and even Bob Jones has now endorsed Romney. Guess he did not have a problem separating the faith thing.

Clint in Florida | 7:26 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Who cares what religion Mitt is, why is it so important. No one is questioning the faith of any other candidate, just Mitt. Can you tell me the religion of any other candidate? If it matters so much lets make it fair and challenge the religion of every candidate out there. Osama was raised Muslim, does that scare you also? Think about it, this country was founded on Freedom of Religion. Freedom of Religion is a basic human right that we choose to practice here in the United States of America. However, some Americans choose to try to tear down a very good man because he is a member of one of the religions in this country, and because they can find no other way to tear him down. It would be a huge shame for a good man to loose an election because of his religion and not because of his view on the huge issues that face us as Americans.

Alan in Orem | 7:26 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

What is Romney supposed to say that hasn't already been said? The Book of Mormon is free for the asking. People can Google "Mormon" and get endless gigabytes of data, positive and negative. They can talk to Mormons they already know. Is Romney supposed to teach "Mormonism 101" for the entire nation? Absolutely not.

Agki, Romney as already said what you're waiting for him to say. This "issue" is a bone that some in the media and others with Mormon hang-ups just can't let go. They want Romney to be embarrassed or apologetic about his beliefs. They want to bait Romney into preaching Mormonism and then accuse him of talking about religion too much. Romney is winning people over in part because he won't be bullied into debate over petty religious differences.

What is disappointing about all of this is all the people, prominent and grassroots, who are not stepping forward and calling this what it is: Religious (or anti-religious) elitism. Those with Mormon friends could be doing more to show loyalty to those friends, and speak out against such pointless and irrational prejudice. There is so much good about Mormons and Mormonism. Where is the talk of that?

I think | 7:30 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

"Jay" above hit the nail on the head.

Secondly, maybe Romney does not answer questions about Mormonism because he does not know the answers.

Also, I think people want Romney to answer their questions and not the missionaries. A) Romney is running for president, not the missionaries. B) the missionaries are, generally speaking, not schooled I'm doctrine and history well enough to answer most questions non-Mormons want answered (i.e. Plural marriage, Adam-God, priesthood issues, mountain meadows etc.)

Birdman | 7:32 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Romney didn't dodge anything! Do you ask an American why the Taliban hate them so much, or do you go to the haters and ask them? Don't ask an LDS member why people fear their religion, ask the person who feels that way. They know why they feel the way they do, not the entity being feared. Mitt's trying to focus on the issues of the Presidency and he's stated plenty of times how his belief in God and his personal values (that could very likely come from his involvement in the LDS faith)direct his life and actions.
R H and John S have it right. There are plenty of young men and women out there right now who's only purpose is to share with anybody who wants to know what the beliefs of the LDS faithful are. Ask Mitt about the important issues this country faces, and if you have questions about his faith, ask a missionary.

DebLi | 7:33 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Mitt just wants to do a job. He's not making an issue of his religion and apparently it hasn't affected his performance in other business/ government positions. In the workplace, we would consider all the badgering about his religion to evidence of religious bias and quite possibly discriminatory. The good doctor should examine Romney's past performance/record to help him make up his mind.

Carl | 7:34 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

I'm afraid when the LDS say they are the one and only "true" faith...........yes, that instantly produces lots of questions for people of other faiths. Mitt will have to answer questions directly or not be trusted. Trust is a huge issue for an aspiring candidate.

Sorry, Mitt's faith by definition is different and he must explain.

Scared in Las Vegas | 7:36 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

As a neighbor of Mormons, I will tell you what scares me. I have been approached repeatedly by my Mormon neighbors. They think I am a "dry Mormon" and a nice guy, so they continue to try to get me in the water. They are extremely persistant to the point of it being annoying and disruptive. I have investigated the LDS Church for so long, I know what will be involved if I sign up - I will be required to attend 3 hours of "meetings" where untrained volunteers give low quality, simple-minded sermons and lessons on primary school topics. If I don't get anything out of such mindless meetings and therefore choose not to attend, I will be branded a bad person (inactive). I will be required to pay to the Church an enormous portion of my paycheck ($12,000/yr!) and if I don't, I will be branded a bad person. I will be required to have a "calling" even if it is something I have no interest in, and if I refuse, I will be branded a bad person. That is just some of what we are afraid of.

