Deseret News | Romney says voters to reject attacks on faith

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Romney says voters to reject attacks on faith

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Larry Kessinger | 1:39 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Is Mitt running for President, or is he being distracted into talking about religious beliefs? How he governs, and what kind of leader he has been, and can be, is what is important, not what religion he may belong to. The various candidates credentials, leadership qualities, abilities, etc., is what should matter, not what religion he belongs to. The last person attacked on the basis of religion was JFK. Since he was Catholic, people could have spent all of their time attacking and whining about his belief of Catholicism rather than electing him on his merits. We have had many presidents from many different faiths, but who remembers what their religious background was? It was how they governed the nation, not what faith they may have been. I thought the nation had put to rest the religious bigotry question way back in the 60's, but evidently not, as it seems to be alive and well in this campaign.

ABRanteweia | 3:55 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Good on you Mr.Romney for accepting the apology from Mr.Hucabee. I will truly pray to Father in Heaven to be blessed you richly and particularly to those who were not definitely understand our passionate belief.

LM | 5:22 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You're beating a dead horse to keep reporting on this same issue. Nothing new is reported. All you are doing is keeping the issue alive. Report "news."

Comments continue below

Tim | 5:52 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Re: Larry Kessinger. Thank you. My sentiments exactly and I personally feel Mitt is the best candidate in either party. I only hope this nation does not get blinded by issues which have no bearing on Mitt's qualifications.

rl | 6:01 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It shows the smallness of a man seeking to be president of this nation when he attaacks the religion of millions of voters of the LDS faith. Does this mean if elected he will not serve this part of the American people. Huckabee is not ready to lead this nation. Can you imagine what would happened if Romney attacked the other candidates religion, or if JFK had smeared someone else's religion. I am offended by he and his followers who find fault with my faith. Will Huckabee serve this country as a Baptist or an American citizen. Faith should not play a part in decisions a leader makes, but it appears Huckabee Governed as a Baptist and not as a American citizen. Criminals do not deserve a second chance and history has proved him wrong.

Curtis Blanco | 6:17 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The Bible says that Jesus Father in Heaven is our Father in Heaven. That would make Hitler and Jesus "brothers". What is so strange in saying that the devil and Jesus are brothers? This simply means that both share the same heavenly parents and that one chose good and one chose bad. Mike Huckabee, you need to learn your Bible and then contemplate more on what it says, and then start acting more like the Christian you claim to be.

OiS | 6:22 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

While I don't think Huckabee's statement was accidental, Lawrence O'Donnell's tirade on The McLaughlin Group was clearly premeditated and extremely classless. He crossed the lines of rhetoric acceptable in a debate, calling the LDS religion "ridiculous," "racist," "Scientology-like" and the spawn of the "criminal" Joseph Smith, whom he claimed was a "rapist" and a proponent of slavery.

Jay | 6:42 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

After reading Huckabee's "apology" I'm a little confused as to what he apologized for. It seems that he only emphasized that his comment about the church wasn't an attack.

Maybe I'm asking for too much, but I'd love to see him counter any negative repercussions against the LDS church because of his comment with positive insights about the LDS people. Or maybe, apologize for the effects his comments may have had.

More and more I see public "apologies" that are meaningless.

I applaud Romney for allowing the issue to die and showing Christ-like love.

R B | 6:48 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The blogs are reporting that Mike Huckabee was the keynote speaker at the Southern Baptist's Conference in Salt Lake City a few years ago. Is that true?

If so, how can he claim ignorance of the LDS faith?

burnin'vernon | 7:41 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

has anyone out there ever heard of the humanitarian efforts the LDS church puts forth when there are natural disasters either in the USA or worldwide???like when mexico city was devistated by earth quake. the next day the planes were in the air carrying blankets,food,medicine and whatever else they could cram into the planes to support the rescue efforts.if that is not in the teachings of christ then i am badly fooled.MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Mountain Man | 7:41 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

"Separation of Church and State" - maybe this idea will catch on!

Just because the 10 Commandments aren't erected on the public square doesn't mean we're inevitably descending into godless humanism.

