The politico: Mitt unplugged

As of now the video is the 35th most watched video on YouTube's political channel. I expect this to go up fast.


This is what the Politico says:


August 04, 2007
Read More: Romney

Mitt unplugged

Mitt Romney engaged in a heated discussion about his Mormon faith with a prominent Des Moines talk show host off the air on Thursday morning. The contentious back-and-forth between Romney and WHO's Jan Mickelson began on the air (video link courtesy Breitbart.tv) when the former governor appeared on the popular program that has become a regular stop for GOP presidential hopefuls. But the conversation spilled over to a commercial break and went on after the program ended, where a visibly annoyed Romney spoke in much greater detail about his church's doctrines than he is comfortable doing so in public.

The footage was captured by the station's in-studio camera and posted on its website. But Romney, who is careful to portray a sunny and upbeat public image, clearly did not know he was being recorded. The candidate reveals a private side that is at turns cutting, combative and sarcastic, but most of all agitated at being forced to defend what he and his church stand for.


I like how according to Jonathan Martin he is only "cutting, combative and sarcastic". Did you see the video? Did you hear how many times he was interrupted? How was he "cutting". How was he "combative". The idiot was asking idiotic questions! Jonathan Martin is an idiot too.

Perhaps knowing that the video was bound to get out, Romney's campaign sought to frame the story by posting it on its YouTube site and sending it to a friendly blogger, Dean Barnett of TownHall. Under the header "Mitt takes the gloves off," Barnett posted it last night, describing his preferred candidate as "firm, decisive, authoritative." Asked why they would highlight the testy exchange in which the candidate touches on his church's official stance on abortion, extramarital sex, alcohol consumption and even where the second coming of Christ will take place, Romney spokesman Matt Rhoades said they did so "because it was posted and we reviewed and thought the governor handled the situation very well."

During the show, Mickelson, a staunch conservative, pressed Romney on his abortion views and then pointed out that LDS doctrine discourages the practice. Romney, as he always does, was quick to steer the conversation away from what his church stands for. But Mickelson kept at it when the program went to break.

"I think you're making a big mistake when you distance yourself from your faith," Mickelson observed.  "I'm not distancing myself from my faith," Romney forcefully responded. "I'm proud of my faith. There's nothing I distance myself from."

What followed was a discussion where Romney outlined the differences between Mormon dictates and civil law and Mickelson argued that the candidate was hurting himself with conservative voters by trying to "hermetically seal" his private, church-driven beliefs and public views.

The two briefly returned to the air to wrap up the show -- where Romney sidestepped Mickelson's request that the candidate come back to the show to further discuss issues -- before going at it again even more forcefully after Mickelson questioned how much the candidate knows about his own church.  Romney explained in great detail what his church believes on an issue that has been raised in the course of the campaign, whether the second coming will take place in Jerusalem or Missouri, before returning to explain what exactly Mormon doctrine is on abortion.  

Again asking Romney to come back to show, Mickelson offered, "I hope we can do this so we can expend some quality time on here rather than the sound bytes."

"No, I don't like coming on the air and having you go after me and my church," Romney testily responded.

"I'm not going after your church; I agree with your church!" Mickelson replied somewhat incredulously.

"I'm not running as a Mormon," Romney came back, "and I get a little tired of coming on a show like yours and having it all about Mormon."

"See, I don't mind about it being all about that," Mickelson explained.

"I do. I do," Romney struck back.

The bickering went on, even as Romney was walking out the studio door and pointed out that he's "not running to talk about Mormonism."  

The exchange captures one of the fundamental challenges of the role of Romney's faith in the campaign. He does not want to turn off voters who may be wary of Mormonism by talking in detail about what his church stands for, but he also runs the risk of offending social conservatives, like Mickelson, by appearing to downplay his church's strict teachings and playing up the presidency as a "secular office."   For many religious conservatives, it's precisely their faith that impelled them into the public square of politics and government. The notion of separating the two is unthinkable.  


JONATHAN! GET A FREAKING LIFE! It's not Romney trying to balance something difficult, it's Romney wanted to be treated like everyone else. It's Romney dealing with religious bigotry. It's Romney dealing with arrogant reporters, like yourself, who have no ethics, have no concept of what a president should feel obligated to talk about on the campaign for presidency.

