Reader comments
Mitt's speech a big hit with Utahns

Goose | 1:00 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll, Does that not raise the concern of whom was polled? Question about true news stations. OR as Fox news states we Report and you decide?

Robert | 1:13 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Romney's speech was nice although he didn't talk about Mormonism at all...he only used the word once. Most people that I talk to are not bothered by the Mormon part, it is his flip-flopping and lack of conservative track record that give most of them pause. I think that is my biggest issue too with Romney...credibility.

Utahn in Rio | 1:14 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

If the Democratic party or the far right Republicans are so concerned about a Mormon in national government leadership, how do they reconcile that concern with Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader and top-ranking Democrat in the nation, who is also active LDS? If one's faith is all that is required to disqualify him/her from high public office, why haven't we heard that uproar? I have never heard any concerns voiced over his leadership, simply because of his faith. Mitt should have pointed that out for people to chew on.

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Bot | 2:58 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

I wish Mitt had said he believes in the Jesus of the New Testament. Of course, that would be the original Greek version, not the versions changed by Latin scribes to support the Nicene Creed. Perhaps that's too much to introduce in a 20 minute speech.

Ron Paul's newest friend | 5:43 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mr. Romney would be a great vice-president.

Even the ABC voters (Anyone But Clinton) would love that team.

Truthiness | 7:05 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Utahn in Rio: don't try to spin this to be a Democrats are the bad guys issue. Most national Democrats don't care about religious affiliation: this is a purely religious right issue.

Wilkey | 7:11 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

By implying that one's doctrinal beliefs are off-limits, Romney has done a disservice to his country. Why? Because Barack Hussein Obama still has a chance, in this or another year. Ironically, it's not Obama's Muslim past that should be a concern, but the radical racist preachings of his current Christian minister, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, who has said that "racism is how this country was founded and how this country is still run."

By saying one's religious belief is irrelevant, Romney has served to innoculate a potential presidential or vice-presidential opponent against legitimate criticism.

Can a True Believing Mormon be a good president? I was raised in that religion, I have left that religion, I'm no longer very fond of that religion - but I have no doubt he can. But I'd like to leave the door open to legitimate criticism of a Branch Davidian, a Wahhabi Muslim, or a congregant of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

Vis-a-vis the Oval Office, what Mormons believe doesn't bother me. That doesn't mean that what other's believe might not. To say any different is to not take religon seriously at all. 2,500 dead New Yorkers stand in stark witness to the stupidity of that.

dcc | 7:21 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

The end of Mitt's speach, to paraphrase, was:

'If you're not Christian you shouldn't live here (US).'

I've certainly heard that before as a non-Mormon in Utah.

Snnnnoooooorrrrr | 8:10 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Utah doesn't count on this issue. The decision of who will be president happens outside Utah and is beyond the concerns and opinions of this state. The little ol' state of New Hampshire has more to say than we do.

sdarwinj | 8:45 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

He reminded people of the proper relationship of religion and state as envisioned by the founding fathers. He has identified the real agenda of the "secular progressives" and why they will have nothing to do with God. The seculars have forgotten our early history and have become bigoted. In my opinion, this speech, if it is not already, will become a classical speech against religious intolerance and will inspire those who believe in God to stand firm.

Harry Reid's Negative"Spotlight" | 8:51 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

...or the lack thereof. Why doesn't the vast majority of U.S. media focus a negative spotlight on Harry Reid? Because he is a Democrat. I bet if you researched the amount of negative attention he received during his previous Senate campaigning because he's LDS one would find that it was minimal then too. The biased liberal media (makes me want to puke when I see constantly how biased they are against conservatives, especially religious conservatives) HATE anyone with true character and love of country. Anyway, Harry is seen as "one of them" and Romney is seen as the enemy. Romney CERTAINLY won my vote Thursday. Initially I wanted him to use the opportunity to explain LDS doctrine but he is right, that isn't his responsibility to do that while running for office. Think about it....when WE go to work, isn't our primary responsibility to our employer to "do our work" and not teach missionary discussions to our co-workers? Yes, I understand that "we are all missionaries" but there's more ways than asking someone if they'd like to have a gospel centered discussion on the Plan of Salvation to be a good missionary.