Veronica from Orem | 7:57 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Poor, poor Willard! He and the rest of them play the religion inspired values card to win favor among voters and then whine when they are questioned on it. It's simple people.....if you don't want your religion picked apart do not claim it as the inspiration for your behavior in public life. So take the knocks on your Mormon beliefs and then GET OVER IT.

Art | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Godless humanism has hurt millions. My sister is a sad example. Liberal education, drugs, sex, children from different mariages. Yes, the LDS faith and high standards do lead to happiness. I know, I've seen it in real lives. Stana is doing a lot and I'm glad it is an issue in the news and the debates. Thank you for helping to save others from the grief of bad decisions.

Josh | 8:12 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I stated this yesterday, but people dont seem to get it. Yes, there are a few million mormons in the United States, but guess what, there arent that many and honestly, your votes dont matter. To most, it is safe to offend a few million people to gain the votes of 10x that many. Dont cry over spilled milk, Utah will, as always, vote Republican. But Mitt Romney, will NOT be the Republican you are voting for. He cant win the votes necessary to win, other than a few million mormons. Sad, but true...OK...not so sad.

Reply to Josh | 8:44 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Josh, I think he can win. Why don't you? Is it because of his religion? Your comment makes it sound like only Mormons will vote for him. Are you not voting for him just because of his religion?

I am Mormon and I don't even know yet if I will vote for Romney. I am leaning democrat right now. But saying he can't win because of his religion (correct me if I interpreted you wrong) sounds a bit like discrimination - the bad kind.

Mitt Romney is a very qualified candidate for president.

GoodGuyGary | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I can't imagine how someone like Huckabee will run this country? Playing all the dirty tricks, calling out people's religion, and didn't do one thing that show he can be a good president. Is he going to be a Baptist way? Since he claimed he is the only "Christian Candidate". He makes me sick.

Ken Baguley | 8:59 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Ugh! Enough already...

Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Now I understand the reasoning behind a separation of church and state.

Josh | 9:11 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I am not saying Mitt cant win because of his religion. I am saying he wont even be the Republican candidate, and that may be because of his religion.

I am not anti-Mormon, and know many great LDS people. I too think religion and attacks on a candidates beliefs should not issues in the election.

What I am saying is that the other candidates, Huckabee included, can risk hanging Mitt and the LDS out to dry and offending the LDS faith, because there arent that many mormons out there. The evangelical christian voting block if far more important to them and far outnumbers the LDS voting block.

Republicans want to win, and Mitt just is not a candidate that is capable of it. Either you risk offending a few million mormon faithful and get a winning candidate or you let Mitt run and hand the White House over to Hillary.

Mormons for Huckabee | 9:20 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It's true. You guys are kicking a dead horse.

I like Huckabee because of his conservative record.

I don't like Mitt Romney because of his liberal record.

Keep religion out of this. It's simply Mitt's gimmick that got old too quick. I believe Sen. Hatch ran in the 2000 GOP Primary, and never said a thing about his faith. Mitt is only crying now because he's about to lose Iowa.

Josh | 9:31 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Let's just evaluate the "value" of their service to their respective churches. Mitt served in various capacities, even spending his own financial resources for his church. Huck had to receive a "decent wage" to stand on the pulpit every week.
The GOP would be defying common sense to nominate Huckabee and would be taking a big risk with Rudy. America needs the Mormon candidate (if his opponents want to put it that way) to rise again.

Josh | 9:39 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

And just because he spent some of his own money for his church (I assume you mean his 10%) and volunteered his time, that makes him better than the man with a degree in theology? Better than any other paid ministers?

Why does that make him the better candidate? How is Mitt's service more "valuable?" I dont get your logic. I dont see why that would help the GOP rise again.

Steve | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Mr. Hucakbee is very slyly focusing attention on Mitt Romney's religion by his seemingly innocent comments in various interviews and by his advertisements that portray himself as a "Christian leader". I respected Mr. Hucakbee before these tactics.
Now, I am very concerned about his honesty and motives.
If you meet someone who tells you they are honest, then you would be wise to watch yourself and your money around that person! Now we have a politician who is proclaiming himself as a Christian and running for political office based on that virtue. Would Christ condone that!? When someone called Jesus good, he responded: And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none agood but one, that is, God. (Mark 10:18.) Mr. Huckabee is wearing his Christian virtues on his sleeve for political gain. Judge for yourselves if that is a Christian virtue.