Romney's task is to reassure these voters that he shares their values and that, like them, he's informed by his faith, but to do so without delving too deep into the more risky terrain of what exactly his church believes. But, as his debate with Mickelson proves, that's not always easy.  


This is crazy. Their are already 114 comments on the post!

So Romney want to fight and is combative? Heaven forbid! We need a wuss leader (like the ones we have been getting) who wants to be all things to all people and can't make a proper decision about anything! Not!

Posted By: Idol Hanz | August 04, 2007 at 12:13 PM    

Personally, I understand former Govenor Romney's hesitations to discuss his religion in this kind of forum. First, even if Mickelson was merely trying to up play his religious affiliation as a good wholesome reason to vote for Romney, he automatically gives ammunition to people with a prejudice against the Mormon faith. We all know that reporters often use sound bytes and half quotes to make things sounds as they really are not. The type of subjects they were discussing could easily be turned to Romney's downfall through misrepresentation. Quickly he would end up talking more about his religion then his political stances. The election would turn into whether people agree with the Mormon faith more then if they agree with his political stances. I do not feel that the Mormon faith in anyway hampers one's ability to participate in public office. My personal experience has proven that those who truly commit to Mormon principles are often extremely fit for public office. I can also feel Romney's pain. I would like to remind the audience that Sen. Harry Reid is also Mormon. You never hear about his religion, only when a conservative of the same faith runs for office is religion brought to the forefront and often it is done in an inflamatory manner in an attempt to discredit the individual. Why would he not be angry about any reporter who asks about his religion, and then tries to push him on certain subjects he is not endorsed by his church to make publically binding statements concerning; since certainly someone somewhere is going to twist what is said.

Posted By: Charles | August 04, 2007 at 12:15 PM   

Horrible for the station to have a hidden camera and not disclose to Romney he was being recorded. That said, he did great!

Posted By: Kevin | August 04, 2007 at 12:16 PM 

Mickelson does a poor job with this interview. Making the conversation about Mormonism is ridiculous. How about Mickelson scrutinize every candidate, "I want every discussion being about 'Catholicism, Evagelicalism' to those candidates that hold the beliefs of their denominations. Annoyed at his pontification. Gives a black eye to Conservatives.

Posted By: Evangelical | August 04, 2007 at 12:21 PM    

The radio host missed the point here. Choice is an underlying key of the Mormon faith. When Americans use the law to force people to submit to our religious beliefs - we are no different than Islamofascists. Having said that, I am vehemently pro-life and hope to persuade others to my position through encouragement, discourse and love. Not legislation.

Posted By: Catherine | August 04, 2007 at 12:32 PM  

Rommey did a great job! I thought he was forceful, firm, but polite. The interviewer was a know it all. This will only make him(Romney )look better. I wouldn't call it bickering as the article did. You, too, just tried to put a bad spin on it. And I am not a Romney supporter.

Posted By: Tim Starnes | August 04, 2007 at 12:32 PM    

Mitt Romney is the man: HBS/HLS to BCG to Bain to Venture Capital to Olympics to Governor. He is one of the brightest, most emotionally intelligent people in our country. His interviewer and Johnathan Marttin would do well to learn the same style, clarity and grace. Those answers were right on the money. Washington, a deist; John Adams, a Unitarian; Thomas Jefferson, a deist; and all the others were well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of religion. Mitt?s not campaigning for Evangelical in Chief. Entertainers in the Republican media should really take a step back and look at how awful they?ve become. People want to hear the candidates, learn about their records, not get a lecture from some high school graduate about "hermetically sealed" mish-mash from the Land, Evangelicals for Fred camp. Note his record at the end, off the air! Mitt vetoed, solved, vetoed, and solved to get recommendations from the major conservative groups in Massachusetts.

Posted By: mikeVA | August 04, 2007 at 12:34 PM 

WHO CARES???? America gets obsessed with politicians' religions and votes in a nutcase for the last 8 years. The founding fathers were more than unambiguous about leaving religion *out* of politics. I want to know how Romney is going to fix the busted military and what his plan for health care is - I couldn't CARE LESS what his religion is.

Posted By: thenekkidtruth | August 04, 2007 at 12:40 PM   

This radio host needs to think his comments through. Giving a president to have the ability to overturn any court decision is idiotic.

Posted By: Jacob | August 04, 2007 at 12:41 PM    

What scares me here is that Mickelson thinks a president can pick and choose supreme court decisions based on a book by Cleon Skousen. Anyway, Mitt nailed it, he looks really good in that video.

