Deseret News | Mitt's 'JFK speech' called 'wild gamble'

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Mitt's 'JFK speech' called 'wild gamble'

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re3 | 3:18 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Of course he needs to answer.. Catholics, Baptist and Jewish all believe in the same beginning with regard to the bible(at least the old testament). They belive in a god who was not mortal; one who we will never attain the same status as; and one who if we were to become like wouldn't be indulging in polygamy.

Only Mormons talk about "The Church" as if there is no other choice and their undying devotion to it makes me shudder whenever reading these posts.

What kind of religion won't allow non-members into the temple for a wedding?

You don't have the same secracy at the local level with normal religions as you do with mormonism. It needs to be explained.

sb | 3:20 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I wish him best of luck and hope I get a chance to listen to this speech.

james stowe | 3:21 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Mitt's speach will most likely sound a General Authority Speech from LDS.

Comments continue below

TO: WP | 4:03 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Wow.. Your comments couldn't sum up the mormon faith any better.. Anyone who can't see their way is Anti-Mormon and going to a warmer after life.

mdacbj | 4:03 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Isnt it about time someone ran for President that actually articulates the voice of the American people! Someone that can restore confidence in those who are in Public Office! Where are the men and women that make you want to stand up and cheer when they voice their opinions and beliefs....not because they are tied to special interets but because they ring true? How about the ability to rally the masses in a common effort without a national disaster? Where is the man or woman that will build our society on the common good and the best parts of the social structure? Where are the people who arent associated with scandal...lies....and personal gain? Show me that candidate and I will vote for them...Republican or Democrat who cares the party!

Bad boy Hatch | 4:03 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Well the word of wisdom can be discerned as ...
Er, tobacco and 4.2 beer isn't really ...
Um, the prophet once said ...
Oh, ... never mind.

Say No to Mitt! | 4:18 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Just because you donï¿½t like Rudy Giuliani, doesnï¿½t mean youï¿½re anti-Italian.

Just because you donï¿½t like Hillary Clinton, doesnï¿½t mean youï¿½re sexist.

Just because you donï¿½t like Barrack Obama, doesnï¿½t mean youï¿½re racist.

Just because you donï¿½t like Fred Thompson, doesnï¿½t mean youï¿½re anti-Hollywood.

Just because you donï¿½t like John Edwards, doesnï¿½t mean youï¿½re anti-lawyer.

JUST BECAUSE YOU DONï¿½T LIKE MITT ROMNEY, DOESNï¿½T MEAN YOUï¿½RE ANTI-MORMON!!!

The disdain that conservatives have for Mitt Romney comes from his love affair with socialism. If you raise the capital gains tax, you might be a liberal. If sign measures of gun control, you might be a liberal. If you believe that homosexual men should be Boy Scout leaders, you might be a liberal. If youï¿½ve claimed all three, you might be Mitt Romney.

Stop making Mitt Romney out to be a martyr. His loss in this primary, and yes ï¿½ he will lose - has to do with his liberal record, not his religious preference.

Fredd | 4:34 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I didn't read all the comments above so forgive me if I repeat some points. Huckabee's baptist beliefs are an issue for me. I think Baptists can be a little over the top when it comes to moral views. I think this country should be governed for the general consensus of what is appropriate behavior. And by the way I'm of the belief that consensus would be fairly moral. On the other hand I also have an issue with Mitt's faith. Mormon belief GB Hinckly speaks for God. If you are a devout Mormon and Mr Hinckly makes a statement and claims it is the direct word of God are you (and Mitt) going to obey? What if it is an issue that can roll into the political decisions of this country? What JFK said was that he would not recognize any pronouncement of the Pope's on political matters as he did not believe the Pope's authority was over those matters. Mitt has to say relatively the same thing. As a non LDS person and someone who is skeptical of LDS unique beliefs so far has archeological, anthropological areas are concerned I'd like Mitt to reconcile his belief to me.

Being realistic | 4:36 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I am a Republican. I am LDS - not living in Utah! I think it is highly unlikely that ANY Republican will win in 2008. 1 in 4 Republicans say they would never vote for a "Mormon". I think Mitt Romney is a good, decent man. However, just because he is LDS does not mean that I will vote for him. I'm not hearing anyone so far that is convincing me that they are the best candidate, and for various other reasons, such as personal morality, age, experience, etc.

Any speech about his "faith" will be received poorly and interpreted differently by the majority of people, because they have already decided that a Mormon will never be in the White House. JFK was the first Catholic to run, and at least one of the Republican candidates today is Catholic, but he is not being questioned as was JFK, or as Mitt Romney today.

