Deseret News | Mormon Media Observer: Mitt's curtain call

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Mormon Media Observer: Mitt's curtain call

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Spike H. | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

a second order effect has been the opening of many more doors to missionaries; reports from the field here in MT say that most contacts result from curiosity as to what the fuss about Mormons is all about. Regardless of the campaign outcome, it's elevated the discussion of the LDS and folks out there wanna know.

California Reader | 9:01 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It is obvious that for many evangelicals "Ignorance is bliss". These otherwise good and decent people choose to surround themselves in ignorance or misconceptions about the Church even when the truth is staring them squarely in the face. To be fair, many of our evangelical brothers and sisters supported Mitt Romney and actively campaigned for him even with Mike Huckabee as alternative. Go to www.evangelicalsformitt.com. Hopefully, many more of our evangelical countrymen will put aside their bigotry in the future.

MK in Arizona | 9:03 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I have read in many comments and blogs that it was Romney's fault for hiding from the religious questions and not being upfront on his beliefs and practices. I am sorry but he had to give a "Faith in America" speech (which everyone should read) just to calm everyones fears. I didn't see any other candidate have to defend their religion. I don't see where detailing religious beliefs has anything to do with picking a President. Why was he the only one that was supposed to give a sermon to satisfy the voters. He stuck to the issues that a President needs to deal with and should be judged by those only. We have missed out on having possibly the best President ever only because of religious bigotry. What has our country come to.

Comments continue below

KJ in Washington | 9:03 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Many liberal voters who usually vote democrat voted for McCain. This hurt Romney in the early primaries.

Dan | 9:08 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

This campaign has helped to raise awareness that there is still deep rooted prejudice in America and perhaps over time will be reduced. I liked what the author said quoting President Gordon B Hinckley:

"I subscribe to what President Gordon B. Hinckley once said about negative media coverage: this will be a ï¿½blip.ï¿½ But it has opened a door of opportunity. Latter-day Saints do have our work cut out for us. We can no longer circle the wagons in grand pioneer tradition and hope the media goes away. Latter-day Saints need to reach out in our communities, on the Web and in the nationï¿½s media and be part of the discussion and dialog."

Chuck | 9:10 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Perhaps it was what Mitt Romney said during the campaign and not the theology. When he said there should be two Guantanamoes and that he gets his foreign policy advice from Cofer Black (member of the Board of Blackwater Worldwide and Vice chairman, Blackwater USA) I was surprised.

Blackwater is a private mercenary firm with: contracts in Iraq; a contract to patrol the streets in New Orleans after Katrina; and a contract to provide troops if marshall law is declared in California.

It was not Mitt's theology that concerns me. On November 16, 2006, Clear Channel announced plans to go private, being bought out by two private-equity firms, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Mitt Romney's Bain Capital Partners for $18.7 billion. The Clear Channel worldwide empire includes radio and TV broadcasting, outdoor advertising and live events. Over 1000 radio stations are owned by the corporation. Many of these stations carry mainly conservative and some progressive radio and this might explain why some radio personalities heard on these stations endorsed Mitt.

I am concerned that Mitt will be tempted to be all controlling like Silvio Burlesconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy who owned most of the Broadcast and print media.

nevadamormon | 9:11 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Problem #1; No one ever called Mr. Reagan Ron or Ronnie, unless they were his oldest friends. It was Mr. Reagan.
#2 Every supporter of Romney seemed to think he was their best friend. "Mitt" he was called. He didn't have the courage to take the big stick to Tedd Kennedy when he ran against him for the Senate and failed to find that same stick in his presidential run. Ugly isn't it. Harry Reid, our illustrious and disgusting Senator from Nevada, has no qualms with using his big stick. [He doesn't know it yet but his "Mormon" base is finally awakened to his reality] We "Mormons" are no different than the so called evangelicals. We too are looking for a political Messiah. Once again we look beyond the mark. For one I am grateful that the unending stream of "Mitt" emails forwarded from every Mormon on the planet is over. {IF someone had been really smart he would have cataloged those email addresses and sold it}
#3 We have lost the battle in the media trying to have ourselves accepted as Christians, because the same people who deride our Christianity control the defining process. Not for long though...

metamoracoug | 9:12 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Used to Be: You bring out the one point that most ruffles my feathers: the suggestion that believers in the Mormon faith are all ignorant rubes.