Posted By: danny | August 04, 2007 at 12:41 PM    

It sounds like Mickelson is no different than the radical muslims who support wahabisam. The religous right has the same goals as Osama Bin Laden.

Posted By: Jmcmorrow | August 04, 2007 at 12:47 PM   

Jan M was not only rude to Governor Romney, but he was ignorant of the provision in the Constitution was invoking that prohibits any religious test for public office. Governor Romney was exactly correct in his views...I am a born again protestant Christian and do not agree with much of the Morman Church Doctrine, but Romney was right!! I was furious at Michkelson's rude interruptions of Governor Romney's clear explanations. I am not planning to vote for Governor Romney, but he is certainly qualified to be President.

Posted By: Bob | August 04, 2007 at 12:47 PM   

I'm kind of stunned by Mr. Martin's characterizations of this video. IMHO opinion, this was a spirited discussion - but nothing more. "Heated" and "contentious"? Hardly. Romney "sarcastic," "combative," and "agitated"? I certainly wouldn't use those terms. This was a free and open exchange of views, in what I think was a rather good interview, and I can understand why the Romney folks posted it themselves, as I think it only helps Mitt. And, for the record, I'm a staunch Republican who has not been a Romney supporter.

Posted By: Arlington VA Hostage | August 04, 2007 at 12:47 PM  

Why is it a big deal that a man defends his faith? Whether or not you agree with it, call it christian or cult, I respect a person who is willing to strongly defend his faith. And there are few things that I would defend so fiercely than my wife, my children and my God. I don't agree w/ his tenets of faith, but surely defend his right to practice. And no news agency is worth it's salt when they try to destroy a man's character because he is LDS. Grow up news gatherers, or you'll see more drudge type sites popping up leaning right.

Posted By: zippo | August 04, 2007 at 12:49 PM   

As a non-Mormon, and a non-Republican, I thought Romney was entirely correct. This talk show host was rude and consumed with nothing but religion and abortion. What about all the other issues facing America and the world? To waste an interview on symantics and such just confirms my belief that the religious right and these right wing talk show types will follow a leader off any cliff (like Iraq) so long as he spouts the dogma as approved by the likes of Pat Robertson and CBN. So Giulliani, with wife #3, and Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh, the drugged up divorce, speak for the religious right while a guy like Romney who lives according to his faith with the same wife he's always had and isn't a hypocrite gets raked over the coals. The GOP is friggin nuts!

Posted By: ltyr2001 | August 04, 2007 at 12:51 PM 

As a devote Mormon and someone who served a mission, I would be more than willing to talk to anyone seriously interested about my Church in a setting that is proper for the discussion where both people listen carefully to each other without worrying about time limits or performing for an audience. But if I was running for public office, it would really annoy me if someone ignored questions about what I wanted to do as a public servant and kept wanting to talk about doctrine and not even let me explain well. Like other Christians, Mormons are always willing to share Christ's teachings and the doctrine of our church, but we are absoluting against forcing our beliefs on others for the same reason that we don't want others forcing their beliefs on us. Some times all good people need to take a stand, but I can think of no instance where the Mormons would be the only people taking a stand on such an issue. A person running for public office should be runnnig to serve everybody, so the questions should be about how they plan to serve.

Posted By: JR | August 04, 2007 at 12:51 PM

I sensed that Mitt was frustrated by not being allowed to answer stupid questions. Who wouldn't? I didn't see anything that could be called sarcastic but then reporters tend to have thin skins when made to look foolish.

Posted By: Menlo Bob | August 04, 2007 at 12:51 PM   

Dear God- Save us from your followers. I 'pray' only that by 2008, Americans will elect a leader who wants to lead us forward into the 21st century. For 7 years we have been heading back to the 16th. Got a Faith? Fine. But elect your president based on ethics and morals and please...INTELLIGENCE! We dont need the 'Rapture'. We need the Future!

Posted By: Stan BB | August 04, 2007 at 12:52 PM 

Mr. Mickelson comes across as argumentative and not all that bright, frankly. He want to hold Romney to a faith-government meld that is not, and has never been part of this naion. His discussion of "bifurcation" was patently absurd. Romney impressed me with his logic and position. Sounds like Mickelson wants a theocracy. I'm not a Mormon, and my Doctorate is in theology.

