Deseret News | Obama cancels Saturday visit in deference to Hinckley funeral

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Obama cancels Saturday visit in deference to Hinckley funeral

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Dave P | 9:12 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

To johndallas...Many friends of the church do not use the inner-church titles (President, Prophet, Elder, etc.) President Hinckley advised President Bush on a number of issues regarding religion and morals in this nation. It would not be unwise to assume they had at least a casual friendship. Calling President Hinckley "Gordon" was no sign of disrespect but rather a show of his affection for the man.
Obama is very gracious to bow out during the funeral. I would still like to see him visit Utah though. I have traditionally been a republican but Obama has shown a willingness to work with all people of all faiths, creeds, races, and parties...
I do support Romney attending the funeral and would also have supported Obama.
Rest in Peace President Hinckley...We will miss you but are happy that you can now be with your beloved wife!

Obamasupporter | 10:03 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

Barack Obama has my vote. He should be considered seriously by every Mormon. He is a good and decent man who will restore America's credibility within and across the world. He has been the most principled candidate in this election in either party, hands down.

Lifelong Republican | 10:35 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I've voted republican in every presidential election since I turned 18 30 years ago, but I won't hesitate to vote for Obama this November if he is up against McCain. Obama is a class act, and, next to Mitt, is the best choice out there to turn things around and bridge partisan divides in Washington.

I hope he still pays a visit to Utah at some point.

Comments continue below

Mary | 11:12 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

It doesn't matter what anyone does these days (to show or not to show, etc.). SOMEONE will find a political or religious gripe about it. SOMEONE will find a way to turn it Anti-Mormon or Mormon-bashing. SOMEONE will find a way to turn it to be self-serving or gracious? It really doesn't just matter anymore, everything turns into a gripe session to suite everyone's private agendas. SHEESH!

Democrate | 11:57 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008

I'm dissapointed that someones polical aspirations take presidence over common courtesy. I doesn't take much time to capture 9 million Mormons.

Politics | 12:56 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Our political process is a funny one. My guess is that Mitt and Barack wouldn't be that far apart on many issues if they didn't have to appeal to the extremes of their respective parties to get the nomination.

Anyway, from what I can see of Obama I'd vote for him over HC in a minute. In a Obama-McCain contest I'd have to think about it for a while . . .

Ed Drood | 5:38 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama's gesture was more classy than any of you realize. His presence at any event requires Secret Service advance teams and screening of all attendees as they enter. He realizes this and wants to avoid inconveniencing funeral-goers with passing through metal detectors, bag screenings, and scrutiny from nervouc, imposing men in dark suits. He would be a huge distraction were he to attend the funeral and he is cognizant of the security footprint he leaves everywhere he goes. Staying away from UT and the funeral was the right thing to do, and anytime someone does the right thing they should be complimented for it. In the truest way he is showing his respect by helping keep the funeral focused on the man to be memorialized rather than himself. Mitt's presence would be different because of his relationship with Pres. Hinckley and his membership in the church. Mitt will keep his appearance very low key and brief. If it were about politics, he would go to CA or another major Super Tuesday state on that Saturday. He should be allowed to grieve and honor his prophet like any other member.

Anonymous | 6:26 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama did what the puppet master Kennedy told him to do.

Nice Gesture | 6:42 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Barack is a good man. Call me naive but you can see it in the way he talks and the way he carries himself. I don't know if it's the innocence of being young in politics or just his personality, but he comes across as a very nice man. Even if we don't agree with him, we should spend time getting to know him. His opponents at law school and other times in life have all said he treated them with the utmost respect. In fact I don't think I've read a single negative thing said about him (his personality not policies) by previous associates. I think the country would be ok with him at our helm. His policies are light on details but that's not really his job anyway. I'll have a difficult time selecting between Obama and McCain if that what it comes down to. Leadership and personality vs policies.

David | 6:56 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Thanks for letting all of us know how ignorant we are. True you are the only one who recognizes a classy individual or professional gesture. I appreciate the label you passed onto everyone in the state. Have you considered opening an etiquette school.

Tad | 7:04 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Shame on you "Anonymos", Your ploitical prowness, contrite heart and displayed wisdom have been left in your basement!

PUERTO RICO | 7:34 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

MITT or HILLARY NO MORE OPTIONS
THAT ALL

Anonymous | 7:50 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

a vote for obama is a vote for kennedy, sharpton and jackson

DCnTN | 8:16 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Thank you Senator for your graciousness and respect.

