I understand political strategy. I get why debates with potential candidates regarding a possible presidency often are painted with broad strokes, rather than fine lines. Glossing over questions, generalizing to hit target demographics, flat out changing the subject. To a viewer it’s a frustrating move, but it’s clear to see how it’s beneficial for promising politicians to include everyone and everything using empty rhetoric, rather than dividing and angering by getting into the nitty-gritty.
That being said: I, as a voter in the Republican primaries, just need some clarification.
“Mr. Romney, just how exactly will the Church of Latter-Day-Saints influence your time in the Oval Office?”
Just like Petey, sitting across the lunch table after practice with Sunshine, blurted out: “You know it don’t [sic] matter. I just gotta know.”
Mr. Mitt Romney, I think you’re an intelligent human being who has some great leadership qualities. You run the stage like a stud, give off an educated, successful businessman-like vibe and seem like an all around nice guy. But I’m iffy. Iffy because you won’t talk about the elephant in the room.
You’re a Mormon.
Now, I well aware that giving definitive answers on such a touchy subject here in America could mean a potential death sentence for his campaign. One wrong word would kill donations faster than Texas corporal punishment, and send most of his followers running for the hills. But I argue that Romney is doing a disservice to the folks who are the “Republican Independents,” or those who are on the fence on whom to support in the upcoming primaries, due to the fact that they are skeptical in regards to how much power LDS could wield in the Oval Office.
A president’s religion has been a hot topic since the country was founded, and that’s a good thing. It makes sense. The whole “Separation between Church and State”. I’m glad we have it. But that little, abused statements doesn’t change the fact that we’ve had Roman Catholics in the Oval Office (see JFK), Quakers (Nixon and Hoover), Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Unitarians and the like. Most of the people that have sworn themselves to become the Commander and Chief of the United States of America have held some sort of spiritual philosophy and it can be assumed that it played a role, albeit perhaps a small one, at times in presiding over the country. Hell, we’ve even had a Dutch Reformed take the reigns (See Teddy Roosevelt.)
The point is Mr. Romney, is that you fail to quell the fears of potential voters like me should you continue to remain apprehensive about speaking about your church. I won’t jump the gun and say that the minute you open your mouth I’ll run for the hills. I promise. Your end of the bargain though is this: Present a quick, concise statement regarding how Mormonism makes an impact on your life and how it would affect the presidency, and then put the doubts to rest. Maybe through in a cool story about your time in France as a missionary, or BYU football or how The Church of Latter Day Saints didn’t allow Black members until the late 70’s. Well, on second though, don’t’ mention that. You’re good at leaving out minor, but important details. You’re a politician.