Brandon | 10:04 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Huckabee made an attack on the entire LDS Church, not just on Romney, and as such he should apologize to all 12 Million members of the LDS Church.

Anonymous | 10:05 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I'm reminded of how old being a victim gets to those standing on the outside. Life is not about wallowing in your victimization, but in the charter you demonstrate by raising above being a victim.

The bright side | 10:10 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The good thing is, When Mitt loses the election the LDS community will have a new way to tout how they are being persecuted for their beliefs.

To Veronica from Orem | 10:23 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You said "if you don't want your religion picked apart do not claim it as the inspiration for your behavior in public life". But what if it IS your religion that inspires you? And SHOULDN'T a religion inspire you to the degree that you would WANT to share it with others, ie, "in public"? Indeed, if your religion is so spiritually flat and dull that it does not enthuse you, then you need to find out if your religious beliefs are "wrong" or maybe your attitudes about it are "wrong". Though I agree that it's not necessary or required by our Maker to have a continual gospel discussion w/ EVERYONE at ALL times, simply mentioning in public that you are inspired by God and His Son, as Romney and several other candidates have done, is not a bad thing. I agree with Romney 100% that our country's founding fathers NEVER intended for their government to totally eliminate the concept of God or shows or respect to Him in public life. Cheers!

Henry Drummond | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I am coming to the conclusion that the person who is making this about religion is Romney and his followers not Huckabee. Why is it that the only reason some people can give for the rise of Mike Huckabee is Christian Evangelism? Frankly I think Huckabee makes a lot of sense and gives some very good answers to controversial questions. Isn't chalking up his rise in the polls as being because of his Baptist faith a form of religious bigotry as well?

Romney needs to get back on message. I don't think people are as worried about his Mormon faith as they are about other things including his "flexibility" on a lot of issues.

Brrrrrr | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Romney says voters to reject attacks on faith, and then he promptly said "How does my hair look?"

the not so bright side | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Right on "bright side"!
And then we all get to hear the tired old,
"...and this, brothers and sisters, is what has been prophesized in the last days. You see, The Book of Mormon is true!"

Jack from Ark | 11:14 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I am an active member of the LDS faith and I also live in Arkansas where politics is a spectator sport. Although I supported Mike in the elections it was because he was the republican that made it through the primary. He was very conservative when it came to the hot button issue of abortion but he did want to push through giving illegal aliens free access to our state paid scholarships and college acceptance. He also raised taxes on many different areas. He was totally un-supportive of eliminating the tax on food. Since he left office our food tax has been cut in half by a democrat. Whether I vote for Mitt or not will not be because he is a Mormon. I wouldn't vote for Harry Reid for anything and he is a Mormon. We really need to get on with our lives and vote for someone who will help take OUR country where we want it to go

kbm | 11:14 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Why does Mitt think it is okay to attack secularists for their beliefs (as he did in his recent speech), but it is off limits for anyone to even question the tenets of his faith? Would Mitt support a Republican candidate who shared his positions and values but happened to be Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, etc...? I doubt it.

it's the economy, stupid! | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The biggest issue of today is what can be done about the falling economy?
The rest of this is a political smokescreen for nobody knows the answer.

A Pawn | 12:01 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Of course the Religious Right is behind the Huckabee surge. They have been in total panic mode for several months now over the prospect of Rudy, Mitt, or John winning the Republican nomination. They have found their guy and have their 40% of the Republican Party mobilized and up to all the old tricks. Huckabee is just another pawn in their game of fighting the culture wars in America today.

Sam Hofer | 12:21 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

This voter also rejects Mitt's assertion that politics and religion are all intertwined and that secular societies, like ours used to be and is still supposed to be, can succeed.
I'm all for religious freedom Mitt, but if yours trumps mine it's not working for either of us. Let's leave it personal, where it belongs.

To: The bright side | 12:27 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Mitt Romney does not represent Mormons, so get over it. He only represents the liberals of Boston that voted him in.