Ken Baguley | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mitt you did it big, brave, humble and presidential. You're the Best Man for the job. Take Mike Huckabee as Vice and we'll have a united team to take care of America...

Keith Holdaway | 9:05 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Stating that Harry Reid is LDS would have been a good thing and I would have liked him to state the fact that the church goes to great length, even to sending out a letter from the First Presidency every election year, that there are to be no political meetings or propaganda on church property....There are not many churches in the US that take such a neutral stand as the LDS church does.....Mitt hit a home run....His success in the private and political sectors needs to be looked and talked about more...I don't see anyone that has proven himself more capable of leading this country...

the only reason | 9:07 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

The only reason that Mitt spoke at all was because a minister was ahead of him in the polls. The word minister is the operative word, thus religion thus the speech. It was a complete political ploy. It has nothing to do with Mormonism, it is all about the numbers. And if he will do that now, for his own advantage imagine the measures that he will take as president. Once again, deal with the REAL issues, war, social security and illegal immigrants sucking us dry. I am worried for America.

Anonymous | 9:19 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mike Huckabee has by inference tried to label Mormonism as a "cult" and "nonchristian". Mitt Romney has lost his lead in Iowa in a matter of weeks because of this tactic. All of the sudden we see Mike "I'm a baptist minister" Huckabee surging... Mitt Romney is a far more capable leader then Mike Huckabee. Huckabee's campain platform consists of showing off Chuck Norris, and telling everyone that he shares their true values--code for "I'm not a mormon".

Perhaps this will open people's eyes about some in the republican party.

Wilkey | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

"The end of Mitt's speach, to paraphrase, was: 'If you're not Christian you shouldn't live here (US).'" - dcc

What was the end of his speech when it's not paraphrased?

Michael from Chino | 9:55 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

What kind of a person dis-allows someone the right to change their mind? The flip-flop accusation is not fair. I suppose if you used that logic, no one can repent and still have credibility.

Kwt | 10:01 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

What a powerful speech that Mitt Romney gave. I got out of it that he wants us to all live together, regardless of our religion. In peace and to help each other. To pray for each other. I have heard comments from some of the radio talk so people. They have also said that it was an excellant message. GO MITT!

Clare | 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mitt Romney's speech was inspiring and brought me to tears. It is a shame that many of the people on this forum cannot look upon it with the truth that came from every word. I wish Mitt Romney could become President. It would be wonderful to have a good righteous man in that post. Our country would be very blessed. Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's not in the cards. John Adams wouldn't have a prayer of being elected today. What a sad statement on the state of our country.

John | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Great speech. Never should have made it. He was doing fine by addressing his religion in short quips here and there. This speech gave the nay-sayers too much to pick apart. Look at the results it is having in Iowa. We can complain all we want about people discriminating about Mitt's religion and say they need to get over it, but in the end, their vote counts. The idea should be to make yourself a great candidate for all the people, not a hero for the Mormons. I think Mitt failed on the first part and won on the second part.

Unfortunately... | 10:34 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Utah's approval of the speech has little or no bearing on how other Americans viewed the speech. I think Iowa is telling Mitt something, speech or no speech, your days are numbered.

nonceleb | 10:35 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

The headline immediately brought this response to my mind, "duh!" Is there anything Mitt does or says that is not going to be deified in Utah?

Earl | 10:44 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

(the only reason 9:07) nailed it. The Iowa polls show that the speech had an effect of zero outside of Utah.

Josh | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Still Mitt for President - the only able and credible candidate. Then Huckabee for VP as Ken had mentioned. America needs to get their good morals back to get the respect of the rest of the world. Imagine the US under a womanizer - makes George W. look like a saint. Huckabee is no doubt a good man - just as Mitt is; but experience and track record wise, he doesn't have as much to offer. But they'll make a good team.

I just wish that Canada has the same concern for religion as the US has.

RI Reader | 10:58 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mitt Romney is being scrutinized on this issue because he panders to the Pharisees (Evangelicals) believing he needs to get their vote. Mitt will say, do, or pander to whomever he thinks will get him what he wants - because that is all he is about. Life is what Mitt wants. Period. He is a plastic replica of a human being, devoted to getting his way.