Posted By: Dr. LD Cary | August 04, 2007 at 12:53 PM

I was for Romney before and now after watching this video, I am even more for Romney. This talk show host obviously has an agenda which prompted him to be rude. Rush, Sean, Laura Ingraham and Mark Levin, hosts I admire, would never conduct themselves in such a manner unless the interviewee was himself acting rude. Thank you Mitt for explaining your views regarding your faith and how it effects or doesn't effect your political decisions. I understood you perfectly even though your interviewer did not. It is part of your job to suffer fools well on the campaign trail and you have done so on several occasions. This was simply the latest example.

Posted By: James A Webster | August 04, 2007 at 12:57 PM

I think Romney made a very good point. He is not running for the head of his church. Why then should his religion come into account for his qualifications to office of the President? The President has no power to impose his religion on the rest of us, so what does it matter? My question is. What kind of President will he be? So far I think he would be a good one. (and I'm an athiest)

Posted By: Retired Sheriff | August 04, 2007 at 01:03 PM 

I agree its a great interview and hope millions of people see it. Mitt makes the point again and again "you have my record". Reagan ran not only on rhetoric but on his record as Governor. And he was able to focus his rhetoric more pointedly once he was in the Oval Office. Spirit of Alex seems to forget that Ronald Reagan had 8 years to overturn Roe v Wade and was unable. GWB has had the same time plus a more conservative Court. Shouldn't Mitt learn from that? If you want to be truly effective in any level of government you must recognize when change can only come incrementally. For example getting partial birth abortions banned. Gtting the rights of States recognized. That will be progress. Of course Mormons are against abortion. But it sounds like S of Alex and the talk show host want people to think that Mormons stone anyone who makes a mistake. Mitt wasn't there to talk about religion, so he didn't get into it, but as a former bishop and stake president in the Church it is certain that he met face to face with members who had participated in an abortion. The host and S of Alex apparently think Mitt would have had to figuratively stone those people to be in line with policy. The reality is that the purpose of the Church is to bring souls to Christ. Church Discipline is to lead the person to Christ, not give self righteous blowhards something to make them feel superior as they settle into a pew every Sunday. Would that more people who have been involved in abortion could find their way into any church's welcoming chapel every Sunday.

Posted By: Reaganly Reasonable | August 04, 2007 at 01:03 PM    

Geez, Jan is quite the bully, isn't he. I was nervous about Mitt Romney before, but after listening to the interview, he has some serious "anti-wuss" points with me. I wish we could have seen how his "anti wussness" applied to his beliefs on the middle east.

Posted By: Dianne | August 04, 2007 at 01:04 PM 

Lost all respect for Mickelson. Obviously a hatchet job. He was more interested in attempting to create some press for himself than in being a legitimate interviewer. Romney clearly waxed his ass.

Posted By: sesails | August 04, 2007 at 01:05 PM   

Shirlee writes "I can see no reason why Mitt Romney would even hesitate to discuss his faith...it is a chance to answer the questions of mis-understandings that some voter's may have about the Mormon faith. Would it not be much better to tackle the questions head on now before a general election. Very puzzling to me." Shirlee: I'm sure as a private person he would love to take about his beliefs, after all, he did serve a two-year mission in France doing just that, but as a candidate he should talk about the Presidency so we can decide if we think he will do a good job. I'f he only talks about his religion, we might decide whether or not we want to join his church, but we would have no way to compare him to Hillary or any other candidate.

Posted By: JR | August 04, 2007 at 01:06 PM

Mickelsen kept cutting Romney off once he realized he was on a losing game. He is incompetent as an interviewer. Romney's position was reasonable. The pope and Catholic Church doctrine is against abortion too. Would he grill a catholic in the same way? What a disgrace. I thought Mitt stood his ground with just the right amount of firmness - he was still a gentleman. I want someone like him dealing with Islamic fascists.

Posted By: TQ | August 04, 2007 at 01:06 PM

As a lawyer, I can attest that Mitt was absolutely right about the constitution. There is very little precedent for another branch of the government disregarding a supreme court decision that would obviously run afoul of the separation of powers. The best way to resolve a Supreme Court decision is have it overturned by Congress. To ignore court rulings, even unfavorable ones, is a very dangerous precedence and threatens to undermine the constitution more than any individual Supreme Court decision.

Posted By: David | August 04, 2007 at 01:08 PM

I think Romney sounds terrific here. He's won me over. The DJ's attempt to get him to embrace a very narrow extreme right take on politics is absurd. Hooray for Mitt.

