Deseret News | Not Romney? Utah surprised

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Not Romney? Utah surprised

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Go Girl! | 7:40 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I was surprised to hear Palin named, but after I heard her speak I was confident McCain made the right choice. She will be very appealing to female voters (all those angry Hilary ladies will be intrigued), and she appears to actually let her values govern her choices. Let's hope nothing horrible comes out about her private life to sabotage her character.

All Polotics | 7:45 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I'm sick of polotics I will be glad when the elections are done with.

Whatever | 7:45 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Mitt Romeny would have done a great job I am not sure why he did not get picked, He is the one that brought the Olympics to Utah, and he did a really good job,

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Anonymous | 7:48 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I am a Utahn. I was not surprised Romney was not chosen. I hoped and prayed that the LAST thing on EARTH McCain would do was chose Romney!

Bad headline. Bad reporting. Although the LDS Church has control over the minds of about half of Utahns, the other half of us are not mindless clones who support Romney just because he wears the same kind of underwear as them.

Wake up, Mormons! The universe does not revolve around you!

Mike F. | 7:55 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I don't believe Utah will stand behind McCain. IMO he uses people only for his selfish gain. Can he lead, sure, but not the way any of us would like to be lead. Yes, he's more experience than Obama, but I guess I'm a little tired of McCain way of leading. Utah, let's put Obama in for four years and let the Demo's mess us up and then bring in a REAL Republican (who's not a maverick) who will then turn our country around.

Anonymous | 7:57 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Has anyone considered that McCain may be saving Rommney for Secretary of the Treasury or something similiar where his talents would have a better chance to make a difference. Lets face it the president and veep have less influence over the economy than they like to pretend.

DBG | 7:59 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

@Don't be fooled: What part of Obama/Biden does not coincide with LDS doctrine?

Richard Nibbler | 8:05 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I'm sure there were a number of tears shed by the LDS faithful at this announcment.
Taking a specific LDS Doctrinal approach it wasn't Mitts' "time".
It's funny, every few years something happens, FLDS, RLDS, Mark Hoffman and many others that put the Church in the national limelight and makes the entire country shake their perverbial heads.
The Mormon stigma is still and old, bearded man, sitting on a chair, surrounded by 8 wives and 23 children all dressed in dark clothing.
It's not right, but it's perception that counts and I doubt very much this will go away.
Maybe another Olympic venture could lure Mitt into some sort of job.

Mike | 8:04 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I hate to say it but "Dude" is right. Most of the world view the LDS faith as a cult. Hard to believe that focus on a clean family life is considered a cult these days, but that's the world we live in. Regarding McCain/Romney, I believe it would have been difficult for McCain to shake off the rich boy running mate image. His choice is sound as now he may collect a small percentage of the Clinton voters. I believe if the Republicans can remove themselves away from the war hungry image, they will have a great chance of securing the presidency in November. I hear a lot about reducing the fuel costs, but I see very little action here and now. The party that shows progress first in this issue may also have the voters heart.

Wake up Utah!! | 8:09 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Most of you are supporting a political party that hates Mormons. Just listen to the Republican political pundits talk, and they always bring up his Mormonism in a negative way. I personally don't care for Romney, but I'm not about to support a bigoted political party no matter what stance it takes on abortion.

Independent Voter | 8:10 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Palin is definitely an intriguing pick. She is a reformer and a maverick, she is outside Washington D.C. (Congress has a 9% approval rating; she has over 80% approval rating), she has some governmental management experience (2 years is more than Obama, McCain, or Biden). Her experience is barely trumped by Obama's life outside of Illinois. She is female and a self-described Hockey-Mom. Her State Government includes both Democrats and Independents.

She seems to energize the Republicans. She seems to Scare the Democrats (they are already running negative ads and surrogates are placing nasty remarks on websites like CNN, MSNBC, etc.).

The real question is will she appeal to Independent and Moderate voters. Since there are very few of us in Utah, it may not matter here. But, in most of the nation, we exist and will decide this Presidency.