His pandering won't help. He may win the Pharisee vote - but he won't win the hearts and minds of most Americans: christian, muslim, agnostic, jew, gentile, butcher .. baker .. candle srtick maker. He's a phony. The emporer (like the current president) has no clothes.

Politics and God | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Distasteful as all the Bible thumping and ostentatious piety of the Republican presidential aspirants certainly are, the time may have come to address their religious pretensions directly, instead of turning away in mild disgust. For the truth is that no matter how often candidates like Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee promise to uphold the Constitution and protect religious freedom, they are clearly seeking to impose the restrictive tests of faith that the nation's founders abhorred.

The only reason?? | 11:25 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Boy I'm glad you let us know that what he did was politically motivated, you're sure smart did you graduate from Harvard?

He has been trying to stick to the issues but everyone else comes back to religion. So he needed to address the issue, if thats so hard to understand ask the closest 5th grader they'll explain it to you. They'll also explain to you that every politician does everything in their power to win, none more than the Clintons, imagine what lengths they'll go to if elected. If he doesn't play the stupid political game he has no chance to dealing with the issues. Hey I've got an idea, why don't you run the Clinton's campaign, that would be a great way to serve your country and to deal with the scariest issues of all 'Hillary'.

The scariest thing this country is facing is the possibility of Hillary becoming president. Than God help us!

Wilkey | 11:42 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

"He's a phony. The emporer (like the current president) has no clothes."

Phony is in. Phony is the modern era, where everything is made in China for 50 cents and sold in the USA for $75. Romney's no phonier than Hillary or Barack or Edwards and his 28,000 square foot mansion, which could easily fit at least one of his Two Americas.

RI Reader | 11:56 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

To Wilkey:

Amen. It's a bad political season. Only a fool would run for president in this country. The system does not favor honest, decent human beings.

Plastic is the best we get ...

I'm anxious for a better millenial day.

Marilyn Wouden | 11:57 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mitt Romney is a very noble man to stand-up for what he believes in. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commonly called Mormons or my favorite "LDS" are Christian. We believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. If Christian means believing in Jesus Christ we do believe In Jesus Christ. We also believe in doing what Jesus says. What more of a Christian does one have to believe and do what Jesus says.
Mitt Romney has my vote, we need more people who are honest with all, can stand up what they believe, and do their best for mankind. Mitt Romney can and will do that and we need more people like that. So what, Mitt Romney is LDS we have rights too, just has anyone else. If you have doubts about a religion, then investigate yourself and not from someone that mskes it seem it is dark and fearsome. Mitt has shown that. I applaud him for standing up and being fair to all not just our faith.

JR | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Well of course, UTAH is his blood line why wouldn't people of his faith support him as that is how they do it in UTAH. Flip Flop is crucial when it comes to gaining political favours and that is what he does best like many Utah natives they flip and flop to each other all the time, which I do believe is another expression for "two faced". Actually, I shouldn't lump all Utahns into the bucket but a high majority of the faithful are that way Mitt is a phoney and of course a ROMNEY so can do no wrong.

Anonymous | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

TWOFACED?????What a slam JR. You know not your history

Flip? | 1:04 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Repeating the flip-flop label over and over doesn't really make it become true, except in minds who haven't done real homework, just listened to opponents.
None of his critics have the integrity to back up the silly name-calling with the whole picture of his leadership.
He repented of one or two viewpoints, came around to a better view. We all should be that humble.
That's nothin', consider Mrs. H.R. FlipFlop Clinton, who has done both: a few good course corrections AND flipped, straddled, flopped, and lied about her actions and intentions for years.
Our family agrees with 5:43 a.m. -- Gov. Romney will make a fine VP for Dr. Paul.

Idaho Boy | 1:42 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

dcc | 7:21 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
The end of Mitt's speach, to paraphrase, was:
'If you're not Christian you shouldn't live here (US).'
I've certainly heard that before as a non-Mormon in Utah.
----------------------------------
Here's what Mr. Romney actually said.
"Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot.
And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God ... they founded this great nation.
In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine 'author of liberty.' And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed, 'with freedom's holy light.'
God bless [this great land], the United States of America."

Just shows how far you (dcc) had to twist to get the 'paraphrase' out of the real thing.
We'd bet most folks would see now, why you are uncomfortable in Utah.
As you really stop, look, and listen, you will see that most Utahns love you whether you're in the majority or not. (If they don't, they are not yet living what they are being taught.)