Posted By: Vincent | August 04, 2007 at 01:08 PM 

Romney rocks! This "hidden camera" interview was an ambush from the start and incredibly deceitful, and the interviewer had an agenda that he pushed the whole time. He should be blacklisted. Regardless, Romney explained himself and conducted himself extremely well and was consistent in detailing the differences of his views on holding social views based on spiritually-based core values, and allowing others to do the same based on their own values. For me, Mitt is IT in '08!

Posted By: Dennis | August 04, 2007 at 01:10 PM

Romney handled himself like a true leader. The only one that sounded like a fool was Mickelson. It was obvious that his sole intent was to attack Romney and his religion. I don't care about a persons religious views I care about their actions. I was unsure of my position with Romney but after seeing that clip he has jumped up in my books.

Posted By: Biebs | August 04, 2007 at 01:12 PM

'Cutting, combative and sarcastic' !? Your spin on this story is making me dizzy, Mr. Martin. Those traits certainly aren't ones we want in the next POTUS, but they also certainly aren't the ones I observed from Romney in the video. Off air, and without knowing he was on video, Romney comes across as intelligent, firm and authoritative. His answers were forthright and convincing, despite the irrelevance of the questions. He also refused to be steamrolled. More than any other footage of Romney I have seen, this demonstrates to me that this man would be an effective CIC.

Posted By: Totipocincy | August 04, 2007 at 01:15 PM  

It is important for people to be able to separate this video into an on-air interview and and an off-air discussion! The was nothing "testy" or un-hinged about two guys having a coversation off the air and I think Mitt acquited himself well. To me this is an non-story! Don't like the idea that a radio station can secretly tape a conversation then post it on their website -- pretty cheesie!

Posted By: Al Hanford, CA | August 04, 2007 at 01:20 PM

Mitt Romney's father, George Romney, was elected Governor of Michigan for 3 terms (12 years total) beginning in the 1960s. He also was a Mormon. It meant nothing with regard to the job he did as Governor. I was a Michigan resident at the time. Romney was good and he didn't turn everyone into Mormons, or impose his religion on anyone. Unless ALL of the candidates are going to be grilled on their religion (or lack thereof), then lay off Governor Romney. He's not running to head the Church. I thought he did very well in this tape. He definitely knows more about his religion than the person doing the interview. Isn't the inverviewer interested in the candidate's view on education, health, homeland security and all of the other things that REALLY matter?

Posted By: Coop | August 04, 2007 at 01:21 PM

I just decided that I will vote for Romney after watching that interview. He defended his faith (I am not a Morman) and didn't skirt the issues. He came off tough and I like that.

Posted By: cathy armstrong , Mesa AZ | August 04, 2007 at 01:27 PM    

I thought Mickelson was way off base. As an ex-Mormon I think the religion has many strange beliefs, but so does any religion. The questions regarding his change in position on the issue of abortion are important, but the supposed location of the second coming of Christ has nothing to do with being President. I don't want a President to impose morals and personal beliefs on me. Mickelson's belief that Presidential fiat can and should overrule Supreme Court decisions is ridiculously offensive. I don't want the United States to be run like a banana republic. Kudos to Mitt for pointing out the obvious pitfall of this belief--it could be easily abused by ANY President. No thanks.

Posted By: Ex Mormon | August 04, 2007 at 01:28 PM   

Does this interviewer want to hear Romney answer his questions, or does he want to just hear himself talk? It wasn't the discussion of religion that annoyed me. It was this ass's constant interruptions when Romney was trying to answer his questions.

Posted By: Stop Interrupting | August 04, 2007 at 01:32 PM   

I've never cared for Romney before, but after watching this, I was very impressed with him. The article was misleading. He crushed Mickelson with logic and common sense. He was stong assertive and made sense. Mickelson was a fool and couldn't argue his way out of a paper bag. He tried to tell Romney he had to impose Mormon law on the US because Romney is mormon and that somhow Romney would look better to conservatives if he said he would do so. What a fool. Romney looked like a heavyweight for the first time to me. He said the right thing and he looked like he meant it. Mickelson is a true fool to the core. He has truly drunk the cool aid. By the way, In the Spirit of Alexander Hamilton must have had ear plugs in. Did you even watch the conversation? Mickleson was trying to get Romney to agree that the Supreme Court doesn't have the power to interpret law in a way that contradicts what the exectutive branch believes the law should be. What foolishness. The matter has been settled. The courts "making new law" by interpreting laws is a settled matter. It happens every day and sometimes conservatives are happy and sometimes liberals are happy with the decisions. Utter foolishness. Get over your stupidity. God help us from people like you.