Mike | 8:12 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

We may be ready for the first female VP or black President. Hopefully, we can overcome discrimination against Religion and Sexual Orientation. Those two still escape some people in the US.

Take the blinders off | 8:12 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Utahns in general, and Mormons in particular, are a naive bunch and that is their weakness. They have a fantasy view of the world and themselves. It is a bit of a shock when they have to face reality. Church history and church doctrine can be ignored, justified and revised, but when it comes to reality politics directed from the outside, they have no control. The rest of the country knew Romney didn't have a chance in hell, yet you all kept clinging to your belief that he would be the VP nominee.

George | 8:14 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

How can any thinking person be surprised Romney was not selected? McCain's internal polls showed being a Mormon was a significant obstacle. Bigotry is alive - especially among evangelicals.

Dave | 8:15 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I marvel that so many, or even anybody, would cast their votes "straight party." It indicates that one is not taking the time to research and study who the better candidates are. Is it seriously possible that for an entire lifetime of voting, there has never been a candidate in a party other than Republican that was better qualified, more ethical, more experienced?

A call to smarter voting: study the candidates and PICK THE BETTER ONE!!! THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOUR VOTE WILL BE REPUBLICAN EVERY TIME!

Allen | 8:22 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

If the nation could understand how serious our constitutional situation is they would realize why Mitt Romeny is our only hope and why we need a mormon to full fill the white horse prophecy.

Re: Dude | 8:26 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I agree. There is still just too much bigotry in the U.S. to put an LDS on the ticket.

good luck | 8:27 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

des news blocks my comments often... guess my opinion isn't up to their censorship!

As far as I'm concerned... I'm glad Romney isn't going to soil his name any more than it already it. These NWO (New World Order - for all you people who are to lazy to find out about it) are all going to sell out our country. Be it Obama or McCain. - We already know Clinton and Bush are part of it. You better hang on people... it's going to be a very rough ride.

Romney's future | 8:34 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I never thought that Romney would be a McCain running mate. I was hoping he wouldn't take the job, if asked. actually. I suspected that McCain would chose a woman, and I thought Romney would have too, if he had gotten the nomination.

What Romney needs to do now is sit tight and run for the Senate.

Get Mad, Utah! | 8:35 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Don't shake it off, and then do the right thing: Obama 08

McCain and the GOP never respected Romney's Mormonism.

McCain and his mother used to make fun of Mormons.

Obama praised Utah when he was here, and doesn't hold the same prejudice against Mormons that McCain and Evangelicals do.

Obama and Biden represent "true" Christian values (free agency, equality, social consciousness, charity), and McCain is about the values of the Evangelical Right (hate, the foreclosure of freedom, Money).

By breaking with McCain, Mormons can be more "Christian" than the Evangelicals.

Do the right thing, Utah!

suzyk | 8:38 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Let's not judge too soon. Give her the benefit of the doubt. The best thing about Sarah Palin is the fact she is not afraid to stand up to the "good ole boys". She is feisty, intelligent, family oriented, has a son in the U.S. Army, does have more executive experience than the other three put together. She is one that should not be taken for granted. She has energy, she didn't use a prompter and has a terrific rating as a Governor of Alaska and that doesn't come easy. I think she was the right choice. Mitt Romney even though very qualified would never be picked unfortunately because he is a Mormon. Isn't that a shame? He will get his chance in politics yet. Maybe not right now but it will happen, I believe. It is intersting how non-mormons are afraid of us. Oh, how much happier and content they would be if they would just give us more chances to show our charity and our love for God and Jesus Christ. We would only bless their lives by being their friends. Someday their opinions will change, we just have to be patient and christ-like.

Squashy Convictions | 8:40 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I have a couple of quick notes. Let's not be too quick to jump behind Romney because of his name and his faith. Some of the things he stood for in Mass. do not line up very well with Utah values; I'm thinking about the pork-laden Big Dig, health care mandates, and a willingness to look past the moral issues of marriage and abortion in order to be elected.

