Convincing Conservatives that he is a real conservative has been Mitt Romney's problem all along.
This is a devastating editorial by the Concord Monitor stating their reasons that Mitt Romney should not be elected President. They are pretty compelling reasons.
Interesting analysis by one of my least favorite pundits, Robert Novak. I'm not sure that I agree with his conclusions. Time will tell.
David Brooks has an interesting piece in the New York Times. It is one that I totally disagree with. Brooks says that Mitt Romney, in not addressing the issue of non-believers in his speech of yesterday, has inadvertently continued the war in America between the religious and the non-religious. Nothing could be further from the truth. Why in the world would a person who faithfully practices his faith and has a strong belief in God want to address someone who does not? I felt that Governor Romney's speech was ill-conceived because it did not address the issues that trouble so many non-Mormons, the mysteries of the Mormon religion as it is practiced. I do not believe that the majority of the American people are bigoted. I do believe that they will not vote for a candidate that they are not comfortable with. That is where Mitt Romney is at.
As I read the analysis of Governor Romney's speech about religion, and the other problems that he faces, i found myself in agreement with the major points of the analysis. There is no one speech that can eliminate his religion problem. The other major problem that he faces is the fact that he has changed positions on some important issues. I always view that as a plus in a candidate, except when it is apparent that their change is a direct attempt to pander to voters. But more importantly, although I listened carefully to Governor Romney's speech this morning and thought it was powerful, I don't think he eased the fears about his religion. Unlike John Kennedy, who when he made his speech, was one or about 50 million Roman Catholics in the United States, Governor Romney's Mormon religion represents a very small number of Americans. The Mormon faith remains shrouded in mystery. I do not think religion should be any part of our consideration of the qualifications of a Presidential candidate, but unfortunately, it is. Governor Romney must explain his religion to those voters who are afraid of it. I don't mean that he has to justify his religion. No American should ever do that. But he should explain some of the unique features of the Mormon religion. I grew up with a cousin who converted to Mormonism as an adult. He and I discussed his religion at length, and soon discovered that his Mormon religion and my Roman Catholic religion had one strong bond in common - both believed in God and Jesus Christ. But the Mormon religion was fascinating to me, and I never tired of hearing my cousin explain it's unique rituals and beliefs. I liked the idea that one day a week was family time. No matter what they had to do, they found time for their family that one night every week. I wish Governor Romney had explained some of the more mystical rituals of the Mormon church. I think most Americans would then be as comfortable with his faith as I am.
I'm not sure that I view Romney's speech as shifting course. I think it was just a necessity that arose because of the media's insistence that his religion is an issue. I listened to his speech and I don't think it will satisfy his critics, but then, I don't think anything will.
I find it sad that 47 years after John F. Kennedy's speech on his faith, another politician feels compelled to speak about his own religion. I had hoped that we as a nation had gotten beyond this issue.
Byron York has a very good article in National Review Online about Mitt Romney and his Mormon faith. I have felt from the beginning that at some point Governor Romney is going to have to give a speech about his religious beliefs. I have known Mormons all of my life. In fact, one of my cousins converted to the Mormon faith. I do not consider the religion to be a mystery, and I certainly don't believe that it should disqualify a person from seeking the office of President. I am not a Romney supporter, but I feel strongly that we should not elect our next President based on his religion.
Mitt Romney says he kind of likes the idea of giving a speech explaining his Mormon faith, but his aides are advising him not to give such a speech, fearing that it will focus too much attention on his religion. I think that is a big mistake. Governor Romney should give such a speech. Living in the deep south, I know the prejudices of many of the people who live here. A speech explaining his faith and the influence it would have on him is critical if he hopes to carry the South.
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