Alex | 8:19 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama really is a class act. Ed Drood eloquently pointed out what would happen had Obama decided to attend the funeral. Secret Service would have been all over the place. Should Obama have attended it potentially could have taken away from what, I'm sure he realizes, is a very important day for Latter-day Saints. Obama is a great man who has shown tremendous respect to the LDS community.
Hopefully Senator Obama will make it here soon, but as for now, his wife, Michelle Obama, will be here Monday.

Ernest T. Bass | 9:56 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama is by far the best option to be president.

Christy | 9:55 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I appreciate the respect Senator Obama has shown our church in realizing the need to pay respect to our beloved leader without outside activities taking place. I am a Republican, however if I had to chose between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, I would choose Obama. I would rather take a chance on the unknown, rather than end up with more years of the Clinton machine in process.

Ethan | 10:23 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama's a stand-up guy. He's much more professional and carries himself better than any other current candidate. I'd be very pleased if he wins the presidency.

Betsy | 10:43 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I agree I think the gesture shows class. On the political side. I feel the republican party has lost their soul after watching the Florida results. Isn't interesting that the only two politicians who use the pronoun we are Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. They use statements like "We can make a difference.". There is no difference between Hilary Clinton and John McCain. People are nuts if they think Hilary on the ballot would be enough to scare me to pull the lever for John McCain. If it is Barack Obama vs McCain. There is no question and if McCain wants to guarantee losing my vote put Mike Huckabee as VP. Nader will get my vote first. When did character stop mattering? If a man cannot honor his marriage vows like Senator McCain did who left crippled first wife to hook up with with #2 and admitted to cheating on first wife. How can you expect honor and integrity as he holds the highest office in the land?

Bret | 10:54 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

If not Romney, I'd vote for Obama. NEVER McCain! Both got class!

Not Bad | 11:15 a.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I am Republican. However, if McCain or Huckabee are on the Republican ticket I will be voting for Obama if he is Dem nominee, if Billary is the Dem Nominee I will vote for whatever third party candidate on the ballot.

Go Mitt!

Al | 12:32 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I'm hearing the sentiment expressed here about voting for Obama over McCain or Huckabee a lot lately. First, we need to make sure that he gets to the general election. If you are eligable, get to the primary next Tuesday and vote for Barack.

Independent | 12:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

For all of you democrats committed to Hillary, read these comments and consider your position. Your chance of regaining the White House greatly increases with an articulate and classy candidate like Obama. There is a growing support for him from conservatives, independents, and libaral. Like Reagan, he reaches to a broad range of Americans and he can win because of it. Or consider the fact that NOBODY engergizes the Republican base like Hillary. You won't win with Hillary, but you will win with Obama.

William Dean | 12:42 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

A lot of misinformation about Obama's religion has been thrown around. I believe that the more Mormons learn about his faith, the more they will like Obama. I'd encourage everyone to read his chapter on Faith in _The Audacity of Hope_ or go to his campaign's webpage and read his "Call to Renewal" speech. After seeing what many Evangelicals think about Mitt and the Mormons, Obama's position on religion in American society is most refreshing. Obama has this Mormon's vote.

Obama in Utah? | 12:49 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

why should Obama visit Utah, all he has to do is look at history to realize that this state is teathered to the republican party. He's better off spending that day in a state that will actually vote for him.

Walter | 1:21 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I will be voting for the Obama Campaign, I have also donated some money. It would be great if all of you would vote for him tuesday. This would send the nation a message and also to Hillary. Mitt will win this state hands down. I really do not want the Clintons in the white house agian. I will support Mitt agianst Hillary any day of the week. Utah will be all over the news if Obama wins here. God Bless you all!

Walter | 1:28 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama and Mitt that would be a winning ticket!

Obama in Utah? | 1:41 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Obama and Mitt? Thats one of the dumbest statements I've ever read. To everyone on this board; If Romney wasnt a Mormon, would you be at all interested in him? I'm just curious. Out of all the remaining candidates, Romney is the least appealing to me. I'd like to know why his supporters like him so much. BTW I'm a long time utah republican, but i just dont get his appeal.

Stephen | 1:58 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I would add another reference to William Dean's examination of Obama's religion. In _Dreams of My Father_, he explained that his parents and grandparents were agnostic and it was while he was a community organizer in Chicago that he found a home in a Christian community. His description of that experience moved me. I find in Obama a genuine intellectual who honors the role of religion in American society. Depending on who wins the Republican nomination, he could carry the state of Utah.

Relocated Southerner | 4:35 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I'm sorry but I think Obama canceled because he knew he would get very little press here in a state that, in the grand scheme of things, will not yield too many votes toward the nomination. His time would be better spent in a state where there is a larger population and has more influence. I do think Romney's attendance at the funeral is acceptable as he actually knew President Hinckley and would probably have attended whether he was running for President or not. Besides, why should Romney be precluded from attending President Hinckley's funeral any more than any other member of the Church? (And, no, I'm not a Romney supporter.)

