December 06, 2007
Romney To Skirt Specifics Of Mormonism In Favor Of 'Common Cause' Appeal
Excerpts of the "Faith in America" speech Mitt Romney is delivering this morning indicate that the Republican presidential candidate does not plan to address or explain the contrasts between his Mormon beliefs and those of evangelical Christians. Rather, he will argue that he shares the "moral principles" and goals of those belonging to other "churches in America," and that as president, he will lead their fight against "the religion of secularism."
"There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the constitution," Romney will say, according to his campaign. "No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes president he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths.
"We should acknowledge the Creator as did the founders -- in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places," Romney will also say. "Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'"
This is a departure from the famous speech to Protestants delivered by John F. Kennedy in 1960, which was mostly based on a secularist appeal. It's a risky strategy, because some evangelicals who are already skeptical of Romney because of his faith want to hear him acknowledge and address the differences in their doctrines. At the same time, the "common cause" argument helped reconcile evangelicals with Catholics, a group that was met with similar skepticism back when Kennedy was elected the first Catholic president.
Romney is set to deliver his speech at 10:30 a.m. EST at the George Bush Presidential Library. Check back for our coverage.
Posted at 6:19 AM
Posted to:
Campaigns, Mitt Romney, Republicans, WH 2008
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