by Jill Zuckman
Manchester, N.H. – Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said today that he will not try to duplicate John F. Kennedy's famous speech dispelling concerns about his Catholicism and will not attempt to explain his own Mormon religion in a speech Thursday about the role of faith in America.
"I'm not running for pastor-in-chief, I'm running for commander-in-chief," Romney said, noting that voters could learn more about Mormonism by reading books or visiting Internet web sites.
As he competes for the Republican nomination for president, Romney's religion has been a question mark for voters who are unfamiliar with it, and a black mark for many evangelical Christians who view it as a cult. His campaign advisers have long said that his faith would be the single greatest challenge he faces, even greater than his flip-flops on the issues.
After Romney delivered a Power Point presentation on the economic challenges facing the nation at the Manchester Rotary Club, a voter asked the candidate what purpose would be served holding an event to explain his religion.
"I really think JFK did give the definitive speech," Romney told the man. "I think he said what needed to be said. I don’t think anything needs to be added."
Romney said he planned to discuss the role of faith in America and what role his own faith would play in informing his presidency.
"I'm certainly not a spokesman for my faith and don’t anticipate ever doing that," he said. "I think a person who's running for president or who's going to be president is someone who wants to, particularly in times of great need, to call on the prayers of all the people of America and not define him or herself as based upon a particular branch of faith."
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Comments
I think Romney is by far the most qualified to lead this nation.
His resume is outstanding and its been along time since we've had a president who is a role model.
Posted by: Larry | December 3, 2007 4:58 PM
What a fruitless task for Romney. Those who hold his particular faith against him are never going to be convinced to change their mind by a speech. Many Evangelicals believe that theirs is the one "Truth", and that the United States is a nation dedicated to and based on that one "Truth". It is their identifacation of State and Christianity that makes it impossible for many of them to alter their opposition to having one they view as a "non-believer" in the Presidency.
Posted by: Jefferson | December 3, 2007 5:06 PM
"What a fruitless task for Romney. Those who hold his particular faith against him are never going to be convinced to change their mind by a speech."
Posted by: Jefferson | December 3, 2007 5:06 PM
I think you kind of state why he might as well give it a shot Jefferson.
"It is their identifacation of State and Christianity that makes it impossible FOR MANY OF THEM to alter their opposition to having one they view as a "non-believer" in the Presidency."
By your own admission there are some evangelical voters who may still swing to Romney.
Huckabee is not without his flaws. Religion is not the only litmus test in politics. I sure hope not anyway!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 3, 2007 5:31 PM
Romney stated just last week he wouldn't have a member of a particular religion as a cabinet member. Why shouldn't evangelicals hold his religion against him?
Seems only fair.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 3, 2007 6:27 PM
Willard is a walking, talking Big Religion candidate. Who does he think he is fooling?
Here's why; He thinks his flip flop positions will put him in the good graces of the Protestant and Catholic conservatives.
Posted by: C.Morris | December 3, 2007 8:02 PM
Romney stated just last week he wouldn't have a member of a particular religion as a cabinet member. Why shouldn't evangelicals hold his religion against him?
Seems only fair.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 3, 2007 6:27 PM
Interesting. Care to provide MORE INFO! LIKE A LINK! DO ALL CAPS BOTHER YOU LIKE THEY DO ME! DO YOU FEEL ME ROGER MORRIS!
Posted by: Andy Dick | December 3, 2007 8:48 PM
Again, there's no comparison between Kennedy's situation and Romney's.
Romney is playing an insincere game of religious persecution.
Prejudice over religion is obviously unfair.
But it is a legitimate consideration for a voter to consider a man's having been a missionary for an outfit like the Mormons. Life experience is totally relevant.
That fact in his background tells us a lot about character, priorities, and attitudes, and a lot of it is not good.
Haven't Americans seen enough in the last seven years of the effects of dragging religion into politics?
It's an unmitigated disaster.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | December 4, 2007 8:23 AM
Well of course he won't try to duplicate JFK's speech; as Lloyd Bentson might say, he may be from Massachusetts, but he's no John Kennedy. P.S.: Republicans suck. Have a great day.
Posted by: billybob | December 4, 2007 2:30 PM