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Home -> Columnists -> The Parental is Political

The Parental is Political

Can conservatives trust Mitt Romney?

By Julie Marsh

November 6, 2007


In a rare opportunity to watch Sunday morning news programs in their entirety -- I've got kids; even if Tim Russert's on, I'm usually interrupted a dozen times during his intro alone -- this past weekend, I listened to The Chris Matthews Show uninterrupted and was particularly interested by Mitt Romney's attempts to bridge the gap between his Mormon faith and that of evangelical Christian leaders.

Romney's Mormonism has been a topic of debate for months -- that's nothing new. His prior inconsistent statements regarding gay marriage and abortion -- implying positions on both issues that he's since reversed -- are of more significance to me as a voter (both the fact that we now disagree and that he reversed himself). But I can't help but be alarmed by the continuing debate surrounding the denominational details of Romney's religious beliefs. Why should they matter?

Personally, I don't think they SHOULD matter, but I understand why they DO matter; evangelical leaders and those who follow them are very exacting in their standards as to who qualifies as a Christian and who does not. Many evangelical Christians view Mormonism as an antithesis to Christianity, rejecting Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority standpoint - urging inclusion of all who share traditional Judeo-Christian values. In this upcoming presidential election, evangelical leaders have been hard-pressed to identify a strong Republican candidate who meets their criteria for Christianity.



And while I disagree with the quibbling over such specifics that remain -- like it or not -- a matter of opinion, not fact, I understand that it boils down to a trust issue. If a candidate holds the same religious beliefs as voters -- beliefs that both the candidate and the voters hold sacred -- a bond of trust is established. The voters trust that the candidate will act in accordance with the same values that govern their own actions.

Apart from the incessant news stories about evangelical Christians -- leaders and followers alike -- who don't act in accordance with those much-touted values, the basis for trusting Romney himself is shaky, and it has nothing to do with his Mormon faith.

His reversal on two key social issues ought to be enough evidence for evangelical Christians and the rest of the two major parties to be wary of him. Not only was his initial position in direct opposition to that of evangelical Christians, he has now -- in an attempt to gain the approval of those voters -- adopted the opposite stance, alienating those who supported his initial position. Given such a change on two high-visibility points, no voter, regardless of their party or religion, can be sure of which position he'll take.

It's a question of trust. Romney may or may not be a Christian, based on different criteria from different sources, but either way it's evident that he's not trustworthy.



Stay even more informed about politics and parenting issues by visiting our Parental is Political resources.

Julie is a former Air Force officer and professional project manager turned web writer. She spent four years at the Pentagon and five years in New York City, and her suburban life in Colorado seems pastoral by comparison. She's no political pundit, but she is an objective thinker in a sea of partisan propagandists. She writes for The Mom Slant, Cool Mom Picks, and is co-founder of The Parent Bloggers Network.

1 Response to "Can conservatives trust Mitt Romney?"

1. Lisse

Nov 07, 2007 12:15

This has been common practice for Mass GOP governors who have higher aspirations; act like a moderate to get elected and then do nearly the reverse of what the majority of the state actually wants. Romney took it a step further, running around the country mocking his very consituents, all in the name of pandering to the religious.

We learned something about Romney during his tenure here. He may be a good businessperson when he's in charge, but he stinks at working with people who disagree with him. I'm not sure this country can handle much more of the fingerpointing that has characterized the current climate.

Also, when we had problems with the Big Dig, he blamed the unions, and government agencies, but said nothing about the private companies involved, a couple of whom were later criminally charged.

Romney looks great on paper, but he accomplished very little here and would not be good for the country.

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