Second thought; just because the Republican party takes our votes for granted doesn't mean I can be talked into voting for the wrong candidate. Even though Obama is a smooth talker and has made verbal concessions to conservatives, his record has been one of income redistribution, abortion (and even infanticide in the case of "accidental" abortion survivors), radicalism, and racial grievance-mongering.

John McCain has not always stood with the party, and he has made some mistakes (campaign finance reform, amnesty), but this pick is certainly not one of them. Sarah Palin may not understand Mormonism (I don't know - she's made no statements about it) but her record on conservative issues is excellent. She will make a fine VP.

McKay Hansen | 8:39 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I'm glad that LDS people take offense for everything that doesn't go their way. Palin is a great pick who has a history of fighting against corruption in both parties. This wasn't a slant against Mormons by John McCain, just a brilliant pick that actually energized me to vote for and support him this election. Those who want Romney to be president at all costs are selfish...because they are putting the "lime-light" of their religion that Romney would bring over the needs of their nation. Oh and before you say anything about me, I'm a devout LDS and supported Romney during the primaries

james | 8:42 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Wake up Utah and smell the coffee. Our beloved Red party is embarassed by us. Mitt lost because most of the Republican base thinks we are, at best, weird. It is time to rethink the whole blind Republican obiedience. And, as a state of working people, we might just build a better life for ourselves as we shake off the party of the super rich!

Chris Laurence | 8:42 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

The sad fact is that Latter-day Saints have no natural political home. If the GOP's treatment of Romney awoke Latter-day Saints to this reality, it was all worth it. My eyes have certainly been opened.

John Franks | 8:45 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Are we really that stupid and self-obsessed to think Romney was going to be the VP? Who is surprised except anyone in la la land. Let's ssee why Romney wasn't picked: not best friends with McCain (understatement), rich, the McCain house screw up didn't help Romney, lots of bigots in the United States (including self loving liberals) that think Mormons have horns on theirs heads, etc. And regarding to "No Surprise" comment that he/she is voting "Obama 100% now," you were never voting for McCain anyway. Nice spin.

Re: Dude | 8:43 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

You got it right. Choosing Romney was a great idea only if McCain wanted to make sure he carries Utah which he already has a 100% chance of carrying, but not for any other state except maybe Mass, which he won't carry regardless. For that reason alone, Romney was always a stupid choice for McCain. This is despite the fact that Romney would have been a great choice for experience reasons.

The choice of Sarah Palin is a comical choice of political pandering. Its a sure sign of desperation from McCain. She is a former beauty queen whose political experience includes being on the city council and town mayor of her town of 8000.

With this choice of VP, McCain has totally blown his credibility. The Obama/Biden ticket is now the only choice.

Oh please!!!!!! | 8:54 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Romney is a disaster. He is like a spinning top. He has no idea what he stands for. He says anything he thinks the public wants to hear. Forget the Olympics. When are we going to stop digging the past up.
He is nice guy, however political. He is a good member of the LDS church I am sure, but as a VP or President. I don't think so.
Orin Hatch cried when Palin was chosen. Come on. That doesn't excately give me confidence in the old man. There are lots of things to cry about as far as what he has not done in the Senate, but cry over Palin, oh please.

another spin | 8:52 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Everyone is talking about how Palin may get some of the Hillary voters now. Isn't anyone concerned about the votes McCain just lost because of his bonehead pick for VP. Mayor of a town with 6000 people and Governor of Alaska amounts to about as much experience to run the most powerful nation on earth as being the Head of a community bake sale in Salt Lake City. Now there is NO decent ticket to vote for which will amount to many people staying home and not voting because they don't want anyone in either ticket. I'm one of them. I was leaning McCain, even though I can't stand him but he just killed this vote.