Friend, this article quotes Richard Bushman, an intelligent and award winning professor of history at Columbia University, who knows more about Mormon history and Joseph Smith than anyone presently living on earth -- and yet he believes.

I earned two degrees in history from an accredited and respected university. I'm a bright guy. Having read it all -- pro and con, I'm confident that my historical understanding of the LDS church is at least as sound as your's is. Still I believe.

You are welcome to question the foundation of the Mormon church based on your knowledge. But do not advocate that I'm unenlightened, uninformed, and ignorant because I choose to believe.

Mohan | 9:14 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I think Mitt will spend the next four years rebuilding his image so he can come out strong in 2012. Those of us who share his religious beliefs would do well to spend the next four years, and the rest of our lives really, building bridges of understanding to cross the expansive voids that exist between us and members of other faiths. We have a great deal of ground to bridge so it behooves us to begin working on thee bridges immediately. Most of the people who shutter to have a Mormon in the White House do not understand who we are. They would be more responsive to us if they knew us better. So we need to get out more.

jam23 | 9:17 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I have read a thousand versions of Bill's comment above in the past few weeks. The Democrats have plenty of litmus test for their candidates, which incidently are inconsistent with the teachings of the Church. To throw in with the Democrats, who object to anything except watered-down religion, does not seem to be a step in the right direction. If we have convictions, we should be strong enough not to run for cover because we are not embraced. The thing that most disillusions me is to see how people who have access to more revealed truth than any other group are so easily distracted from the real fundamental issues.

matthew r | 9:25 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Romney was the most qualified of any candidate by far. he was a victum of the media who in every article painted him a flip flopper. he was no more a flip flopper then Ronald Reagan. It is a mircale that W won twice. The baptists will cut off there nose despite there face. I have always felt the country gets the president they deserve. since a no vote is a vote for the democrats i'll vote for McCain. both dems are scarry. we need this election to keep our country safe. it is a very serious issue. it is interesting to note that romney has no enemies, not one person in the world that dislikes him besides mccain and huckabee. the media would have us believe him a terrible human being and many people I'm afraid believed it. but not everyone was fooled. the media also patrayed a man who could never do what was right. and he was the most impressive candidate running! like i said we get who we deserve.

generalities | 9:24 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I'm not prepared to characterize Southern Baptists or evangelicals as religiously bigoted. However, on an individual basis, some of the behavior demonstrated by adherents to those faiths in regards to my LDS faith can certainly be described as hateful, intolerant and bigoted. It is troubling. And while LDS Sunday school classes can go amiss with criticisms of other religions and the culture can be intolerant of other views and ideas, I have never seen signs on LDS chapels that advertise next weeks "evangelicals exposed" discussion group ect..
And in response to "Used to be." It is true that not ever member of the LDS church has a solid grasp of modern church history. But your argument discounts the idea of faith in religion. Modern LDS church history is fascinating and at times almost bizarre. But it involves real people learning through trial and error. I'm grateful this history is so relatively contemporary in terms of timeline. It creates layers of food for thought, challenges the spirit and provides an opportunity for unlimited, personal, spiritual growth.

Idahoan | 9:20 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I live in the south am aware of the diatribe preached at several local evangelical churches.

I got the Huckabee inspired push polls on LDS beliefs.

I will not tolerate Huckabee's shadow campaign organization and its mis-information.

If you like the way the Huckabee campaign is run you'll love a Huckabee Presidency.

Carol P. Warnick | 9:21 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

There is a saying, "By their fruits you will know them." Time will show what Mormons are and what they believe if people will only open their hearts and ears. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons as some call us) we believe in a God that loves each of us (everyone) as his children. Labeling us as not being Christians has happened because people haven't tried to find out what our beliefs are. We follow Jesus Christ and try to pattern our lives after him. I don't know how more Christian than that you can be. You can call us Mormons if you like but don't ever call us UN-CHRISTIAN.

Brendy | 9:27 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Huck-a-Buck was THE one who was most responsible for the downfall of Romney. It was extremely obvious he was jealous of Romney - good looks, nice build, polite demeanor, INTELLIGENT, EXPERIENCED, SUCCESSFUL AND RICH! The Huckster is a phony, a hyprocrite...why does a man leave the church to become a crooked politician? Nobody seems to ask him why he left 'the calling'. I think it's because Huck-a-Buck lusts after fame, power and riches. Beware of wolves in sheeps' clothing....