Concerned | 6:54 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

I have concerns about those who pair Barak Obama and Mitt Romney for the executive leadership of this nation. I hope such comments are pure fantasy, not arising from limited knowledge of the political process or the positions of each candidate on the most important issues. For those who missed Government 101, the President and Vice President are nominated by their respective political parties at the national conventions; they must be members of the same political party. Looking closely at the respective positions of Barak Obama and Mitt Romney on key issues, I doubt they would be in agreement very often; such a team would not be very productive.
In 2008 the voters need to elect the most potentially effective leaders, not only for the presidency but also for the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Deseret man in Wisconsin | 7:19 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

Barack has class. His speach in South Carolina decried 'those who use religion as wedge' which is definitely what Huckabee did and is still doing as little lap dog for McCain to split the conservative vote. If Huckabee is on the ticket I would gladly vote Democrat for president for the first time - as long as Hillary is not the name on the other side. Indeed if Mr. Obama and the democratic party play their cards right they could garner an additional few million votes and a dozen eloctoral votes due to Huckabee's hatchet job on Article 6 of the constitution.

re:Relocated Southerner | 8:39 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008

But he can pull all of the democratic delagates out of Utah for the nomination.

Millie | 8:52 a.m. Jan. 31, 2008

Obama doesn't have to cancel his visit, he can attend the funeral and then hold his rally. I do believe everyone is invited. Somes of you shouldn't worry about Romney attending. Mitt and Ann attended church in Jax, FL in my sister's ward and were unattended and no scene was made. Juan McCain and HillBillary can attend too. If I didn't live in KS I would attend too.

anonymous | 1:01 p.m. Jan. 31, 2008

The more I learn about Obama, the more I like and respect this guy. While I'm certain that there are several Mormons who may vote for Obama, my guess is that most of the people attending the funeral would be for Mitt anyways, so it's not that he would not still draw a "big crowd." I think if he showed up at the funeral, he would draw attention away from it (as Romney is in danger of doing even though I understand why he is going), and I think his decision to not attend is the most respectful thing he could possibly do. He is a classy guy and has certainly won my vote.

OBANA | 7:28 a.m. Feb. 1, 2008

Obama you can come to the Prophet's funeral but we are voting for Mit Romney."Obama do me a favor, could you please open your front door to the Missionaries, then I will shout you". thanx Bama.

Obana | 7:27 a.m. Feb. 1, 2008

Obama words are easy, acting is hard.

Supoesi | 7:34 a.m. Feb. 1, 2008

Obama will try his best in Utah

obama's great | 9:15 a.m. Feb. 1, 2008

Did you watch the debate with Hillary? I could really vote for this guy. He's just a good guy who obviously has the concerns of Americans at heart. Sure, his immigration plan is fairly left leaning, but in the grand scheme of things neither the dems nor repubs immigration plans are that different (one says send them home, then get in line; the other says, pay a fine, learn English, pay back taxes, and get in line => I suspect the latter is more practical and actually much cheaper to implement). His healthcare plan is actually more conservative than Mitt's in MA. What does this all mean? He will work with both sides on the issues and he will do it with integrity. The former can be said of McCain but you definitely can say McCain does not have the same level of integrity by the way he has carried himself in the last debates. If Mitt isn't in the race, think seriously about Obama. He could do a lot of good for the country and the world.

LDS | 2:48 p.m. Feb. 1, 2008

I think Obama was a mormon in another life.

Yes/No | 5:00 p.m. Feb. 1, 2008

This doesn't sound like Obama wants the support of Utah. If he did he would go to the funeral and show us what he's made of. Apparently he not made of much.
I am voting for Mitt if he makes it. He is the most genuine of all the runners for the presidency.

John Lambert | 9:59 p.m. Feb. 1, 2008

The president and vice presidential canidate do not have to be from the same party. Democrat Andrew Johnson was elected Vice President as Republican Abraham Lincoln's running mate.
I think that Obama's action showed a lot of class. More than I would expect from any of the other Democrat nominees.

Anonymous | 1:12 p.m. Feb. 18, 2008

every time hear about Reagan being such a great President I cry, He was the worst President we had, He started the destruction of the unions when he fired the air controllers on strike, In 1984 to win his 2nd term. he promised not to raise taxes, which he kept but instead he took away the working mans loop hole of being able to deduct the interest they paid on credit purchases they had made,this made people pay more taxes ,He also gave amnesty to illegal hispanics. His]anics that were given amnesty then are promoting the borders should be left wide open today

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