Posted By: Freddie Johns | August 04, 2007 at 01:34 PM

Romney couldn't have handled himself any better. The talkshow host was talking all over him, rather than have a dialog. I am cautious about voting for a Mormon, (just being honest here- that's even though I have known many Mormons, and they are some of the kindest, best folks I've ever met). This video raises my opinion of Mitt considerably.

Posted By: QC | August 04, 2007 at 01:35 PM  

I think Romney did great. Mickelson should be shamed of himself.

Posted By: Jamie | August 04, 2007 at 01:41 PM  

I am very impressed. I was not in favor of Romney before - but I am now. FINALLY, someone who has some fundamental 'sense of self' and beliefs in his personal values. I have not made up my mind who I will vote for - but after this, in my opinion he becomes a 'front-runner'. This guys rocks. Irshmun

Posted By: | August 04, 2007 at 01:41 PM    

First I've really seen of this candidate. I tend to the Democratic party, but I was very impressed with Mitt Romney's handling of this situation. I also think he spoke very well on the issue of the separation of church and state.

Posted By: jeejee | August 04, 2007 at 01:46 PM

I must say I am glad for these video clips. What I saw and heard for 18 minutes gave me a completely different impression than Jonathan Martin did. I think Romney handled himself like a true gentleman-especially considering he was off air and didn't know he was being taped. Now I'm wishing there was more tape on Romney talking about the real issues. If he can do as well on the issues as he did fending off this hatchet job, I'm all for him!

Posted By: Jerald | August 04, 2007 at 01:47 PM   

I think that it was good to hear that Gov. Romney is running to serve all people and not, as it appears some believe, to be a 'Mormon' president. The fact that he is Mormon is not the issue, except in the mind of people who think that the presidency is to espouse their faith. I think Gov. Romney and Mr. Mickelson suffered from a communication problem. However, many people have attacked Gov. Romney's faith and he shows that he is tired of it. His point is that he is an American running for President who happens to be Mormon, not a Mormon running for President who will inflict his church's moral code on everyone. I will vote for him on his ethics, which seem to be lacking in Washington on both sides of the fence.

Posted By: robbokopp | August 04, 2007 at 01:50 PM

The candidates have to get used to being blind-sided like this. The Mittster's campaign staff was right to get thier own spin out before the candidate could be thoroughly "Tubed" on the Internet.

Posted By: steve | August 04, 2007 at 01:50 PM

Why are we questioning his religion. He is qualified to be the next President. I am glad he is a man of Faith, even if it is not my faith. Do we question any other religion like this NO! These people will try to get at anything. This is disgusting. Romney did a great job.

Posted By: Ruth D. | August 04, 2007 at 01:51 PM   

I am a Mormon and NOT a Mitt Romney supporter, I volunteer instead for Ron Paul. That being said, the radio host does NOT know what he is talk about as Mitt was correct. No, a member of the LDS faith can not perform or undergo abortions without undergoing church discipline, but forcing our view on others is wholly against the right of choice, or free agency as we call it, that we believe in. I was glad to see him not sit back and take that sitting down. He is an intelligent man who I think represents what being a good member of the church and living it's principles means.

Posted By: Ethan | August 04, 2007 at 01:54 PM

Mitt Romney is a member of a ridiculous organization that is more cult than 'religion (not that religions are not ridiculous).' And, as such, he is a fraud. Like a snake oil salesman, whatever 'sells' becomes part and parcel of his spiel. And, regardless of the moral pablum spouted by wacko evangelicals, the core of his Party,they sure as hell won't vote for Romney. Neither will I.

Posted By: Marty Scanlan | August 04, 2007 at 01:58 PM

I'll be honest: this interview makes me want to vote for Romney now. I agree with everything he said regarding the role of faith and politics. He handled this well.

Posted By: Oklahoma | August 04, 2007 at 01:58 PM

Mormonism is a FRAUD exmormon.org.You really have to wonder the intelligence of someone that is in that CULT! STEPFORDWIFE people.

