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Wednesday, February 14, 2007
A Mormon in the South
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Repetition of the words “innovation and transformation” didn’t do much for me, but that appeared to be the theme as Republican Mitt Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, launched his 2008 White House bid Tuesday.
His announcement came at the Henry Ford museum in suburban Detroit, a decision that was criticized earlier by a group of Jewish Democrats who said Ford was a well-known anti-Semite. Romney tooled on, arguing that he offered to Washington the kind of “innovation and transformation” that Ford brought to American industry.
One question that lingers is whether Romney can appeal to evangelicals and others who share the Mormons’ family and ethical values but have significant differences over doctrine. The concern strikes me as overblown. Southerners are comfortable with religious diversity and would welcome a President whose religious beliefs are non-threateningly different, especially a mainstream conservative. “I believe family is the foundation of America — and that it needs to be protected and strengthened,” Romney said in his annoucement, and “I believe in the sanctity of human life.” Both assertions should further enhance his appeal in this region.
The question to be resolved, though, is whether being a Mormon hurts his chances in the South. I say no.
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