John | 8:58 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

The GOP never takes Utah seriously because it is always a given that we will be red. The only way they will pay attention to us is if we at least make the election interesting by making it close between McCain and Obama. We know that it will be McCain in Utah, but the more people that vote Obama the more attention we will get the next election year.

re: No surprise | 9:00 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Are you kidding? You're going to vote for Obama, the man who wants to lower taxes and spend 1.9 billion dollars (an oxymoron)? the man who has no real experience? The man who SUPPORTS ABORTION? The man wants to take guns away from people so that only the criminals have guns? the man who say "in ten years" we can stop our oil dependency of other countries (yet that can all be cured in less than a year). This is the same man that even Hillary Clinton said has NO experience (when she was running against him) but claims that "He's the man" today. You want to vote for Obama simply over religion? Grow-up. If your religion is against abortion then you will commit a sin if you vote for Obama simply because a vote FOR Obama is a vote FOR abortion, gay rights, etc.

Not so fast Mitt supporters... | 9:04 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

All you hypocrites criticizing McCain and/or the GOP for not picking Romney just because he's LDS need to look at why YOU WERE backing him. It's because he's LDS. It's not because he's morally upright, or an economic guru. He was a corporate raider that built his empire on the backs of those whose lives and businesses he destroyed.

You are all just as guilty of religious bias (and intolerance, but that's another issue) as the people you accuse.

Disillusioned Republican | 9:07 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Good enough to vote for the Republican party but not good enough to participate as a Presidential candidate... The Republicans count on Latter-Day Saints to be a one issue people, anti abortion. It's time to give the party a wake up call and vote for Obama, lets see what 5.5 million votes for the Democrats will do let the Evangelicals and Republican Leadership know our voice & votes counts too. Comments made on television,radio and print have been outrageous during this election. If any one made hatred statements like that regarding any other faith there would be an outcry everywhere. I was amazed that so many commentators, newspaper reporters and people in general felt this was okay because the statements were against Mormons. This conservative is voting Obama!

Jim in Ga | 9:05 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

It's too bad we can never have a discussion about Romney and politics without bringing religion into it but I don't see that changing in the near future when 'believers' are taught from the pulpit disparaging information about us.
The Evangelicals here in the Southeast are still at it. I have sometimes listened to a certain protestant minister on the radio as I drive to church. He mostly preaches the gospel and is very easy to listen to. Imagine my surprise when he made the following statement over the air last Sunday, "some religions encourage sacrifice to cover greater excesses. The Mormons, for instance, tell you not to use coffee or tea to excuse greater excesses."(paraphrased) He didn't say what 'greater excesses' he was referring to.
It gets tiresome and is very offensive.

coastguy | 9:05 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

One national commentator called Pallin "Dan Quayle in skirts." I couldn't agree more. Women have called me to say they were insulted that McCain would pick her as the next president (which she would be at the next skipped hearbeat of 72 year old plus McCain) with her main experience being the mayor of a 6,000 populated town and 20 months as Governor of Alaska and NO federal experience.She has a degree in journalism from the great national univerity of IDAHO(?). That alone qualifies her for president. This just shows how McCain disprespects the well being of the people by playing jokes like this on us. What other "jokes can we expect from this geezer? Mitt can resume residence in Deer Valley and run for US Senator.

Disgusted with the Bigotry | 9:06 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Of course the Huckabee camp who determined to kill Romney at all costs - even if he was the best choice for president or V.P. - got what they wanted. Never mind that Romney may have been the most qualified to tackle financial and healthcare crises. It's more important that we keep out a Mormon than that we solve the country's problems. I'm convinced Huckabee would have supported Obama over Romney.

Didn't surprise me either | 9:10 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Choosing Sarah Palin was a surprise, but selecting Mitt would have been an even bigger one. While not the way I would have gone, I personally believe Palin was a far better selection than Mitt.

Anonymous | 9:08 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

JTM, I'm a little confused where you said that if Romney had been VP, he wouldn't be able to run for President until 2016. If I stand correctly, and please mention something if I'm wrong here. Al Gore ran for President back in 2000. Wasn't Gore VP through Clinton for the 8 years?

Back on the subject, I think it was a smart choice with McCain. Some people would stay away from the Republican party like the plague if McCain chose Romney as his running mate. We'll see in November if his strategy works.

McCain has my vote | 9:08 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

although reluctantly. I will continue to vote Republican, but would have been forced to seriously re-consider had McCain chosen the slimey Mike Huckabee.