I'm a Baptist, but after researching his record in Arkansas - I was disgusted! If a person is a 'preacher', I think that person should be held to much higher standards but his record shows him just as a crooked, truth evading, arrogant, two-faced, sneaky politician. And even more so when he kept insulting downgrading Romney!

Re: Ready for the Net? | 9:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Thanks for the warning, but any member who has been on a mission knows how to handle such inquiries. I'm glad you are so well prepared and the rest of Mormondom are a bunch of ignorant lackies. For those who never have had experience countering anti-mormon material, there is no time like the present to learn. I disagree that most of it is true. Most of it is half truths taken out of context presented with the intent to deceive or shock. Some is out-right fabrication. A lot of it is "So what?"

There is nothing to be feared from the truth and the truth is readily available.

Lorz B. | 9:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I live in Pennsylvania and I really don't think Mitt's loss had anything to do with his faith. There are some, who are filled with hate towards the LDS Church--so what else is new? But I don't believe that's why he lost. I think he lost because of the difficulty he put himself in by talking like he was pro-choice and pro-gay marriage as governor of Mass. He behaved conservatively but the double-edged sword of politics is the sound bite. I believe his principles are conservative, but he left too many people unconvinced of that. Now that we're left with McVain and Huckleberry as the only options--true conservatives are in agony over what we're left with. People saw Romney for what he truly is, but they saw it too late. He will win the nomination next time around.

R.L. | 9:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

What occurred to me was that, perhaps with Pres. Hinckley's death, Mitt Romney had a period of spiritual reflection on what's most important? To be involved in the mud-slinging, name-calling, divisive process the campaign was becoming, or stepping aside, hoping for unity and to not be in defensive position any longer? Just a thought. Perhaps he chose the later?

Califoromney | 9:53 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It truly is a sad time in our country. For the lack of respect of one of our most treasured freedoms. And that is "Freedom of Religion". Now to me that means the right to your own belief. Why is it we can not get past judging those that we don't agree with. Learn to live with one thing here. We all look to God or some form of higher intelligence. It is a way of giving us hope, goals in life, and our own free agency. Why can't we all just get over this ! Agree that it's ok to disagree...... yet, respect each other and learn to live together and love our neighbors. We really have more in common than anyone is admitting. We live in a wonderful country. We have flourished on our freedoms, and rights as individuals.
Religion is a very personal thing, why must some feel they need to fight over this. We are all trying to be good people, raising families, working hard to support them, want our children to have more than we did if not the best, and hope that our families will be close and be strong in times of trails.

Jared | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

re: SLC

"Romeny [sic] was a poor choice from the start and he finished as a poor loser."

Did you even read his "farewell" speech? A poor loser? He ended his campaign in the classiest way possible. he was the most gracious and selfless "loser." What he did showed real character - he did what he thought was best for the country and for the Republican Party, even though he did not want to bow out. Mitt Romney bolstered my hope about American politics. Obama does the same (even though I greatly disagree with many of his policies).

Mitt Romney's campaign did nothing but good for the overall "work of Mormonism." The honest in heart saw all the Anti-Mormon tactics for what they were. Earlier in his campaign I used to think that anti-Mormon sentiments would not make a large difference. They did though; it's undeniable. Few will come outright and say that they did not vote for Romney because he is Mormon - they make other excuses. It's unfortunate that such prejudice is there but we will never escape it (nor should we).

Robert from NC | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

The saddest part of Mitt stopping the race is that he is the best qualified man for the job and so many people are voting their prejudices. My brothers and sisters are Baptists. They have told me that they would support anyone besides Romney because of his religion. One of my brothers who was initally against Mitt has changed his mind because he really looked at the candidates and recognized the superiority of Mitt. He is a successful businessman, governor, and fixed the Olympics.

The other siblings would vote for McCain or Huckabee because they use only one part of their decision making equipment. Every decision in life should be compatible with one's feelings (the heart) and one's intellect (the brain). Mitt was the candidate of those intelligent people who used both the heart and brain to decide who was best candidate.

All of the other candidates are strongly unqualified to lead this country. The three top picks have no experience running anything (A naval squadron does not count because it is a virtual dictatorship). Obama and Clinton have NEVER run anything and unless we are totally insane they won't get the chance to ruin our government!