I don't know if he would be a good President or not. Right now he does not have my vote just because he is Mormon!

Funny | 4:42 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

It's funny that people say that Mitt is a liberal...and they'd never vote for a liberal. When it's the conservatives that are being completely rediculous about his Mormonism. If all the Republicans have when this is over is the Bible-Thumper Huckabee, I can tell you I will proudly vote Democrat.

wr | 5:55 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Mitt should not address anything about his religion. That is the responsibility of the authorities of that church. He is running for president not preacher. His comments should only address the bigotry, in so many words, of those who let the religion of a candidate determine who they will vote for.

JRM | 6:09 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

This "Hail Mary" pass should not be necessary. There is an unfortunate mis-perception presented by the Media - if the general public knew both Orrin Hatch and Harry Reid shared the same faith - that might take care of it. But more interesting would be to add, Senator Gordon Smith, Secretary Mike Leavitt, business leaders like Bill Marriott and entertainers like the Osmonds and commentators like Glenn Beck. Interestingly, Mike Huckabee was recently asked if he thought Mormons were Christians and he dodged the question. He seems like a reasonable candidate, but if he can't even recognize my faith as being Christian, I'll need to find somewhere else to place my vote. My faith deserves respect.
JRM

ToMormonsAgainstRomney | 6:52 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Excuse me. When was it Mitt Romney supposedly represented the LDS church and raised capital gains tax, etc.? If you refer to Mitt Romney's term as Governor of Massachusetts . . . he was working for the residents of that state. Not the LDS church. Not the Republican party. His primary responsibility was to represent the people of Massachusetts. They determined what legislation was needed.

We all have professional lives and personal lives. Some of us are successful in both by keeping them separate.

LISTEN | 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

It seems that some (keystone it! at 9:13 AM) in this forum believe Mitt's speech will be centered on LDS doctrine. I know that "only time will tell", but I don't think his speech will focus on LDS doctrine at all. In fact, I think it would be a mistake to spend too much time trying to convince the nation that what Mormons believe is not as crazy as the media and anti-mormons make it sound. Instead, Mitt should speak about how strong faith (specifically faith in Jesus Christ) leads to stronger families, better communities, less selfishness, and less prejudice. In addition, he should highlight how he has worked with many faithful christians from different denominations and how they all, even though they have differing beliefs, are great people who do great things and their religious faith only adds to their devotion to this country.

Game was already over | 7:28 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Oh, it's all about the anti-mormon bias in the Republican party, is it?

Not likely. Mitt Romney lost the primary months ago, when he stopped running as a centrist governor who could bring parties together and started selling his wares exclusively to the Christian right-wing.

Do any of you honestly think that the Republicans who are backing Giuliani wouldn't rather have Romney in his place? You know, the vast wing of the GOP who couldn't care less how devout you profess to be in public? They have no concern about Romney's mormon faith.

Romney could have completely taken the centrist and moderate vote, out of sheer distaste for Giuliani's personal life. Instead, he decided to rumble with the loudest bible thumpers he could find, and now everybody acts shocked when he isn't accepted by them.

He did a decent job when he was my Governor, in a state as blue as Massachusetts, but then he let Mr. Hyde come out to play.

Passing the peace pipe to Dr. Dobson now isn't going to fix the problem. Face it, Mitt blew his chances a long time ago.

Phil, CA. | 7:38 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Mitt Romney is making a big mistake if he brings up mormonism or any of it's teachings. He's going to be judged for every word by both mormons and main stream evangelicals. Has Bush ever given a faith speach?

idaho mike | 7:46 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

All of these comments just make the point that nothing is as it seems. Anti-LDS, Pro-LDS, evangelicals, athiests, agnostics, liberals (LDS,Non-LDS), conservatives (LDS, Non-LDS), and anyone else you want to put in a category will view any move or lack of by Gov. Romney as just what they perceive it to be....their perception is reality. It is sad that anyone has to be sidetracked like this. However, every candidate on either party has had their share of sidetracking issues to deal with. The old days of just running for a position is simple.

To: Funny | 7:52 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Amen to that. I don't care WHO gets the Republican nomination, I watched all of that pathetic excuse for a debate and they all scare the bagebees out of me. Go Edwards!!!!

Back Off! | 7:59 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Nobody cares directly about Mitt Romney's religious beliefs. They only care about his political beliefs as they are influenced by his religious beliefs.

As such, Mitt (and a bunch of fanatic Utah Mormons) are the ones cramming religion down everybody's throats (again... as usual) instead of addressing the political beliefs that people DO care about.

In short, Mitt is being predictably "Mormon" about this by giving his "Mormon Speach" - he is using his candidacy as a platform for evangelizing/preaching his Church's doctrines.

