Romney Defends Mormon Faith in GOP Debate
As if this should even be a headline in media coverage of an American presidential race. I’m beginning to think it’s the media which is more bigoted toward Mormons. Can you imagine a headline highlighting McCain’s, Giuliani’s or Thompson’s religion? Give me a break!
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has defended his Mormon faith in a debate with other GOP presidential candidates in New Hampshire.
Romney insisted that his beliefs are similar to those taught by other religions.
He said, “I believe in God, believe in the Bible, believe Jesus Christ is my savior.”
Comparing himself to John F. Kennedy, the only Roman Catholic to be elected president, Romney said he’s a “proud member” of the Mormon church who won’t disown it for political advantage.
June 6, 2007 at 4:58 pm
While some reporters might indulge themselves with a cheap shot here or there, I’m not sure most reporters qualify for a “bigoted” label just because they write on the religion angle about Romney. At this point in the election cycle, it is, for many voters and newspaper readers, the most interesting and relevant entry on Romney’s candidate resume. It’s what they’re curious about.
Every reporter knows Kennedy faced a similar issue, and every reporter knows Kennedy made a speech designed to respond specifically to that issue. So it’s not unexpected that there is considerable speculation in these stories about whether Romney will or will not make a similar speech. And whether such a speech would put the issue to rest or not.
It’s worth noting that Hugh Hewitt thinks Romney should not make such a speech. Romney advisors have stated that Romney himself has no present intention of making such a speech. I agree that’s the best course for Romney: such a speech would not resolve the issue like it did for Kennedy, it would instead highlight it and legitimate any and all future media discussion (however unprincipled) of Romney’s religious beliefs (and only Romney’s beliefs, not the beliefs of other candidates).
June 6, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Romney gets close scrutiny from the liberal media because he professes to be a man of religious principles. Bizarre, this situation. Perhaps his personal beliefs would be held under less suspicion if he were merely “gay”, or something more socially fashionable.
This anti-religious bigotry is not unique to Romney’s case. Religious devotion seems to earn many political figures undue paranoia from the press. As if anyone sincerely devoted to religious faith tends to be some kind of lunatic. I remember some similar flak about former Attorney General Ashcroft. He endured many criticisms for his religious belief and practice, though it was really nothing very remarkable.
June 6, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Really, Guy? You are only just now beginning to think it’s the media who is more bigoted?
June 7, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Dave,
I agree that some reporters do indulge with the cheap shot. But, it’s the emphasis on Romney’s religion, actually obsession with it by the media. If the topic is inappropriate or irrelevant as to the other candidates, then to focus on Romney to the exclusion of others in my view is bigoted.
I agree with you that Romney’s religion may be interesting–but that doesn’t make it appropriate or relevant for the exclusive focus the media seem to give it.
I also agree with you and Hewitt that Romney probably doesn’t benefit from the “Kennedy” speech. It’s been over 40 years since we’ve had a similar situation. We’ve gone backwards not forwards.
Jim,
I also think McCain, Thompson, Giuliani, Clinton, Obama, Edwards and the whole lot of them all profess to be candidates of “religious principle.” The problem as I see it is the media’s obsession with Romney and the “Mormon” issue, almost to the exclusion of the others. Are there other headlines or articles focusing exclusively on the other candidates’ religious preferences? I don’t see them if they’re out there.
Ashcroft deserved some of his criticism not because of his religious beliefs but because of his fanatical actions. Covering up Lady Justice’s breasts is a bit much don’t you think?
E,
Not just beginning.
June 8, 2007 at 12:50 am
[...] Latter Day Saints Messenger and Advocate: Defending Religion in America? [...]
June 8, 2007 at 8:09 am
Personally, I’m waiting for another candidate to slam Romney with a classic “You’re no Kennedy” line, as they did to another candidate years ago.
June 8, 2007 at 8:09 am
Wow…could I have written that last comment any worse?
June 8, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Lloyd Bentsen died in 2006. I’m sure Kennedy and he are still laughing.
Mitt, a Kennedy, nope and thank goodness!!