Wally | 10:08 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

BOM Article 8 We beleive the "Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated...All modern Christian seminaries teach their Preist and Pastors enough Greek to know the Bible is translated correctly,or does that mean something else than it states? Kinda of a flip flop.

Paperboy | 10:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I agree with many here who have observed Romney's failure to connect with voters. His seeming lack of authenticity, whether due to his changing positions, his smooth delivery or his slick packaging and style simply turned off many voters who felt they were not able to glimpse into the heart and soul of the candidate. It's interesting that despite a few shots taken at Romney's Mormonism, many voters were more than willing to accept his religious affiliation. Prejudice towards the Mormon Church simply cannot be blamed as a reason for Romney's loss.

Best Option? | 10:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Unfortunately, our society in general relies on the research of sound bites and the latest catch-phrases of opinion as truth and finality. The media butterflies flit from one issue to the next, unable to glean any real substance, moving on to the next person or topic before disseminating any real information. The fodder is gleefully consumed in a vicious "24 hour news" cycle. This cycle leaves us with the current choices of 3 for president.

Mitt Romney was the best option, by far. Best in generations. There are a lot of folks, of all religions and political persuasions, afraid of someone who actually sticks to what he believes and lives those beliefs. If you take the time to listen to his thoughts on abortion and homosexuality, you will hear a reasoned and honest discussion. He has not flipped nor flopped but grown more conservative after lengthy processes. Flip-flopping means changing on every whim of a politically expedient poll.

Bob Mullins Logan Utah | 10:19 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

With all Thy getting, get understanding.

First of all, the main Book of Mormon theme comes to mind along with the quotes from Isaiah.. within the Book of Mormon.

The Gentile's are guaranteed to reject the gospel. This is not a hard thing to see, if one will read the book. We as a people, have relinquished our agency to preach to this people, therefore we are bound by covenant.

However, they will in the end, reject the gospel as a whole. When that occurs... ... the book clearly defines the fate of that people and those nation(s)

The book clearly defines that which is coming to the forefront from our southern hemisphere neighbors. It clearly defines the power they will have against the gentile nations that reject this gospel. It clearly defines the destruction that will ... inevitably come upon the gentiles and their nations that reject the gospel as a whole.

Look at who is in your new First Presidency. This is not by accident, it is calulated and predetermined by the Lord.

Dutchman | 10:21 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

"Actually, discipleship may keep the honors of the world from us. As Balak told Balaam, "I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour" (Num. 24:11-12).

Let us adopt the attitude recommended by President Brigham Young: "Say to the fields, . . . flocks, . . . herds, . . . gold, . . . silver, . . . goods, . . . chattels, . . . tenements, . . . possessions, and to all the world, stand aside; get away from my thoughts, for I am going up to worship the Lord" (Deseret News, 5 Jan. 1854, 2). There are so many ways to say to the world, "stand aside." Quoted from Elder Neal A. Maxwell, General Conference, October 2000.

Marilyn | 10:22 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

The nation lost an excellent candidate when Mitt withdrew; he gave all he was allowed to give.

One view from California | 10:22 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Personally, I am glad for the Romney candidacy. It has helped to get into the blog action and to think more.

I found that most of the coverage of the LDS Church was quite shallow. The stories quoted statistics and showcased contrarian viewpoints. They never seemed to explore why the church is growing so quickly, why members take the church so seriously, or why the religion is so vibrant.

Have any of the reporters even been inside a meetinghouse? Have they attended a Sunday service? Do they know that Sunday meetings are open to the public? (They certainly know that the temples are not.) Do they know that everybody in the congregation has an opportunity to speak from the pulpit and to teach a class?

Why did they not look at what make Mormons tick? What attracts them and what keeps them in the church? Why do Mormons dedicate so much of their time and resources to church-promoted activities and goals?

What does the average Mormon think of God, Christ, the Bible, salvation?

This is the real story of Mormonism and the story that makes the best read.

Truth-Sayer | 10:45 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

So Mitt Romney got 90 percent of the primary vote in Utah and Huckabee, pretty much, got nothing. Yet I see that among the LDS it's bigoted evangelicals who caused Romney's demise.

Who's the bigoted ones here? Huckabee's bunch never complained of "Mormon bigotry" when he lost the primaries in Utah. Evangelicals are no more bigots for voting for their choices than Mormons are for voting for their choices---but the hypocricy among some LDS people is readily apparent!