Yep | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The issue here is that "religious bigotry still exists in America." It should not. Anyone who criticizes another religion, should not be president of anything. It shows poor character. Mitt Romney is gracious to accept the apology. And he shows his classy character by not picking on anybody's religion. He only mentions his religion, as a response to the dead horse questions by ignorant reports. Mitt Romney is focused on the positive.

AZeus | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

kbm is correct, Mitt attacks secularist, but it's hands off my faith. But, doesn't Mormons believe that Satan and Jesus are brothers? It's doctrine, it's all that war in heaven thing where Satan gives his plan and then Jesus gives his plan and Satan was highly regarded, it was taught in the Sunday school that I remember. So, how is it an attack to state a doctrinal fact?

2 bits | 1:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

If Huckabee doesn't know much about the Mormon faith, he better learn. He wants to be the President of the United States, and he doesn't even know much about one of the most prominent faiths in the US? How can a man with such willing blindness be a front-runner for President?

I wonder how much he knows about Islam, Budism and other international faiths he will have to understand in depth to be able to craft sound domestic and foriegn policy. When he goes to negotiate with an Islamic nation is he just going to say, "I don't know much about Islam... but if you don't convert to Jesus your all going to burn in Hell"? That's going to go over just great!

Jonathan | 1:14 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Re: RB
You think that just because you come to Utah, you get zapped with a knowledge of LDS beliefs and culture? Huckabee could have had an opportunity to learn by visiting tourist sites, if he had time while he was governor. Utah does not equal Mormon, nor does Mormon equal Utah. And I agree with Steve, the attacks are really subtle, just to put enough doubt in evangelicals minds that Mitt's "not one of them" and that they can't trust him and should vote for Huckabee. He can't do it openly (and appear bigoted, just as what has happened), but with comments like "I think they are a religion, but I don't know alot about them", he's not DIRECTLY saying they're a cult, but for those who believe you are a cult, I would not disagree with you.

Let's elect a real leader who will represent this whole country with honor. GO MCCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SLMG | 1:38 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Most of the people that respond to these news Articles about Romney are only looking for an excuse to bear their testamony. They are preaching to the choir, the vast number of people that they are aimming to reach do not even read the Deseret News. As a devout LDS I have no intention of voting for Mitt Romney he falls far short of what I expect a President of the United States to be. We are not sustaining him to an office in the church we are voting on the Presidency of the country, Mitt Romney was not called to run for this office it was his choice to run.

who's the squealer? | 2:00 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Sounds like another sacred secret is being focused upon (Jesus and Bro Satan)
Who's letting the cat out of the bag?

JO | 2:11 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I WAS VERY DISTURBED BY MR HUCHABEE'S COMMENTS. MY QUESTION TO THE PUBLIC IS IF HE REPRESENTS A RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY, THEN WHY IS HE ATTACKING ANOTHER RELIGIOUS PHILOSIPHY? Does that seem inconsistent with a Christian or does he only preach Christianity and not practice Christian behavior and values?

Re: To the bright side | 2:19 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Romney may not represent mormons, but he being discriminated against because he is mormon and, I can guarantee that in the event that he is not elected there will be a lot of banter (especially in these forums) about how he was discriminated against because of his beliefs. Call it a prediction, a prophecy or whatever you like...it'll happen.

Re: Yep | 2:29 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

If that's your logic than Romney should also not be allowed to be the president. The mormon religion clearly states: all other creeds are an abomination in gods sight; that those professors were all corrupt; (Joseph Smith, The Pearl of Great Price 2:19)

Abomination: 1 : worthy of or causing disgust or hatred : detestable (Webster's Dictionary)

While it may not be out in the open, You are just as guilty for bigotry against other religions as Huckabee is.

Anonymous | 2:37 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Dear SLMG -
Isn't there a Mormon prophesy about some guy who is confronted with The Constitution "hanging by a thread?"

Ron | 2:45 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Give me a Ron Paul - Mitt Romney ticket and let's get on with bettering this country.

Rhonda | 3:08 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I admire Mr. Romney's handling of these situations. He has done it with integrety and to the best of his ability.

JLB | 3:45 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Any persons interested in what the (Mormons) Church of Jesus Christ believe can access the doctrines of the restored gospel on this Web site, Mormons.org

That will give you all the information you need to settle your mind.

DLH | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Two crazies don't make a sane.

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