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Opponents' 'terrific' hits give Romney an opening

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whiplash | 1:22 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
1. do I agree with his position on key issues?
2. will he actually do what he says he'll do?
3. can he beat Hillary or Obama?

These are the questions everyone should be asking about your favorite republican candidate. I like McCain - Ron Paul's okay (a little weird) - I like Fred. They're good guys. But, the only one I can answer yes to on all three questions is Romney. If we split the conservative and moderate votes with an independent, Obama wins! If we can't get together on this we're dead - literally (because 9/11 number 2 will be right around the corner - and we probably won't recover from the next one).
romney supporter | 1:31 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
As one who has been lukewarm about Romney at best he now has my whole support. The way they gang tackled him at the national televised debate. Disgusting at best. McCain was especially bad. That man wouldn't get my vote for city dog catcher. We need a businessman to run this country. Romney is the one.
A Mormon upset with Romney attac | 1:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney said, "There's nothing wrong with changing one's mind," and then goes on to say that "Some politicians, as I've said, are more interested in insults than issues and I'm interested in issues."

That was a very nicely worded insult from Romney and all of his attack ads on the other candidates and their responses to him are then turned against them as if they are the people who attack others. He is free to insult them like this but they are the ones left defending themselves from someone like Romney.

Let's not forget that it was Romney who lowered the dialogue and has used the LDS Church as a way to round up votes. We should also never forget that John McCain was long-time friends with a Mormon Democrat who was his mentor in the U.S. House. He isn't a bigot and compared to Romney he is a much nicer man. I wouldn't vote for him because I don't agree with him but if the Republicans had any decency they would nominate someone who at least pretends to be a nice person instead of Romney who is demonstrating that he isn't.

As for me, I am a Mormon Democrat.
Comments continue below
Jay | 3:08 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
That is Romney's "terrific" issue? One empty phrase with no substance. I realize your faith's leaders, instructed it's flock to defend its faith, but come up with something substantial, and not meaningless responses. On Sat, the only response Romney had that was independent was that he supported the pharmaceutical companies, (which I don't), but at least he did state a clear opinion.
Bobbi | 3:54 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I've been watching all of the debates. One thing that sticks out to me is how whenever Romney mentions his family, he never mentions his wife. Once when asked about how he made his decision to run, he stated that he got his family together - his sons and daughter-in-laws to discuss how a run would affect them. This past weekend when talking about his "values" he stated "family" and then talked about how much he loved his children and grandchildren - again no mention of his wife. I know she is in the audience, and I wonder if she is hurt by his exclusion of her or if that behavior is so ingrain that she is used to being taken for granted.
Bookaholic | 4:26 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney did quite well. People are really waking up to what he has to offer.

I am really heartened to see the positive attention he is getting when people begin looking past the negative whispers about his religion and supposed flip-flopping. He stands up to the scrutiny and comes off well.

Saturday's debate was an eye-opener for McCain and Huckabee supporters. Both came off VERY poorly, kind of smarmy with their grins and giggles back and forth as they punched at Romney. They appeared more sophomoric than presidential. Romney stayed out of the food fight. He remained calm, countered their inaccuracies in an adult fashion, and tried to address the issues. He did well.

Sunday's debate was another good one for Mitt. McCain/Huckabee had obviously been told their approach was counter-productive and so were somewhat better behaved. McCain did fair but seemed a dour old curmudgeon. Huckabee had a poor showing, refused to answer questions, tried to dance around issues. Seemed really out of his league.

Thompson and Guiliani were pretty good both nights. Both have things to recommend them. We'll see how they do.

Mitt was the one who really showed well. I'm liking what I see in Romney.
Curious NH | 4:32 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I just don't trust Mitt Romney, he reminds me of a republican John Kerry. But at least John Kerry served in Vietnam. I think I'll vote for either John McCain or Rudy.
Bruce | 5:14 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney hit a home run Sunday night. Just what the Dr. ordered and what he needed to turn things around in the granite state.
T Martin Norfolk VA | 6:12 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Mitt is right, cleverly timed insults aren't going to sway voters minds, people want someone with some solidarity. The fact is that McCain is defensive because everyone in this country knows his stance on immigration is wrong and it killed his last go at the presidency.
New Englander | 7:04 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
As a former New Englander I know the Granite State well. Folks in New Hampshire are aware that Romney campaigned in Massachusetts as a moderate, went missing for half his term and then was reborn as a fire-breathing pseudo-conservative. Those folks understand a change in point of view: it's the suddenness of Mitt's conversion that makes them suspicious. If Mitt had stayed as a moderate/conservative, he'd have them eating out of his hand. Of course, in Utah they call that viewpoint "liberal", but in Utah a liberal is anyone with indoor plumbing.
true blue | 7:14 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
to curious nh, you don't trust mitt, but you trust rudy? wierd.