Sarah Palin is a brilliant choice targeted at women voters. Pawlenti or even Romney would have been far safer, but Palin should not harm the ticket.

She will surprise us pleasantly and hold her own against the often bumbling Joe Biden.

Weather Undergrond | 9:09 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

In 1970 when I returned from Vietnam to be honorably discharged from Travis AFB CA,WE were told to ware civilain clothes to the airport because the weather underground has been throwing blodd on the troops.
We were lucky they had run out of blood that day,so they just spat at us. Bill Aires was their leader along with his wife,Bernadyne. Both friends of Obama.
Welcome Home

Clark | 9:10 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I'm LDS, I'm from Utah, and I'm a registered Republican. And I DON'T plan on losing ANY sleep over Romney not being picked as McCain's running mate.

I'm still not convinced McCain can win, no matter what, and if anything, this could help Romney if he decides to run for high office in the future.

As for Sarah Palin, she has some good points and bad points. Her pick will no doubt help McCain with Evangelicals, as well as a few (not a lot, but a few) women voters who still aren't sure who to vote for yet. She may also help with conservatives who opposed the war in Iraq, since Palin's own son is headed to Iraq.

Palin's small political resume is a big question mark, but I would caution the Obama/Biden camp to
not underestimate her. If Biden goes into the VP debate, assuming he'll be able to just mop Palin across the floor, it could have seriously negative effects.

In the 1976 VP debate, Bob Dole put his foot in his mouth several few times and Walter Mondale took advantage. Mondale and Jimmy Carter would win in a close election.

Surpirsed??? | 9:11 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I think only DesNews and that people that believe everything they read there were surprised. More of us were surprised that anyone really thought Romney had a chance.

Mark | 9:13 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

If there is EVER an LDS U.S. President, SHE will be a Democrat!!!

to don't be fooled | 9:17 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I think that it is hypocritical that you say that Obama isn't in harmony with LDS standards when McCain has been pro choice on abortion. I don't think that you and I attend the same church because I think Obama's ideals of helping the middle class and the poor instead of the rich resonates to the principles that my LDS church teaches just fine.I think you need to look at your own soul before judging others for their political beliefs. I think the general authorities and Jesus would not appreciate you using the church as a way to push your own political agenda. They actually have the bishop announce a statement every year over the pulpit during election year, but you already know that because you are a faithful LDS member.

Holland is right | 9:18 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I'm a Republican who have voted for the party's nominee in every election for 28 years. But I won't be voting for McCain, and I can't stomach Obama (who will certainly be more liberal than Bill Clinton). America needs another party so we can get some real choices. Bob Barr offers a different approach. Since my vote won't determine the outcome anyway, I'm voting for a new approach to American politics. Barr is my man. I'll come back to the Republicans if the religious right can learn to tolerate Mitt Romney, and others who are not "christian."

james | 9:17 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Too bad. McCain will miss Romney.

ST. GEORGE | 9:20 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Think about this?

DID BUSH, GOP AND BIG OIL pressure McCain to select Palin to get her out of the way in Alaska?

Jordon | 9:22 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

I will not vote for a party that will not accept my LDS religion as being true Christian.

The problems I have with the Democrates are not much compared to the problems I have seen over the last eight years.

Again, I want change, and a party that will not mock my religion behind my back after I vote for them. NO WAY.

Anonymous | 9:29 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

Sadly,... I see obama as a win, people are memorized with the idea of a party change, and if its proven to not be a good change it really wont matter, Many need to take that chance on the change. The democrats will run the country into the ground, and for many lazy Americans it wont matter so long as there's ipods, cell phones, fast foods, and free healthcare.

Roger | 9:34 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008

To Anonymous 7:48 - Guess what? LDS people ARE awake. It's the Mormon haters who find delight in any negative press about the LDS Church that need to WAKE UP! The fact is, there are many Americans, outside the LDS Church, who like Mitt Romney. There are also many people, outside the LDS Church who like Orrin Hatch, Harry Reid and Jon Huntsman Jr.

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Not Romney? Utah surprised