Let's get off the persecution complex here and face the truth: Most "anti-mormons" do not buy the LDS religion or doctrines as being "Christian." That's not bigotry, that's freedom of choice. Mormons believe their own version of things, that's their free choice.

Romney lost nationally because more people who voted chose someone else other than Romney. That's freedom!

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!"

Reality | 10:42 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To folks like Rick who find it so difficult that some both in and out of our faith encounter a great deal of difficulty with certain aspects of history and doctrine - we need more perspective and empathy. Many of us may have a rock solid testimony and are able to either ignore or explain away certain issues. But some truly struggle with those issues and I'm afraid that many within the Church are unable to deal with that with a true Christlike understanding. Too often genuine concerns are met with a general dismissal that they are all incorrect or anti, or that the individual with the concern must have some personal deficiency or why would they struggle with these questions. The reality is that many either leave the Church or do not join often due to a lack of real answers short of the normal apologetic responses. I guess my simple request to members is to understand that not everyone who disagrees with our faith does so in ignorance or through bigotry. There are real concerns relating to history and doctrine and some day I hope we can respond in a way that effectively addresses widespread concerns.

Claiming to be a Christian? | 10:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To Sharron: "The only group who consider Mormons, Christian are Mormons,do a web search of mainline Christian and Catholic articlesof faith."

You are so incorrect. Before you make a statement you should cheeck your facts. I will give you just one example of a "Christian" site to go look at. Beliefnet lists the Mormon faith under Christian religions. Give it up Mormon haters. God will judge you just like he will judge me. It's the condition of our hearts and our actions that determine our Christianity, not some Mormon hating minister that decides who is and who isn't, and tells you to do the same. I hardly doubt that when Christ comes he will ask for our input as to who is and who isnt Christian. He knows his sheep.

Show your cards | 10:45 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Mitt's campaign did one important thing...everyone had to stop bluffing and show their cards. It is now very plain to see where many people sit on their acceptance of mormonism as a religion including specific people.

byk-ohio | 10:46 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

As a resgistered Democrat, LDS woman and a 2002 Olympic Volunteer who spent six years in Utah and returned to Ohio, I believe that the suspension of Mitt Romney's campaign is a sad commentary on the impact of religion in the 21st century. But I also think it is a WAKE-UP CALL for us to evaluate how we reach out and socialize with people who are not of our faith...(observed from my Utah experience)to the extent that some of our folks don't let their children play with those not of our faith. I think we need to look at our own behavior towards others before we place blame. When we are in the majority geographically we tend to be EXCLUSIVE. However, I think we do a much better job of INCLUSION when we are in the minority.
If we would be better friends, neighbors and involved members of the comunity, the mystique of our religion could be dispelled because we would be more approachable.
A valuable lesson from this sad turn of events should trigger a change in OUR behavior.

Don Crawford | 10:51 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

"Members Ready for the Net?"-

Just because I don't waste time reading what the latest tin foil hat wairing nutjob has to say on the web, doesn't mean I don't know my own religion. Because "people" in the church are foulable, let's just condemn an entire faith.

It takes work and deadication to be a Mormon. There are standards to adhere to. Everyone in the faith is asked to volunteer time, effort, and means to make the church function. While the LDS People believe in individual freedom, the gospel doesn't bend to suit individual desires.

It isn't popular with the "immediate gratification" life styles of today. There are lot's of dis-affected members that feel so guilty about their inability to measure up, that they rationalize thier failings with an attempt to make the rest of us as miserable as they are. Well, good luck with that. 200+ years of murder, persecution, bigotry, and hate haven't amounted to a pile of squat!

Many of our christian "friends" have forgotten about the Golden Rule. We will see how they like Socialism, and the ACLU-run secular State that awaits us next January. Thanks to Mr. huckabee and others like him.

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 11:00 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Huckabee's assertion that Romney somehow controlled Bain Capital which controlled Clear Channel which controlled Rush Limbaugh and other conservative radio talk show hosts is a total lie. Huckabee demonstrates that he has mastered Hitler's "the bigger the better" lying technique, because juicy lies are ones people who are bigoted WANT to believe. None of it is true.

Note that Ann Coulter, who does NOT have a show on radio or TV, also supports Romney. In her speech at the CPAC venue, following Romney's withdrawal, she said the only way she would vote for McCain is if Romney is his Vice Presidential pick. She stated that, surveying the field of Republicans across the US, the only one that has the qualities and stature to be president is Romney. She argued that McCain's policies as president would not be much different from Hillary Clinton's, and that it is better to let the Democrats take the blame for those policies.