i've seen romney's ads, and they are not attack ads.
Jim in GA | 7:22 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To New Englander: It sounds to me like you don't know any more about the Granite State citizens than you do about Utahns. It's about time the 'Easterners' began to understand the Utahns better. A start would be to accept them as equals even though, in my estimation, the Utahns are superior in many areas.
Romney is "THE MAN".
dglarsen | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Mitt Romney comes across as unauthentic. You can feel that he's not sincere or that he doesn't believe what he's saying. Exit polls in Iowa showed his greatest support came from moderate republicans. So if he would just be Mitt and stop pandering to the religious right of his party, he'd be more believable and you could see it in his eyes... As for right now... he's heading down the wrong path and this Tuesday will be painful for him.
dglarsen | 7:54 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Jim, your point is exactly what is wrong with mormon utahns. You state that you want to be "understood" and to be treated as equals with other citizens in the country. Yet you then state exactly what others feel and that is you have a sense of superiority about you over others. Perhaps if you would treat others as equal instead of thinking you are right you might experience getting what you give.
Keith, California | 8:00 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
There was a time, I wasn't sure who I'd vote for. At this point, I'm a firm supporter of Romney. The Democrats talk about change, but what change? This country had serious problems. Romney has shown that he has orgainzational skills and can get things done. Also, I believe he can deal with the Washington press corps. He's more like Reagan than any other candidate.
Mormons | 8:01 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
What has Romney done to round up the Mormon Votes?

I'm LDS, and have not been approached.
Rob | 8:15 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Mitt Romney was impressive. I was very impressed with how he stayed above all the smirking etc. the supposive adults Huckabee and McCain did. I couldn't believe how grade schoolish they acted. I think Mitt was pretty surprised how imature they were and I was. I want a person who will lead our beautiful county not be smirky. Can you imagine how far the President would get if he treated dignitaries of other countries the way Huckabee and McCain treated Mitt? What about how they would treat us? Are they smirking about what we feel is important?
Stenar | 8:24 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
If Romeny wins the nomination, Hillary will easily defeat him.
Park City Resident | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney's got my vote. Seeing the way that Huckabee and McCain have attacked him with bigoted snide comments instead of addressing real issues makes me sick.

Kris in AL | 8:43 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
The biggest threat this country faces (long term) is bankruptcy. With Medicare and Social Security AND A 9 TRILLION DOLLAR DEBT, we need some business/numbers savvy.

While I'm not comfortable with Mitt's original position as Pro-Choice (how can a member of the Church ((LDS)) be pro-choice?) I can accept a politician changing his position.

I guess for me it comes down to FINALLY having a successful businessman (at the national and international level) run the country from the Oval Office.
To: Bobbi | 8:50 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I watched Mrs. Romney on C-SPAN a few days ago. My impressions, are that she's a brilliant person and one that is defenantly one with Mitt. She shared how supportive Mitt has been and how he always made her feel that the things she was doing in the home was much more important than the things he was doing in the board room. Now doubt they have a strong bond.
Anonymous | 8:54 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Re: Park City Resident

Actually everyone in the GOP makes ME sick.
Dan Knudsen | 8:57 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
�Bobbi�--don't you think that the reason Mitt doesn�t mention his wife is because he doesn�t want her attacked or slandered? The boys can take it, with no harm done. His wife is special to him and doesn�t deserve any of that kind of treatment--hasn�t that been obvious all along?
Scott E | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney is authentic as they come. He did a great job on the fox forum last night. McCain and Huckabee backed off on their gang-attack mentality because it really hurt them after the last debate. I'm glad that Chris Wallace hammered the immigration issue hard....McCain and Huckabee are pro-amnesty whether they would like to define it that way or not. Romney has the best plan for America.
To Mormons: | 9:03 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I missed that memo too. What ward was it announced in, that I had to vote for Romney? I did not get it, or was busy with my kids. by the way, After Saturday's showing, the Rom-guy has my punch.
JAMES STOWE | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
HOW CAN MITT CALL HIMSELF AN LDS IN GOOD STANDING, WHEN HE IS OUT ON THE SABBATH DOING WORLDLY THINGS, SUCH AS MEETINGS AND SPEECHES OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH.

LDS ARE PREACHED TO EVERY SABBATH TO HOLD IT NEAR AND DEAR, AND STAY FAR AWAY FROM WORLDLY EVENTS AND TO KEEP THIS DAY HOLY.