Posted By: tiki | August 04, 2007 at 02:01 PM    

Romney handled himself well! The host was wrong, the station was wrong for not acknowledging the taping up front, and Jonathan Martin is wrong in his interpretation of this. I am neither Mormon nor LDS, but I believe that Romney is faithful to his beliefs. His church believes he is or he would not have been an official in the church. Romney IS NOT Bill Clinton in the sense that he compartmentalizes his religion. I cannot believe that Mickelson can't see that Romney's faith CAUSED him to change his views. "Heated, contentious, annoyed, cutting, combative, sarcastic, etc.", no Johnathan Martin, Romney thought he handled himself very well and thought that he had absolutely nothing to hide--that's why he had it posted on YouTube. Living in Indiana, I don't think I will even get the opportunity to vote for Romney because I don't believe he will be the Republican nominee (I don't think anyone currently running will be), but I certainly see nothing in the video or this article that would dissuade me from voting for Romney.

Posted By: ATC | August 04, 2007 at 02:02 PM

QUESTION: Would it be acceptable to question Romney's religious positions and loyalties if he was a Jew? If not, then I see some major hypocracy.

Posted By: Toby | August 04, 2007 at 02:03 PM

Mitt is the man! I was already supporting Mitt because his resume is very impressive, his record as Governor is top notch, he is intelligent, articulate, has a great family (doesn't just talk the talk when it comes to family values) etc... But after watching that video I am so excited about him as a candidate! He will go to battle for our nation and do great things as our President. Go Mitt!

Posted By: lharris | August 04, 2007 at 02:03 PM  

I now like Mitt.

Posted By: Joe | August 04, 2007 at 02:11 PM    

Jan Mickelson and others keep trying to tell Mitt Romney what the stand of his religion is on abortion. So for those who care, here is the official statement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) right off of the Church?s official web site. I think it shows Mitt is telling the truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the sanctity of human life. Therefore, the Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions. The Church allows for possible exceptions for its members when: -Pregnancy results from rape or incest, or -A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or -A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. The Church teaches its members that even these rare exceptions do not justify abortion automatically. Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons involved have consulted with their local church leaders and feel through personal prayer that their decision is correct. The Church has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion.

Posted By: J. Rogers | August 04, 2007 at 02:13 PM

Good job, Mitt. I have a mormon friend and everywhere she goes all she hears are questions about Mormonism and her beliefs. I agree with Romney because he is not running as a Mormon, yet as a Republican.

Posted By: Christian | August 04, 2007 at 02:18 PM   

at 9:18 on this clip the interviewer states that he is about to give an opinion "off the air". Clearly he is suggesting that any response would then be off the record.

Posted By: BrianM | August 04, 2007 at 02:21 PM 

I say shame on Mickelson for posting a private discussion on ones personal religious beliefs. That is dishonest to the intent of a good faith interview on the air. To the "in the spirit of Alexander Hamilton"... you are dead wrong. The President of the US is a secular position. It should not be a platform to profess ones personal religious beliefs. To have judeo-christian values is different from having judeo-christian faith. An atheist can have judeo-christian values without having to have faith. That is what the fore-fathers have blessed us with... a value system that is humane that does not force our PERSONAL RELIGIOUS beliefs on others and that is universal. That is the only way you can have freedom of religion. I am LDS as well and I applaud Mitt for the way he handled this guy. Mitt does not represent the church at all and he should not allow others to corner him in being the poster boy that represents the Mormon Faith. Mitt is right about Mormon doctrine... there is nothing that says pro-choice will get you ex-communicated. Otherwise, Harry Reid would be ex-communicated.

Posted By: what? | August 04, 2007 at 02:22 PM

When was the last time Hillary was asked a tough question? This shows the true bias of the left wing. They feel the people of the middle east are not worth saving, any religion, other than their own, is not worth protecting.

Posted By: 2lazy2p | August 04, 2007 at 02:31 PM

Frankly, I'm getting tired of know-it-all talking heads bombarding Romney about his faith. I could care less that he's a Mormon (and no, I'm not). With his resume and pedigree, he seems more than suited for the presidency. I'm waiting for these clown interviewers to pester other candidates about their faith as well. What about Obama? Educated in his early years at Muslim madrassas. That's more of a concern to me. After all, it wasn't a bunch of Mormons that flew planes into buildings.

Posted By: mike | August 04, 2007 at 02:39 PM

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