McCain's lead is to a great extent a result of the random fact that the states where he had a 5% lead over Romney, were "winner take all". The primary system is just broken.

Mike | 11:06 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To Sharron: You said "The only group who consider Mormons, Christian are Mormons,do a web search of mainline Christian and Catholic articlesof faith." You are right, it is very much like what the mainline majority thought of Christ when he was on the earth.

Tia | 11:08 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

CNN I believe it was did a poll about why people thought Romney lost. They had a few options to pick, like "flopper," "people didn't warm up to him," and "other," probably meaning religion. The showed the results by state. Almost EVERY SINGLE STATE said "flopper" or "people didn't warm up to him." The ONLY 2 states that said other was Utah and Idaho. These states feel persecuted.

But I'm sorry, a poll of the country must be wrong, right?

NotToBeTrusted | 11:11 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I am conservative but not republican. The republicans lied us into this disastrous, bloody, expensive war. It will take me a long time to ever trust the republicans again. I hope Obama wins.
However, I thought Mr Romneys speech on religion was excellent.

Kyle from AZ | 11:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It never ceases to amaze me how people are so ignorant of the truth and try and say Mitt Romney had a hard time in the election because of his positions. While that may be true in some instances, with the evangelical religious right it was one thing, religious bigotry plain and simple. What is interesting is that as a mormon I always saw them as being on our side...pro-life, family values, belief in God ect. But this wave of mormon hatred and bigotry has really opened my eyes. One thing I will say is that the era of mormons turning a blind eye to bigoted religious attacks is over. I for one will not return bigotry for bigotry but will work for understanding and religious tolerance that should be allowed to all religious creeds regardless of the system. In this great nation, this melting pot of ethnicities and ideas, there is no longer room for hate.

To - Re: Ready for the Net? | 11:23 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It is exactly your attitude that scares me as the Church calls on members to engage in the internet conversation. I appreciate that you have decided that the concerning doctrinal and historical issues are "half truths taken out of context presented with the intent to deceive or shock", "out right fabrication" , or a lot of "so what". I respect that is the result of your personal journey but that attitude is phenominally unhelpful to those struggling with these issues both inside and outside of the Church. The fact that you have served a mission certainly does not make you prepared to engage in a positive conversation. Your mission provided you with a set of rote apologetic responses designed to convey exactly the attitude you stated. But it really only demeans others and is not at all an attempt to truly understand or empathize with the individual who has genuine concerns when you are not prepared to truly hear their perspective.

The LDS Bloc Vote | 11:39 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It is funny to read some of the "I am Mormon but did not vote for Romney" comments. Utah voted for Romney with an overwhelming 90% vote. I don't think any other candidate received close to that kind of support in any other state.

Sequel | 11:35 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Why is everyone so ready to draw the curtain on Romney's bid for the presidency?

I, for one, feel very encouraged with his present position:

1. He has not ended his bid for the office of president, just SUSPENDED it.

This means he can keep his delegate votes and re-enter the race any time he wishes. Also, his votes could be used as leverage for the vice presidency position, if desired, and circumstances permit. This could catapault him into the US presidency position.

2. Neither McCain nor Huckabee may get enough votes in the primaries to secure the nomination, delaying the selection until the convention in August.

3. By August, McCain and Huckabee may have said or done something to disqualify them in the public mind; or the economy may take such a downturn by then, that the populace will be screaming for an economy-minded, business savvy deliverer -- forcing the Super Delegates to nominate Romney.

4. Claims by McCain's fellow prisoners of his being brainwashed (do a web search) and reprogrammed by communists in Vietnam (like the Manchurian Candidate), may surface in the media, and cause the public to require proof that he's okay, or reject his presidential bid.

i'll be watching for you | 11:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

first, all this nittering about romney and how he was robbed needs to stop ... he miscalculated and then he quit ... since he was it mainly for the health of his ego, where is the loss? ...

also, i'm glad that angel (6:06 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008) has it all figured out ... he/she will tear fellow human beings to shreds just because they are less worthy? ... wow, what a humble seeker of truth! ... many have expended much effort to cross a river only to find out they are on the wrong riverbank..

tothechase | 11:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

IME the GOP should just cede the election since all we have to offer is McCain. The latter has prided himself in getting the independents, moderate Republicans and now is having everyone in the world tout him as a 'true conservative.' GWB the great fiscal borrower/spender calls McCain a 'true conservative' and we're supposed to flock to his side?? This life-long Republican doesn't buy it.