I WONDER IF THE GEN. AUTHORITIES GAVE THEIR BLESSINGS? IS HE ABOVE THE REST OF THE FOLD?
Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney all the way!!!
From Colorado | 9:35 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Romney is the only one who can bring this country what it needs. Romney for President.
NY | 9:38 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
James Stowe, if you want to start a fight, go to a bar. Arrogantly stated bigoted comments are unproductive, and a pure sign of exactly what terrorists are trying to inspire. . .hate. We don't need it.
James | 9:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
James...remember, all the rules are tossed out if there is a public relations benefit to a Mormon working on Sunday. Just ask Steve Young or Mike Weir or Thurl Bailey or Dale Murphy and countless Mormon-owned businesses open on Sunday. If it LOOKS GOOD and somehow promotes the lifestyle of Mormonism, go ahead and do it...we'll look the other way. Why would God punish those dear souls if their example lead to someone coming to the one and only true church?
James Lighten up | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
What Romney is doing is extremely important, and working on Sunday is allowed when required. Heck, I am a "LDS in good standing" and I went to a Super Bowl one year, now that was a big sin, no doubt about it. It was fun though, and I have long since repented.

Take a deep breath, and step away from the ledge, life isn't that serious.
not the brightest | 9:46 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
You people are hilarious!
A filthy-rich politician (who happens to be Mormon) puts on a plastic smile and trashes his opponents with money-to-burn TV attack ads, and he's your instant hero.
Nobody ever said Utahs were the brightest people in the world.
Conservative | 9:47 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To Stenar:

Hillary Clinton won't win the Democratic nomination first of all. Second, which Republican candidate has a better chance of beating Obama or Edwards? Huckabee appeals mostly to the evangelical Christians and not the general public. McCain, Thompson, and Paul are out of the question with no chance of getting out of the primarys. Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney are the only candidates with a strong enough campaign and the financial resources, along with their wider appeal to the general public, to beat the Democratic nominee. Romney is a better candidate because he is most like Ronald Reagan and is on the conservative side of most issues like government spending, tax cuts, military strength, and a good offensive strategy in the war on terror. He is the only candidate that can sell to America that we still need a conservative in the White House.
RE: James Stowe | 9:48 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
James,

Many people in the LDS can be in good standing and still work on Sunday's. I had a job for a about a year where it required me to work on some Sunday's and I was still in good standing. It is the nature of the beast of what he is doing. You said it best that the LDS are preached to hold the sabbath near and dear and stay away from worldy events and to keep the day holy. The key work is preached to do this. People have their "free agency" to choose how and what they do on the sabbath.

By the way...please don't type in all caps. It means you are yelling.

Silly James Stowe | 9:49 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I suppose if we had another Cuban missile crisis erupt on a Saturday night you'd have President Romney tell his staff, "It's the Sabbath tomorrow. No meetings, no press briefings and above all, tell the military to go to church and no sentry duty." And, James, we'll have to forget about Monday night meetings too. FHE in progress...

James, this is not a game. This is a campaign for the most important job in the world. People will gather on Sunday and will watch to understand the world. Mitt had better be ready to meet them and talk to them about his values and concept.

What Romney is doing is good. I'm not sure yet that I'd vote for him in the primaries, but what he is doing, along with McCain, Rudy and Fred is a very good thing. I'm proud of all of them. (No, not that sheister Huckster or that lying Rube Paul.)

If you had your way then NO person of the LDS faith would EVER be allowed to run for president. You make as much sense as Mik Huckster.
RE: James Stowe | 9:49 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
You have no idea what the LDS church teaches. The church is guided by principles and doctrines, not dogmas. It's very easy for a doctor, care giver, etc, not to mention a politician, to work on Sunday and be a member in good standing.

Hope this helps break down your erroneous stereotype of the LDS Church.
Anonymous | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
James, From your logic a faithful LDS member should never run for office.
AnyoneButHillary | 9:54 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
They have all agreed to hate Romney; but it is like "deal or no deal"....all the suitcases must go eventually but one
PP | 10:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
For those that dont know, if your job requires it then it is ok to work on sunday. Simple.