MB | 5:55 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

We have had devout presidents before. Some were successful, like Lincoln, though he was not actually a member of a church. Others, like Carter, were not successful presidents, even with high personal standards. I think we are asking the wrong question. It shouldn't be "What do you believe?" like the You Tube guy with his Bible. The question SHOULD be "How do your beliefs influence your presidential decisions? So far, Romney seems to be saying that he'd be just like Reagan (or what people thought Reagan was) only richer. The Romney address was aimed again at his only real audience - GOP Primary voters. And they are a hard, bitter, suspicious, mean-spirited group who follow their "leaders", once they can figure out who THEY are.

Lewt | 6:14 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Saying that Mitt's speech is a hit with Utah LDS is a little like saying that eucalyptus is a hit with koalas.

Skeptic | 10:44 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Mitt a hit with Utahns? I hear Coca-Cola is popular at the factory that makes it, beer has been discovered to be popular at bars and banks have been found to be pro-money.

Only in Utah | 12:25 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007

How can anyone, regardless of your religious faith, believe anything that Mitt has said. He is not a good representative of the Morman faith. There are lots of Momrmons who have the good sense to listen to what he says and not just look at his claimed religious choice.
In Utah, if it is republican, it can do anything it wants! Being a flip flopper is the nicest thing that can be said about him.

Eli Waldner | 12:28 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007

The Mitt could have read from a couple pages of the phone book and would have been not only popular with Utahns, but in the end better read, as well.
He's a mormon boy. He could pepper his lawyer with buckshot and be forgiven here. Even applauded, for his exercise of second amendment rights.
Oh great mitt, your ode to religious freedom was grand...please bring this freedom to Utah. Remember, though, that religious freedom includes freedom from religion, or it doesn't exist. Tough break.
Whom am I kidding? This cat doesn't need to change his spots. I know it sounds cynical, but he said what he needed to say. I don't think he'll get elected either because of or in spite of his "Kennedy" moment, and in a way thats too bad. Whomever is next is doomed to have to take one for the nation, to fix what george did to us.

JFK turning in his grave | 4:22 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007

If Mitt was as good a Mormon as JFK was a Catholic, his religion would not be an issue. Endowed LDS members know full well that Mitt's comment about his oath with his hand on the Bible taking precedence over all others is just plain dishonest. It was believable when JFK said in 1960 that he would not be influenced by the Pope. Romney's wink-wink, nod-nod, that the LDS Prophet would not sway his actions would be funny if it wasn't so scary.

Dennis | 5:26 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007

Youre kidding, right?, Grave man? Do you or anyone else in the church really believe that Predident Hinkley, or Monson (the next one), or any Apostle would try to contact Romney and give him even the smallest direction about how to run the country. He will probably send him a congratulatory note and then not try to contact him again. To assume that he will try to stick his nose into national politics is absurd. If Romney wants divine direction he will do it the same way all of us do in our own personal stewardships, Ponder and Pray, and he will then have faith that his experience and will recognize an inspired answer. Romney will never "phone Salt Lake" for direction and Salt Lake will never phone Romney with direction. Romney is a strong smart and capable leader, not a yes man, puppet.

888 | 4:49 p.m. Dec. 10, 2007

GO ROMNEY GO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>GO MITT GO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HE will be the next US President.And a GOOD one... why? LOOk into how he runs his own family(wife and chilfren).Look at his opponents(both inside his own party and the opponent.res ipsa locator or the thing will speaks of itself...Oh! come on, American people,dont be blinded.A person that can not be trusted by small things,how about the big ones.Romney is human not a puppet.Only people with no thinking brains can be a puppet.Romney is the best pick for US President,NOT because his a mormon,but because of his track record being a person and leader.He is a true blue CHRISTIAN. He has the Mind,heart and spirit that America needs at this time and moment of history.His speech "Faith in America"reveals a portion of his personality and experience that a leader must possess to lead this great Nation.GOD BLESS AMERICA....GOD BLESS MITT ROMNEY........

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Mitt's speech a big hit with Utahns

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Reader comments Mitt's speech a big hit with Utahns

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Mitt's speech a big hit with Utahns