Moreover, McCain's base is actually a ripe field for Obama and/or Clinton and McCain is going have to expend huge effort to try to win 'true conservatives' at the same time. Talking about a flip-flop!

Congratulations to the GOP and those Republican primary voters who were duped. The GOP does not deserve to win let alone have a real chance short of an Obama/Clinton implosion. Any of 3 remaining viable candidates are Big-Government believers, clueless to economic underpinings/woes and totally ill-suited to the challenges and realities we are currently facing.

McCain if you have any savvy you will beg Mitt Romney to run as your VP otherwise a number of traditionally strong states for the Republicans will be greatly in doubt and your appeal will be limited.

Kyle from AZ | 11:47 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

By the way, all you fellow mormons who try and draw parallels in the book of mormon and in the scriptures with Mitt Romney's run for president and his losing make mormons look even more on the fringe. Do us all a favor and have a rational dialogue thats not rooted in quoting dead prophets and scriptures from Isaiah to make your point. Just so you know the rest of the world sees this as very strange. I myself find it weird also.

Mitt not equal Mormon | 11:49 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

When Harry Reid became the Senate Majority Leader, I don't recall a lot of LDS proclaiming that religious bigotry was a thing of the past, that a Mormon could reach such a high place in our government.

Of course, he was "just" a Democrat, and considered unworthy by his fellow church members. And yet, if I said that I judged my fellow mormons by their politics, and proclaimed that everyone who voted for Romney can't be a good member of the church, I'd be hauled into my Bishop's office right quick.

When people in church claim, openly, that Democrats can't be good church members, they don't get hauled into their Bishop's office.

Let me tell my fellow mormons: when you lose the intolerance, hatred, and overwhelming desire to feel offended by the world, you'll get a lot further in winning hearts and minds.

Relocated Southerner | 11:54 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

For all the whining and complaining about people NOT voting for Mitt because he is Mormon, what kind of message do you think it sent the rest of the country when he got nearly 90% of the Republican vote here in Utah? That most people here voted for him because he IS Mormon. This is no different than the majority of blacks voting for Obama because of the color of his skin or Hillary's getting the majority of the women's vote. There are more important criteria to meet than sharing someone's religion, skin color or gender. If you're LDS and Mitt was your man because he espoused your views, then you should have certainly supported him; if you were only supporting him based upon a shared religion, you should rethink your priorities. I personally have not been thrilled with any of the major candidates this year, and I didn't like the fact that he supported what I consider to be important moral issues earlier in his career, some of which are in direct opposition to LDS teachings (abortion, gay marriage, etc.) And, by the way, I am LDS and a long-time Republican, too.

Kyle from AZ | 12:04 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

One of the things i love is how people constantly accuse mormons of not knowing their "real" doctrine or their "real" history. Look I know all about polygamy, Fanny Alger, polyandry, Adam/ God theory, mountain meadows, Brigham Young's racism, blacks and the priesthood, changes in the temple endowment, changes in the Book of Mormon, Porter Rockwell, supposed B of M witnesses denying their testimony, DNA and the Book of Mormon, different versions of the first vision, and the list goes on and on and on. I think people out there who think ordinary mormons haven't read this stuff or been exposed to it are wrong to assume so. Yes most do not because they spend their time in faith rather than controversy. But just to assume that all mormons are ignorant of the controversies is a blind and ignorant statement in and of itself.

LDS Dad | 11:58 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If mainstream ï¿½Christianityï¿½ were correct the Restoration wouldnï¿½t have been needed. We are different, not better weï¿½ve just given additional resources and by no means are we a closed club all are welcome.

Take Heart | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

May I suggest, being LDS, that members of the LDS Church are as much at fault for misconceptions as those who spread falsehoods. For businesses, if they don't effectively pitch their brand to consumers, that void will be filled somehow and chances are that it won't necessarily be what the company intended. Leadership of the LDS Church has made great strides, recently, in opening conversations with the world. However, I doubt that Mormons will ever be "mainstream". As the "center" tends to move away from eternal principles and values, the Church and its members will become more "peculiar" to the world. Let's just make sure such an attitude by the world is at least based on facts and not fiction. No doubt, this is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

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