Two pieces today combat this week’s Washington Times piece about the threat of Mitt Romney giving evangelicals more agita should John McCain draft him as a running mate. The first, a Politico story headlined “Romney could lift McCain in West” points out that Romney’s evangelical problem matters a lot less out West:
He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, considered a cult by some evangelical Christians and Southern Baptists. Despite his central-casting good looks, he often comes across as aloof. And he and McCain taunted each other in the primaries, which could be exploited by Democrats.
But in the West, those problems are molehills, not mountains. Romney raised millions of dollars in the region — not known as a fundraising hot spot — and Arizona, Colorado and Nevada have large Mormon populations. In GOP strongholds such as Utah and Idaho, many LDS members are expected to help in get-out-the-vote efforts in surrounding states….
Even Focus on the Family leader James Dobson — who has softened his stance on McCain, a candidate he had said he would never vote for — doesn’t think Romney would be a bad VP choice.
“Dr. Dobson liked his speech about faith very much,” said spokesman Gary Schneeberger, referring to Romney’s December address, where he spoke about the importance of religion in American society but that it should be separate from public responsibilities. “He wants a pro-life running mate, and Romney qualifies for that.”
The second plug for Romney comes from HorseRaceBlogger Jay Cost, who tackles the “Romney will alienate evangelicals” charge:
Maybe, but my feeling is that evangelical voters are going to vote. Again, turnout will be high if the election is close. So if they vote, who will they vote for? Barack Obama? Bob Barr? Ralph Nader? No, no, and no. Evangelicals are usually Republicans, which means we should expect them to vote Republican. Plus, Obama would never touch the “Mormon issue,” not even with a ten-foot poll. That will minimize its salience.
Both lines of argument have merit. But they ignore a crucial fact of the modern Republican grassroots machine: it’s made up largely of evangelical voters. It’s no secret that those activists are underwhelmed by John McCain. But would they work to promote his candidacy if Mike Huckabee were his running mate? Probably. If Tim Pawlenty were his running mate? Probably. Bobby Jindal? Probably–and conservative Catholic activists would get on board, too.
But Mitt Romney? Sure, most evangelicals would vote for him. But a lot fewer would get out to knock on doors and talk him up at the Sunday church picnic. In a year when Democrats are much more enthusiastic about Barack Obama than Republicans are about McCain, that’s a pretty big disadvantage from which to operate, and one that McCain could avoid with a handful of other picks.
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posted July 31, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Slick Mitt? that scares me. Talk about elitism, this guy reeks of it.
posted July 31, 2008 at 11:03 pm
This minority of intolerant Evangelicals are making a bad name for the majority of Evangelicals who support Mitt Romney. These Evangelicals are taking the low road and making fools of themselves. It will take decades for them to reach any political relevancy. Keep up the good work guys. You are going nowhere fast!!
posted August 1, 2008 at 5:34 pm
it’ll be interesting to see who mccain picks. and although romney would certainly help solidify mccain’s standing with the western region (considering there are so many mormons there), i seriously doubt the mormon vote is in jeopardy. i’ve known many mormons throughout my life, and they tend to be conservative people. the mormons would vote mccain over obama any day, with or without romney.
the larger question, though, is should faith matter when electing politicians? there’s a solid debate of that here.
this post seems to operate on the assumption that faith indeed should matter. why can’t we just judge the candidates based on who will do better, not based on whether he prays by kneeling or meditating or chanting?
posted August 6, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I’m afraid shortsighted Evangelicals are hurting America by their stubborn anti-Mormon attitude. Mitt Romney is a exceptionally fine man with fantastic credentials who loves his country–just the type of leader America needs at this critical time. Mormons have an outstanding record of loyal service to their country–government service, community service, the military, the Olympics, professional sports, private corporations, education, the Space Program, etc. Please name me one group that has a better record!
I think it’s dispicable for Evangelicals to discredit Mormons like Mitt Romney because of their brand of Christianity. Evangelicals are becoming a real danger to religious freedom, harmony, and brotherhood in America. The Founding Fathers would be extremely critical of their religious intolerance.
posted August 6, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I’m afraid shortsighted Evangelicals are hurting America by their stubborn anti-Mormon attitude. Mitt Romney is a exceptionally fine man with fantastic credentials who loves his country–just the type of leader America needs at this critical time. Mormons have an outstanding record of loyal service to their country–government service, community service, the military, the Olympics, professional sports, private corporations, education, the Space Program, etc. Please name me one group that has a better record!
I think it’s dispicable for Evangelicals to discredit Mormons like Mitt Romney because of their brand of Christianity. Evangelicals are becoming a real danger to religious freedom, harmony, and brotherhood in America. The Founding Fathers would be extremely critical of their religious intolerance.
posted August 7, 2008 at 12:02 pm
“These Evangelicals are taking the low road and making fools of themselves.”
Anything with the name James Dobson attached to it helps lead them down that low road – and they don’t even seem to get that. As if Let’s (selectively) Focus on SOME People’s Families (not a peep about McCain’s adultery, divorce and re-marriage) and let the world see just how low America has sunk.