And that makes him the last man on earth who should be elected to the White House!

it's happening again | 8:04 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

religion has no place in choosing a president or any other public official in this country ï¿½ the spectacle of romney speaking to the nation to assure that he is not the ï¿½wrong kindï¿½ of religious, i believe, would have sickened the founders ï¿½ i have nothing against religion when it is used for purposes it was meant for ï¿½ freedom of religion (or non-religion) is crucial ï¿½ but when religion is used to test for presidential worthiness, weï¿½re in dangerous territory! ï¿½ that is why the founders wanted to keep separate religion and matters of state ï¿½ combining the two marginalizes people who might actually know how to run the country and empowers others whose major talent is pandering ï¿½ look no further than the worst president of our time, perhaps of all time ï¿½ bush was put in office largely by the christian right (including, sad to say, many of this forumï¿½s participants, people who refuse to separate church and state), and what a epochal mess he has made! ... but the tragedy is that no lesson seems to have been learned ï¿½ we must elect the most CAPABLE candidate, regardless of how ï¿½religiousï¿½ he or she is..

wr | 8:17 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

"John F. Kennedy:
"Ask not what your country can do for you --
ask what YOU can do for your country."

Mitt Romney:
"But Mormons ARE Christians! Really, they are!"

(to put these two names together in the same phrase, sort of makes me ill)"

It makes me ill as well. One was an adulterer and the other a faithful family man.

Concerned | 8:24 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

As someone who has been a registered voter of both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party (currently a Republican) and a non-practicing Mormon, I am far more worried about having a religous fanatic like Huckabee in the White House than a Mormon. I would vote for Hilary before voting for Huckabee. This guy concerns me, my dad was a southern baptist and they have no tolerance for any other religous/spiritual view.

Worried about baptists | 8:38 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

SOME baptists are fanatical and some aren't. But if you're speaking of them generally, I think the common perception is that they are fanatical. That is why I find myself identifying with liberal republicans who aren't so close minded.

Good luck Mitt | 8:40 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Mitt has proven that he's well spoken, and I believe he will do very well on Thursday in helping to clarify the role of faith in helping to define a strong presidential candidate. Regardless of the outcome of the primaries, I think a faith and values based message is needed to remind Americans that it's not only appropriate, but necessary, to have a God fearing leader who will stay true to the original intent and values that our founding fathers laid out. Mitt certainly isn't without flaws, but he's a solid candidate who I believe is pretty well balanced in his approach to domestic and foreign policy issues. I think he's being realistic about the need for his speech, and I'm sure it's been many months in the making. Best wishes to him on Thursday.

CA Mormon | 8:43 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I can't wait for Mitt's speech; I'm sure he'll clear up a lot of misconceptions. The civilized and wealthier mormons in California all love Romney because he's a great leader and he's not so conservative. He'll be a good change to the republican party. Let the Utah mormons vote for McCain (who won't spend a dime), as for me and my state, we'll vote for Mitt!

maybelle | 9:41 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

It is too bad that in this day, we still have people who are so judgmental about religion. Religion is a personal choice and should not enter into a political choice. Anyone who is prejudiced against an individual because of religious affiliation should be ashamed of himself. Come on people, rise above such ignorance.

Huckabee's lead | 10:19 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

If the Mormon speech thing does not work. I suggest that Mitt learn to play drums.

(Isn't it funny that the Babtist minister is way more mainstream, and the mormon needs to explain himself?)

Zina | 10:29 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Romney's problem is not his religion, it's his authenticity. People think that he's more likely to say what we want to hear rather than what he believes. That is why Huckabee is pulling ahead.

Cirrus | 10:37 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Mitt will probably make a great speech but ultimately it will not change any minds. I anticipate it will be quite a balancing act; emphasizing religious tolerence, while putting a firewall between him and the LDS Church leadership.

Anyone who believes that Mitt will expound upon LDS theology, or bear his testimony, will be sadly mistaken. Mitt is already on enough of a tightrope as it is with this speech.

shaun williams | 11:08 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I will simply say that sppech or no speech there is no possible way Mitt will EVER be president. The "Christian" population of this country will see to that. I am sorry to see Mitt go down to defeat but it is already clear that he has no chance of winning, even if every "mormon" in the US voted for him, there are only some 6 million members in the country and probably only 2 million or less will go to the polls and then not all of those 2 million will votes for him (I won't). I say rather than cast a loosing vote to a failed candidate pick someone who has a real chance of winning. I like McCain or even Rudy looks interesting, prehaps a bit liberal but if we don't back someone with a real chance of defeating Hillary we are going to have some very serious trouble in this country.