Also, Mike Weir is not a Mormon but he is a great guy.
New Englander | 10:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Hey Jim in Ga (I lived there too for a couple of years). New Englanders absolutely accept Mitt as an equal. They show him the respect of questioning what he says, just like they question Hillary or McCain or Huckabee or Ron Paul. I'm afraid they're just not going to accept him as superior on your say-so.
Anonymous | 10:19 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Members of the LDS Church are never "preached" to. There are no preachers to do that. We receive instruction, encouragement and hopefully enlightenment to keep the Sabbath holy. But we are still left to make our own choices and are thus held personally liable to God for our choices. If a person chooses to go shopping on the Sabbath, who are you to judge them?
To all the non-flippers, must always make the same decision DEM and GOP alike out there, step off of your high horse. There is nothing wrong with changing your point of view. We are all hopefully intelligent people that have the ability to make decisions based on the circumstances that each choice comes to us in. There can never be one definitive answer that will cover every posibility that lies under issues like immigration, abortion etc. There can be bounds in place that can help us make choices within a certain realm of possibilities but as soon as we say that it is one way or the other we are just helping to further segregate and divide a nation that is already on the verge of eating itself alive because we must choose one side.
Lou | 10:20 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Mitt Romney all the way!
JAMES STOWE | 10:29 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
CONGRATS TO ALL THOSE WHO REPLIED.

YOU GOT THE MESSAGE.

IF YOU WANT TO DO IT, DO IT, WHO SHOULD REALLY CARE?

IT SHOULD NOT BE THE JUDGEMENTAL LDS OUT THERE

DON'T JUDGE ME FOR ENJOYING GOD'S BEACHES, FISHNG,

OR ANYTHING ELSE OF GOD'S WORLD THAT I CHOOSE TO DO

ON THE SABBATH. WHATS GOOD FOR GOOSE IS ALSO GOOD

FOR THE GANDER.

DON'T JUDGE MY CAP LETTERS EITHER, I CAN SEE THEM

BETTER.
Beppa | 10:38 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Stop the fighting for Pete sake! You are all adults and Americans, it is this simple, choose who is most to what you want the next President to be. Most people want some one who will be respected by the Nation, as well as other Nations. Mitt Romney may be my choice, but that's what it is, MY choice. I thought during the Saturday night debated the snarky remarks to Mr. Romney was not called for, I had respect for John McCain, but I feel that the smirkiness was a bit much for my palate. Mike Huckabee was someone I had considered voting for, however, he is just as snarky as McCain, Rudy, Fred etc... I would suggest to all who writes in that they voice their opinions and try to listen to others with differences. That's what has made our country great. Another thing that I find absolutely disgraceful, is the way the media, and others openly trash the American President. Like Jack Nicholas said in his movie, "You have weakened a nation" or something like that. No matter what, President is our elected official to that high honor, please respect the office, even if you don't respect President.
listen sport ... | 11:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I predict Mitt's next flip flop will be that New England will be playing in the Superbowl. Come on Mitt - you already said they'd be in the World Series! Stick to your guns for once.
Gee Willikers | 11:11 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Oh man, I hope they turn up the heat with the fighting. It makes it so much more interesting. Boy, I tell ya, this is gonna be one jim dandy!
Come now Jimmy | 11:13 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Have you ever heard the saying the ox is in the mire? If your house catches fire on the sabbath would you not put it out because that would require physical work? This man is fighting for the most important job in the country, a job that determines many things for the people therein. He is not out recreating or boating, fishing, the man is doing what is necessary to help preserve the greatest nation on earth, if that requires doing a little work on the sabbath good for him. I myself am a very devout member of the LDS faith, and what and how you are ranting is exactly the reason the church gets its abusive stereotype from the rest of the nation.
Thomas | 11:19 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I wonder if McCain's alleged "smirking" (I didn't see the debate; I'm going from how others have described the man's demeanor) while taking cheap shots at Romney will come back to bite him, like Al Gore's exaggerated eye-rolling and sighing in one of his 2000 debates with George W. Bush hurt Gore.

McCain has a reputation for arrogance, grudge-bearing, and emotional volatility, which apparently goes all the way back to his Navy days. (Even in the Navy -- where arrogance and hot tempers are not only tolerated, but somewhat admired -- McCain's temper and vindictiveness raised some eyebrows.) I'm not sure that his debate performance didn't tend to emphasize that aspect of McCain's personality.
grumpolman | 11:32 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Hey James Stowe
Why all the yelling? I wouldn't judge your capital letters but your giving me a headache.

All the yelling and slamming of Romney just makes him stronger. Keep it up!
RE:James | 11:46 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
HEY JAMES YOUR MESSAGE WAS THAT MORMONS ARE NOT LIVING ACCORDING TO THEIR TEACHINGS AND THAT MITT WAS BETTER THAN THE REST OF THE CHURCH. WHEN YOU DISCOVER THAT YOU MADE A STUPID COMMENT, DON'T PRETEND YOU WERE TRYING TO PROVE AN UNRELATED POINT.

GLAD YOU ENJOY WHAT HE'S CREATED. WHEN YOU'RE DONE YELL TYPING- SPEND SOME TIME DISCOVERING WHAT HE TEACHES.

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