DC Guy | 7:39 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Itï¿½s OK that thousands of Mormons work for the Government, have prominent roles in business, and serve the military with loyalty, yet there are those that seem to take issue with a Mormon President. Romney is Christian and he is patriotic. His administration will not all be Mormons and the U.S. Government will always have representatives who have diversity of culture and religion. What is the problem?

im just saying | 7:40 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

not answering is not dodgeing. if you have a problem with me, it's your problem, not mine. we've made strides in accepting when it comes to race, gender, or sexual oreientation, but mormonism is the last sanctioned safe thing left for bigots to freely hate.

Steve | 7:43 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Romney has defended his faith many times. Cris (above) suggested that if he answered the questions just once, then people would back off. I don't believe that for a second. He has answered many questions many times, but people aren't listening. They refuse to accept what he has to say, so they keep asking the same questions that have been answered by millions of faithful church members around the world. Wouldn't you get tired of being asked the same question over and over again to something that is so meaningless regarding being president? He's not dodging anyone or anything. He's answered the questions. Move on to something more meaningful to being president.

Ben G. | 7:56 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

We all have good reason to be afraid of a Mormon in the White House. He will be the puppet of the Mormon Church leaders. He will give favors to his Mormon friends for high dollar government contracts and such. He will have a foreign policy based on Mormon beliefs about Israel rather than based on sound political principles. He will conspire with the Mormon Church leaders to open up other parts of the world for Mormon missionaries to infiltrate. In many subtle ways, he will be biased in favor of the Mormons in a way that is dangerous and scary.

Two different questions | 7:59 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

As I read through these posts, it's interesting to see that people think Mitt dodged the question. I think his answer was right on - go ask his neighbors. It's insincere at best to ask LDS people why others are afraid of our faith. If you really want an answer to that question, go ask "others."

Can't win | 7:59 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

If Mr Romney were spending his time talking about his religion he would be condemed for mixing religion and poilitics. If he doesn't talk about it he is avoiding it, denying his faith, trying to deceive the people, or whatever else the critics want to say. The truth is that he is going to be criticized which ever way he goes. At least he is trying to focus on the issues. His position on the issues is how the American people should judge whether or not they vote for him. I think his approach is correct.

ernie Hemple | 8:19 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

The reason Mitt is not answering the question is that the person asking the question is not interested in the answer. They are interested in keeping a topic on a front burner that they think will derail his candidacy.

Anonymous | 8:20 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

The herd mentality of Mormons is truly fickle. Mormons are eager to claim Mitt as "one of them" unless it threatens his chances of becoming president, then they distance themselves and - like Mitt - start saying, he's an American running for President, not a Mormon running for president. Does that mean Mitt has renounced his religion? It sure sounds like it. And if he did, he has my vote!

wife beater | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

The question, "Why do people fear you?" is loaded like "How often do you beat your wife?" Of course you don't answer directly. What concerns me is if he can't answer questions about why he wants to be president and what kind of job he would do.

Not all Mormons would make a great president. If people outside of Utah want assurance that we're not all robots, just read the number of posts here of conservative Mormons who don't like him. I'm not convinced yet myself.

Chris | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 17, 2007

Jay. Romney is just a bit older than the average missionary. Today our army of missionaries are well schooled in doctrine, history, etc. They don't spend years in Seminary, Institute and then the Mission home to eat the great food. They are there to learn. I am much impressed with how much more my children know, than I did at their age. The missionaries are well versed in the gospel. The answers you 'seek', are right there in the bible and Book of Mormon. Perhaps you could pick them up and research them yourself, or you could ask Harry Reid about them. He's not running. You also might find that all YOUR questions have been answered over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over.

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Mitt dodges questions about LDS faith

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Mitt dodges questions about LDS faith