Robert | 11:35 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I say "out" with Romney! He has a foundation of flip-flopping on issues like abortion and gay marriage. Now its employing illegal aliens when he said he did but doesn't and now he does again.
I won't be surprised if he address his faith in the same manor he has on these other issues.

My humble opinion | 6:53 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

I find it very interesting that an overwhelming amount of comments are pointing the finger at Huckabee because Romney is being "bullied" into giving his speech. "Well why doesn't he have to defend his faith?" You sound like children...seriously, stop whining. He talks about it openly. Also, I think I see some anti-Baptist sentiment on here too. I'm not Baptist and don't support Huckabee (yet), either. Let's face it, just because you disagree with someone's religious beliefs, doesn't mean you don't like them and/or are a bigot. Stop being so defensive and complaining that the world just doesn't understand; it's very unbecoming. Bottom line: Romney will speak about religious freedom, but I do not think he will speak about specific Mormon beliefs, i.e., the major differences to other religions.

Thank you, | 10:39 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

"My Humble Opinion" for your comment.

TYLER | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

The fact is Tom that Romney doesn't have any moral skeletons in his closet, that's what sets him apart so far.

If Romney wins or loses... | 11:01 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

Regardless of the outcome, the Church is getting some amazing media time. This is awesome. Did you see the 4 minute news coverage on the Church on NBC with Brian Williams? It was more objective than what the media usually is with the Church. They sure like to be so objective about the Jews, Catholics, evangelicals, Muslims (Obama!). This is great outreach for the Church....

Left to the rescue | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

My biggest fear is that our wacky holier-than-thou Christian Right will support a person who has convinced them that he/she is the "holiest candidate."
But thanks to clear-headed thinking from the left, any Elmer Gantry or Pat Robertson type will never be elected.

Anonymous | 12:10 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

There are some who are genuinely interested in Mormonism. Then they walk away when hearing about seer stones, mysterious golden plates, and baptizing dead people (and of course there are many more peculiar beliefs).
But overall they believe Joseph Smith was a liar.

copy cat mitt | 12:45 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

where the creative looking back to find a way of take a chance. do your own thing lost a vote mitt

IMHO | 3:06 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

The religious right is pretty much responsible for getting George W. into office and keeping him there. Remember back when Ross Perot explained the national debt with all those charts and graphs. The picture was pretty grim then. Well it is much much worse now, thank you Mr. President. I think that the next president should have a strong business background. This is where Mitt has the advantage over the other runners. His religion speech is not going to sway anyone from their current thinking. I think his speech needs to stress to the american people the dire financial situation this country is in and present a plan to correct the problems.

Mr. Peel | 4:31 a.m. Dec. 6, 2007

"People who are anti-Mormon (and therefore anti-Romney) will not likely change their deep seated bigotry after one speech."

My friend, why is it that you feel that those of us that disagree with your religion are 'anti-Mormon' and/or 'bigots'? Can I call you an anti-Baptist bigot? Anti-Evangelical bigot? Anti-Scientology bigot? I hope that you see the point that I am making. If this is true, recall who it was that said that the LDS church is the only true church on earth...is that anti-everyone-but-LDS bigotry? Can you imagine that with Almighty God's grace and love, that only 1.8% of the electorate could have it right? I don't think so, my friend.

As for Mike Huckabee 'making the Baptist speech', he's been doing just that all along; if he goes into detail and professes faith in things that LDS do not agree with, will he too be a 'bigot'? Consider these things.

Mr. Peel | 4:53 a.m. Dec. 6, 2007

"Interestingly, Mike Huckabee was recently asked if he thought Mormons were Christians and he dodged the question. He seems like a reasonable candidate, but if he can't even recognize my faith as being Christian, I'll need to find somewhere else to place my vote. My faith deserves respect."

Mike Huckabee doesn't recognize your faith as being Christian because as a Baptist, he believes in the inerrant word of God's Word, the Bible. For Mike Huckabee to defend the very church that proclaims his own faith is 'wrong' would be ridiculous. Am I wrong in expressing that the LDS church proclaims itself as 'the only true church on earth'? Why would Christians be expected to defend it when it attacks their own faith?

Finally, as a Christian, I cannot respect Islam or Scientology, either. Because they teach doctrine that is contra-Biblical. It doesn't mean that I cannot love mormons, it means that I do not respect their doctrines as truth. Jesus Christ is the head of our church and we don't need a man to go between for us. Praise God for that!

Anonymous | 4:28 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Mormonism has been known to set itself apart from mainstream Christianity since day one.
Now that people have noticed this -
what is the problem?

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